Accounting Resume Dos and Don’ts
An
effective resume can be either a bridge or barrier to capitalizing on a
promising career opportunity. Carefully
crafted, a resume can produce positive results for you.
But it can just as easily diminish your chances of success if it is
poorly executed and can ultimately jeopardize your job search efforts.
Remember
that for those reviewing resumes, perception is reality.
The resume is all that a company has to go on in making initial
interviewing decisions, and the document is responsible for creating that
critical first impression. Here are
some tips on how you should—and should not—develop a resume.
Resume Dos
Be accurate and truthful.
There is nothing wrong with presenting yourself in the best light by
highlighting your positive attributes, but resist the temptation to embellish
the truth—even a little. Companies,
especially today, seek accountants who uphold strict standards of integrity.
If a resume misrepresentation is later discovered it could seriously
undermine your career, with both current and potential employers.
Show how you made a difference.
A resume should be more than a list of previous positions held.
It should be a tool for marketing your abilities and demonstrating the
value you can offer an organization. Whenever
possible, offer measurable accomplishments that affected an organization’s
bottom line.
Focus on professionalism.
Even the most experienced candidates can damage their chance by thinking
their qualifications alone will speak for themselves.
Everything about your resume, from the paper you use to the font style to
your word choice, must reflect your professionalism.
Thoroughly proofread your document, then ask a friend to review it again.
Even a single spelling or grammatical error can cause a hiring manager to
question your attention to detail—an especially key attribute for accounting
professionals today when firms are focusing more than ever on accurate financial
reporting.
Include a cover letter.
A cover letter is equally as important during the screening process as a
resume. The cover letter allows you
to highlight those elements of your resume you consider most pertinent.
It gives you an opportunity to briefly explain the reasons you are
applying for the job, your understanding of the
firm’s
areas of specialization and provide a summary of what unique qualities you bring
to the company.
Consider multiple resumes.
You should never limit
yourself to a one-size-fits-all document; you can use the resume as well as the
cover letter to customize your approach. Tailor
descriptions of your skills to better relate to the requirements of each
position for which you apply. Note
that this does not mean stretching the truth, but simply demonstrating how your
abilities can be applied to a new set of goals and responsibilities.
Make regular updates. Whether you are attempting to
land a new position or you’re already employed, you should regularly
revise and update your resume.
Resume Don’ts
Ignore quality writing.
Remember that accountants are increasingly expected to communicate their
recommendations both verbally and in writing to diverse audiences.
Spend time composing and fine-tuning your resume, making as many
revisions as necessary. Avoid
wordiness and redundancy.
Making vague or ambiguous statements.
Be sure your basic information comes across clearly by organizing items
logically, using an uncluttered format and
stating facts in a straightforward manner. Many
hiring managers will discard resumes if they are not able to tell right away
what the candidates do or what they want.
Providing salary information.
Wait until the interview to discuss salary requirements.
If an advertisement requests that you include a salary range, include it
in your cover letter.
Including irrelevant personal facts.
List only personal information that directly pertains to your career.
Volunteer work with nonprofit organizations could be one example,
particularly if it relates to your line of work.
Overusing professional code.
A resume full of acronyms and other industry jargon will impress no one.
Use this language sparingly and only if you are certain your readers will
understand its meaning. Focus your
writing efforts instead on creating clear, succinct messages.