Just like every enthusiastic job candidate, you have spent hours trying to perfect your resume—finding the right template, identifying the right format, incorporating the necessary skills, highlighting your credentials, and so on. Simply put, you have considered every factor to ensure that your resume stands out. Yet, for some reason, and despite all your efforts, you are still not landing interviews, let alone getting job offers.
“What am I doing wrong?” you ask yourself. Believe us, we get the struggle. As recruiters specializing in accounting and finance, we see this situation often. That is why we are here to help. We will show you the factors you may have been overlooking that go beyond your resume. Yes, you heard it right! While having a well-made resume is vital, it is only the beginning. There are several factors that hiring managers consider, which a lot of job seekers may not be aware of and causing them to miss out on great opportunities. So, in this newsletter, we will tackle the revelations behind why you might not be getting hired and what you can do to fix it.
1. Your Resume is Too Generic
We have all been there: submitting the same resume for all jobs. I mean, is that big of a deal? Well, the thing is, a resume is not a one-size fits-all. Submitting the same resume to multiple jobs is a common mistake that prevents you from aligning your skills and experience with each specific role, hence, decreasing your chance to stand out. Employers would want to see how your skills and experience suit the job. One secret is that they may even look for specific keywords and skills in your resume that match the job description. So, if your resume is not customized for each role, do not be surprised if it does not even make it past the initial screening process.
What to do:
- Before applying, make sure to review the job posting and identify the requirements mentioned in the description. Afterwards, update your resume accordingly with what the employer is looking for.
- Mirror the language of the job description to highlight relevant experience.
- Be prepared for distinct roles! Have multiple versions of your resume that highlight the most relevant aspects of your experience for each job.
2. Your Resume Is Strong, But Your Online Presence Is Weak
Let us say you already tailor your resume to each role, yet you are still not getting hired. What else are you lacking? Well, considering how fast our digital world is advancing, did you know a resume alone is no longer enough? Hiring managers may use the internet to research and learn more about candidates and their digital footprint. Your social media profiles like LinkedIn can influence the hiring manager’s opinion of whether you move forward in the hiring process or not. In addition, this is why they say digital footprint is real, people! If you have never heard of it, a digital footprint is a trail of data a person leaves behind when using the internet, such as public comments and intentional posts. Such actions shape your online presence which can then impact things like job opportunities. With those being said, if your online presence does not align with your resume—or worse if it is non-existent—you may be missing a crucial opportunity to highlight your expertise.
What to do:
- Make sure your LinkedIn is updated with your latest experience, certifications, and skills. The profile of your social media bio or headline should clearly state your expertise (e.g., “CPA | Financial Analyst | Specializing in Risk Management & Compliance”).
- Highlight all your relevant certifications, skills, and professional achievements.
- Engage with content relevant to your field—comment on industry news and share insights to show your expertise.
3. Your Interview Skills Need Work
Let us suppose you already have a tailored resume and a good online presence; however, those will not be enough if you show up to the interview unprepared. A strong resume might get you an interview, but a lack of preparation can quickly erase all your efforts and derail your chances of landing the job. This is another common mistake many candidates make; they expect that their skills and experience alone will carry them through the interview process. Little do they know, hiring managers prefer a candidate that not only has the right qualifications, but also demonstrates effective communication skills, confidence, and a clear understanding of the role and company.
What to do:
- Take the time to research common interview questions and practice your responses.
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers when discussing past experiences.
- Do not forget to research the company. Understand their financial standing, key clients, breaking news, and overall industry trends.
- Believe in yourself. Remember that confidence is key. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and speak clearly and concisely!
4. You are Not Following Up
It may be shocking news to some, but yes, following up matters! Many candidates assume that once the interview process is over, then their job is done. When in fact, employers appreciate candidates who show initiative and enthusiasm beyond the interview. This is because a follow-up not only reinforces your interest but also keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar, giving you an edge from other applicants. Many of the candidates fail to do a follow-up, so doing so might set you apart! Take this opportunity to stand out. However, keep in mind to do so professionally to avoid coming across as pushy and impatient rather than enthusiastic. A well-executed follow-up can be the final push that convinces an employer to choose you over another candidate, so do not overlook this crucial step!
What to do:
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview that expresses your appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirms your enthusiasm for the role.
- Do not be afraid to politely check in if you have not heard back. If the expected response time has passed, simply ask if there are any updates on the hiring process while expressing continued interest in the position.
- Remember to show enthusiasm without sounding desperate or overly persistent, as this can do more harm than good.
5. You’re Not Working with Specialized Recruiters
The accounting and finance industries can be highly competitive, and sometimes, finding your way through the job on your own is not enough. Indeed, job seeking can be overwhelming and challenging. Yet, many professionals seem to believe that they should be doing every step alone; they overlook the benefits of working with a specialized recruiter. Unbeknownst to them, recruiters can give access to exclusive job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. If you have done all the other steps mentioned above yet still find it challenging to land a lengthy career role, this is the time to connect with recruiters as they often have direct relationships with hiring managers. Therefore, they can advocate for you and make your hiring process more effective.
What to do:
- Partner with a recruiting firm that specializes in accounting and finance roles.
- Stay in touch and be responsive. Recruiters often work quickly to fill positions, so if they reach out with an opportunity, responding promptly increases your chances of securing an interview.
- Use their expertise to your advantage by asking for resume feedback, interview tips, and salary negotiation guidance. After all, a good recruiter will not just help you land a job, they will help you find the right job for your long-term career growth.
The Bottom Line
A strong resume is merely a piece of the puzzle. There are more factors, other pieces to consider, when it comes to successfully landing a fantastic job. Your skills, qualifications, and experiences are not the only things that matter in the competitive world of accounting and finance, but also your strategy; how you make use of your knowledge and resources.
Every step—from how you present yourself in an interview to how you follow up afterward—matters in making an impression. The factors you thought were little and insignificant add up to something big when put together. This explains why it is important to never underestimate the importance of each step. Employers are long past focusing solely on technical skills, they prefer candidates who are well-prepared and initiative-taking throughout the hiring process.
If the hiring process feels overwhelming for you, partnering with an experienced accounting and finance recruiting firm like South Florida Recruiters can give you the advantage you need. Let us take the stress off your shoulders—connect with us, and we will make your hiring process hassle-free!