4 answers
Kevin
Student
Washington, Washington
1
Question
Asked
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What are ways to stand out in job applications?
I specifically ask this question as I do not have any work experience and will have only gotten a dual bachelor's degree in finance & accounting by the point I am done with my collegiate career.
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4 answers
Nandishkumar Shah, MBA
Technology Leader
5
Answers
Prosper, Texas
Updated
Nandishkumar’s Answer
It's awesome that you're already thinking about how to make your job applications stand out, even before graduating! This proactive attitude will definitely help you succeed. Employers love seeing candidates with dual degrees because it shows commitment and a broad skill set. Here's a plan to help you shine:
Get Hands-On Experience:
Internships: Make it a priority to land internships in your remaining semesters. They offer priceless experience and valuable industry connections.
Volunteer Work: Offer your finance and accounting skills to organizations. This shows initiative and a desire to make a difference.
Enhance Your Resume:
Relevant Experience: Even without formal work experience, emphasize internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or projects from your studies that showcase your skills. Use numbers to highlight your achievements when you can.
Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Adjust your resume for each application. Read the job description closely and spotlight the skills and experiences that match their needs.
Skills Section: Build a strong skills section, listing both hard skills (like financial modeling, data analysis) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork) that are important in finance and accounting.
Write an Engaging Cover Letter:
Tell Your Story: Use your cover letter to connect your academic experiences with the job requirements. Share how your coursework and projects have prepared you for the role.
Enthusiasm and Research: Show genuine excitement for the company and the role. Research the company thoroughly and mention something specific that interests you about them.
Network Smartly:
Career Fairs: Attend career fairs and engage with recruiters from companies you like. Even if they aren't hiring now, you can make a strong impression and learn more about the industry.
LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile and start connecting with people in your field, including alumni from your university who are in finance and accounting.
Informational Interviews: Reach out for informational interviews. These informal chats can help you learn about career paths and get advice.
Stay Updated:
Industry News: Keep up with the latest news and trends in finance and accounting. This will help you talk confidently in interviews.
Facing the Current Economic Climate:
Stay Positive: While hiring might slow down during tough economic times, companies still need talented people, especially in finance and accounting.
Explore Broadly: Don't limit yourself to a few companies. Apply to a range of organizations, including smaller ones that might be quicker to hire.
Show Flexibility and Strength: Highlight your ability to learn quickly, adapt to change, and excel in challenging situations in your applications.
Remember, landing your dream job is a journey. By following this plan and staying determined, you'll greatly improve your chances of success.
Get Hands-On Experience:
Internships: Make it a priority to land internships in your remaining semesters. They offer priceless experience and valuable industry connections.
Volunteer Work: Offer your finance and accounting skills to organizations. This shows initiative and a desire to make a difference.
Enhance Your Resume:
Relevant Experience: Even without formal work experience, emphasize internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, or projects from your studies that showcase your skills. Use numbers to highlight your achievements when you can.
Tailor, Tailor, Tailor: Adjust your resume for each application. Read the job description closely and spotlight the skills and experiences that match their needs.
Skills Section: Build a strong skills section, listing both hard skills (like financial modeling, data analysis) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork) that are important in finance and accounting.
Write an Engaging Cover Letter:
Tell Your Story: Use your cover letter to connect your academic experiences with the job requirements. Share how your coursework and projects have prepared you for the role.
Enthusiasm and Research: Show genuine excitement for the company and the role. Research the company thoroughly and mention something specific that interests you about them.
Network Smartly:
Career Fairs: Attend career fairs and engage with recruiters from companies you like. Even if they aren't hiring now, you can make a strong impression and learn more about the industry.
LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile and start connecting with people in your field, including alumni from your university who are in finance and accounting.
Informational Interviews: Reach out for informational interviews. These informal chats can help you learn about career paths and get advice.
Stay Updated:
Industry News: Keep up with the latest news and trends in finance and accounting. This will help you talk confidently in interviews.
Facing the Current Economic Climate:
Stay Positive: While hiring might slow down during tough economic times, companies still need talented people, especially in finance and accounting.
Explore Broadly: Don't limit yourself to a few companies. Apply to a range of organizations, including smaller ones that might be quicker to hire.
Show Flexibility and Strength: Highlight your ability to learn quickly, adapt to change, and excel in challenging situations in your applications.
Remember, landing your dream job is a journey. By following this plan and staying determined, you'll greatly improve your chances of success.
Shahrukh Tauqir
Corporate Strategy
3
Answers
Needham, Massachusetts
Updated
Shahrukh’s Answer
There are two great ways to stand out:
1. Show that you know something others don't.
2. Show that you want the job more than others.
Based on what you've shared, try to get as many internships or extracurricular activities as you can, focusing on your interests while keeping up with your studies. For finance and accounting, consider taking on roles like finance manager or treasurer in a student society. Also, seek internships in this field. The more responsibility you take on, the more impressive your application will be for full-time jobs.
For the second way, try networking with people connected to the hiring teams for your dream jobs. Start with school alumni or family and friends, and gradually work your way through to the hiring team. This will show them how motivated you are.
You've got this!
1. Show that you know something others don't.
2. Show that you want the job more than others.
Based on what you've shared, try to get as many internships or extracurricular activities as you can, focusing on your interests while keeping up with your studies. For finance and accounting, consider taking on roles like finance manager or treasurer in a student society. Also, seek internships in this field. The more responsibility you take on, the more impressive your application will be for full-time jobs.
For the second way, try networking with people connected to the hiring teams for your dream jobs. Start with school alumni or family and friends, and gradually work your way through to the hiring team. This will show them how motivated you are.
You've got this!
Yeneisa de la Paz
PM, Business Planner
2
Answers
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Yeneisa’s Answer
Hello Kevin
When submitting your job application, focus on the skills you've gained through academic projects, volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities. Emphasize how these skills apply to the job you’re targeting and create a portfolio that showcases your work. This could include writing samples, project reports, or creative works that demonstrate your expertise.
Additionally, consider asking professors, mentors, or volunteer coordinators for letters of recommendation or LinkedIn endorsements. Strong recommendations can validate your skills and work ethic. Also, employers value candidates who are eager to learn, so be sure to emphasize your growth mindset and your willingness to take on new challenges and learn from your experiences.
Lastly, prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing common questions and developing strong answers. Use real-life examples that highlight your skills and experiences.
When submitting your job application, focus on the skills you've gained through academic projects, volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities. Emphasize how these skills apply to the job you’re targeting and create a portfolio that showcases your work. This could include writing samples, project reports, or creative works that demonstrate your expertise.
Additionally, consider asking professors, mentors, or volunteer coordinators for letters of recommendation or LinkedIn endorsements. Strong recommendations can validate your skills and work ethic. Also, employers value candidates who are eager to learn, so be sure to emphasize your growth mindset and your willingness to take on new challenges and learn from your experiences.
Lastly, prepare thoroughly for interviews by practicing common questions and developing strong answers. Use real-life examples that highlight your skills and experiences.
Liza Po
Business Planner, Program Manager
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Liza’s Answer
Tailor your resume or job application to the company and specific role. Do your research about the company's values and culture and align your application with these. Make sure you include appropriate credentials and achievements that will resonate based on these. Showcase your skills and experiences that are directly relevant to the role. You need not include all your skills but instead focus on a few compelling for the job. Provide key achievements and concrete examples to highlight the use of your skills. Also add a personal branding touch on reflecting your career.