Stand out from the crowd: 7 accounting job search tips

In today’s market, standing out from the crowd, and finding the right accounting and finance job opportunity, is harder than ever in competitive markets such as Toronto and Vancouver. Here are 7 accounting job search tips you might not have tried that can boost your results and help you land that dream job oh-so-much faster.

1. Try LinkedIn Resume Builder to Create an Updated Resume Fast

If you’re like most of us, your LinkedIn profile is probably  more up to date than your actual resume. So, if you need to update your resume fast for a last minute job opportunity, don’t waste hours on your computer. Instead, export your LinkedIn profile into a resume using LinkedIn Resume Builder. This handy tool will save you a lot of time!

2. Create a Twitter Job Search List to Track Jobs From Thousands of Sources

Every day, recruitment consultants, job boards, and companies are tweeting jobs they need to interview candidates for—making Twitter a great untapped resource for job seekers. To make sure you’re in the know about these jobs, you can create a Twitter Job Search List that includes recruitment agencies, hiring managers, company hiring handles, and job board websites. Then, review their tweets daily for potential opportunities.

3. Update Your LinkedIn Headline

Show up higher in LinkedIn search results, and get more visitors (a.k.a., hiring managers) to your profile by updating your LinkedIn profile headline. Instead of sticking to the default headline generated by LinkedIn (current job title and employer), jazz it up by adding information that communicates your expertise, your field, and why you’re special. For example, instead of being a “Financial Analyst,” you could be a “Financial Analyst with 10+years in Taxation.”

4. Use Resunate to check How Your Resume Scores on an Applicant tracking system

Most recruiters use an applicant tracking system to wade through the thousands of applications they receive for each job they post. Resunate is a web-based software that shows you how your resume scores on an applicant tracking system. Use it to help you improve your resume for every job you apply for.

5. Customize your LinkedIn URL

Instead of using the automated URL that LinkedIn assigns you with ugly letters and numbers, customize it so it contains relevant information and keywords such as your name, job title, and/or job industry. To do this, click “edit profile” and click “edit” next to your LinkedIn URL. This extra step will help you stand out when recruiters are searching for accounting and finance professionals like you. You can also stick your LinkedIn URL on your resume to make it easy for recruiters to check your LinkedIn profile, and learn more about your skills and professional background.

6. Use LinkedIn Groups to Contact Someone You Don’t Have an Email For

If you want to contact someone from a company you’d like to work for, but can’t find the right contact information anywhere, check out the person’s public LinkedIn profile, and see what groups he or she is part of. Then, if applicable, join the group where you share a mutual interest. By being in the same group, you’ll be able to message them through LinkedIn.

7. Update Your LinkedIn Status Daily to Stay Top of Mind

This tip will make you stay on the radar of everyone in your network, and help them remember you when a job opportunity opens up. When posting on LinkedIn, mix things up by sharing interesting articles, facts, quotes, or projects you’re working on. Other ways of showing up in LinkedIn news feed are by getting recommendations, adding new connections, joining new groups, or by updating your profile picture. To ensure people are notified of your actions in LinkedIn, go to “privacy & settings” and turn on your activity broadcasts.

Have other tricks and hacks that have helped you improve your job search? Share Away! We would love to hear about them.