As a recruiter we get asked a lot of questions every day from candidates looking to land their next role, and chances are if you’re reading this you probably have similar questions too.
So we have decided to compile the most common questions!
What are some of the essential skills that employers are looking for right now, and how can I showcase them during the hiring process?
The job market isn’t as black and white as we’d like it to be, it’s not as simple as ‘to land this role you need X, Y and Z’ - however, there are some skills that are definitely more sought after by employers right now than others.
Having the right qualifications is great, but showcasing soft skills during the hiring process can help you differentiate yourself from other applicants.
Collaboration, communication, and adaptability are essential soft skills that employers often look for in accounting and finance professionals. With a growing demand for cross-functional collaboration, finance professionals must work effectively with teams across different departments. These skills become even more important in the context of remote or hybrid teams. With the shift to remote or hybrid work environments, the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different locations is crucial.
So how can you demonstrate these skills?
Incorporating relevant examples in resumes, cover letters and in interview answers can highlight how these skills have contributed to previous job experiences. Don’t just say you have these skills, prove it with an example. For instance, instead of saying you have strong collaboration skills, you could cite an example, such as “I oversaw a financial project and worked with various departments to ensure its success”.
It sounds much more impressive and impactful, doesn’t it?
Can you provide insights into the hiring process, such as what to expect during interviews and assessments?
The hiring process for accounting and finance roles typically involves multiple stages, such as an initial screening, a first-round interview, and possibly a final interview. During the interview process, employers will generally assess your technical and soft skills.
Soft skills are evaluated through behavioral questions that assess your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork abilities.
Hiring managers want to identify your soft skills just as much as your technical skills because it gives them a better understanding of you as a person and how you would fit into the team.
Other questions can often relate to real-world scenarios in order for them to assess how well you respond to different situations and problems.
During final interviews, typically you will meet with senior managers and/or partners. The discussion might cover topics such as the company culture, the role's responsibilities, and the candidate's fit within the organization. This is where you can expect to negotiate salary, benefits, and other terms.
Not sure about how to go about negotiating salaries and benefits, read more here.
How do I gain an edge in the job market and stand out to employers?
Looking for your next role can feel challenging at times, but there are some ways to give yourself a competitive edge.
First things first, focus on developing both technical and soft skills. Strengthening your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, can also set you apart from other candidates. Then when it comes to highlighting these skills, be specific about your achievements, such as reducing costs or improving financial processes, and quantify them whenever possible.
Secondly, stay updated on industry events, trends and regulations - it showcases your dedication to professional growth and expertise. By attending industry events and joining professional organizations, you are giving yourself access to connect with professionals in the field. Having a presence in the industry and decision makers in your corner can be a huge benefit when it comes to landing a role.
How can I adapt my career path to combat challenges in the industry?
The industry faces challenges often, whether it's new regulations, technological changes or changing client expectations.
The best advice we can give to you is to stay up to date with the challenges and be open to change.
While you don't need to be switching up your career trajectory based on every challenge that comes your way, it's important to be open to pivoting your career path if necessary - and remember that is perfectly okay.
Chances are the career path you have in your mind now might change a little bit as you progress in your career, whether that's due to the changing industry landscape, or you discover another route that is better suited to your interests.
The more knowledge you have about yourself and your industry, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions that will help you reach your goals.