Standing out in a competitive accounting job market can be difficult

The accounting job market in Ireland is highly competitive, with a large pool of talented professionals vying for a number of positions. Standing out in a competitive job market can be a challenge, especially in a field like accounting where there are often many qualified candidates vying for the same positions.

However, with the right strategies and a little bit of effort, it is possible to set yourself apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing your dream accounting job. In this blog post, we will explore some tips for standing out in a competitive accounting job market.

From earning a reputable degree or certification to gaining relevant experience and building relationships to enhancing your skills and creating a strong resume and cover letter, we will cover a range of strategies that can help you stand out and succeed in your career. So if you’re looking to make a splash in the accounting field, keep reading to learn more about how you can set yourself apart from the competition.

Our Tips For Landing Your Dream Accounting Job

Get a professional qualification: A professional qualification such as the Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification is highly respected in the accounting industry and can give you a significant advantage when applying for jobs. The ACA qualification is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) and requires a combination of study and practical experience.

Build up your experience: Experience is highly valued in the accounting industry, and the more experience you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. Consider taking on internships or part-time work in accounting firms while you are studying to gain practical experience. You can also consider volunteering your time to work on accounting projects for non-profit organizations.

Network and build relationships: Building relationships with other professionals in the accounting industry can be a great way to learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door. Consider joining professional organizations such as the ICAI or attending industry events and conferences to meet and connect with others in the field.

Focus on your skills: In addition to your qualifications and experience, it’s important to focus on developing a range of skills that will make you stand out in the job market. These may include technical skills such as proficiency with accounting software, as well as soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Show your passion: Employers are looking for candidates who are passionate about the accounting profession and who will be motivated to excel in their roles. Show your passion by staying up-to-date with industry developments and actively seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.

Tailor your CV and cover letter: When applying for accounting jobs, it’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific position and company you are applying to. Use specific examples to demonstrate your relevant skills and experience, and highlight your achievements and successes. we have more in depth tips on creating compelling CV’s that stand out

Consider specialization: The accounting industry is vast and there are many different areas in which you can specialize. Consider focusing on a particular area such as tax accounting, forensic accounting, or sustainability accounting to differentiate yourself from other candidates. This can also make you more attractive to potential employers who are looking for candidates with specialized expertise.

Get certified: In addition to a professional qualification, you may also want to consider getting certified in a specific area of accounting. For example, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification is highly respected in the field and can give you an edge when applying for jobs.

Build your online presence: In today’s digital age, it’s important to have an online presence as a professional. Consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and creating a professional website or blog to showcase your skills and experience. You can also use these platforms to connect with others in the industry and stay up-to-date with developments in the field.

Be proactive: Don’t just wait for job opportunities to come to you – be proactive in your job search. This might mean reaching out to accounting firms or companies that you are interested in working for and expressing your interest in a position. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on job boards and industry publications for new job openings. According to Riana Topan from Talent Egg it is key to build your network when actively looking for a new role.

Volunteer your time: Volunteering your time and skills can be a great way to gain valuable experience and make a positive impact in your community. Consider volunteering with local non-profits or organizations to help with their accounting and financial needs. This can not only help you build your skills and experience, but also show potential employers your dedication and commitment to the profession.

Ace the interview: The interview is your chance to really shine and show potential employers why you are the best candidate for the job. Be prepared to answer a range of questions about your qualifications, experience, and skills, and come prepared with specific examples of how you have demonstrated these in the past.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of standing out in the competitive Irish accounting job market and landing your dream job. In conclusion, standing out in the competitive Irish accounting job market requires a combination of qualifications, skills, experience, and a proactive approach to your career.

Extra Tips

By getting a professional qualification, building up your experience, networking and building relationships, focusing on your skills, showing your passion for the profession, and tailoring your resume and cover letter, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job.

You may also want to consider specializing in a particular area of accounting, getting certified, learning a foreign language, building your online presence, and volunteering your time to gain valuable experience and make a positive impact in your community.

Remember, it’s important to stay focused and be proactive in your job search. Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you – seek them out and be prepared to go above and beyond to differentiate yourself from other candidates. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can stand out in the competitive Irish accounting job market and achieve your career goals. Good luck!

Our Solutions.

Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment specialises in the placement of qualified accountants up to executive level nationwide, Our teams have extensive experience (67 years combined) recruiting in the Irish Market. Reach out to the team here in Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment for the best advice and support in building your finance teams contact us today.

How to make a great impression

Congratulations! you have landed an interview. Your CV jumped out and caught the attention of the hiring company, you’re one step closer to landing that dream job. Now its time to prepare for that interview and make a lasting impression.

We have got you covered, below we have tips on how to make that lasting impression. We have broken it down into three steps

Before the interview
During the interview
After the interview

Part of our jobseeker service offering at Martina Quinn Finance Recruitment and STEM Recruitment Partners is interview preparation.

Before The Interview

Research The Company

Its obvious but its something that should never be
overlooked. Know everything on their website from their about us page, latest
news. product and services they provide and everything in between, know their website inside and out.

Don’t forget to check out their social media and take note
of key milestones, events, updates, or announcements. This will give you a
greater understanding of what the goals of the company are and will cover you for the inevitable ‘’What do you know about us’’ question.

Research The Interviewers

Often you might have information on who will be interviewing
you. Make use of LinkedIn and find out where they studied, where they were employed
previously and what groups they are members of.

This will help you build a rapport with your interviewer or
interviewers. Building a rapport early makes you stand out helps make a lasting impression.

Prepare Questions and Answers

‘’Fail to prepare. Prepare to fail’’ A famous quote from Roy
Keane, spoken in a different context but it also applies for interview
questions. Common interview questions such as

Tell me about yourself?
Why do you want to leave your current role?
What interests you about our company?

Will allow you to demonstrate who you are your experience, knowledge and value that you can bring the hiring company. Here is 21 common interview questions from Pass my interview.com

Know the job description

Read the job description multiple times and highlight what skills it emphasises. Match skills you have with the job description and have examples of how you used those experiences in past and current roles.

Use the STAR model to explain technical situations

STAR is an acronym for

Situation
Task
Action
Result

In the world of Accounting, Finance and Taxation its very easy to get bogged down by the technical details when answering a question. By using the STAR model, you can explain how your technical capabilities helped the company overcome a problem or situation.

Prepare examples of your work

It is common to be asked about specific work you have carried out in previous roles such as projects completed. Think of work you have done in the past that is relevant to the job description.

Gather a list of intelligent questions to ask the interviewer.

It’s not all one-way traffic when it comes to interviews, they provide a platform for you to understand the company better and understand the people in the company better. Interviews allow the employers to know if the candidate is serious about the position.

The interviewer will be expecting you to ask them questions, here is a list questions compiled by the Business Insider to ask the interviewer it may help you on the day.

During The Interview

Get Your Outfit Ready

Make sure you have your formal outfit ready the night before the interview. Don’t be scrambling around the house looking for your belt just before your about to leave. Have everything ready, you have enough to be thinking about.

Bring Copies of your CV and a Notebook

Take five copies of your CV to the interview with you just in case there are multiple interviewers. This shows your organised and considerate. Having a notebook allows you to take notes of key information that the interviewer is telling you. This shows you are interested and serious about the role, however, don’t use a tablet or phone to take notes as this may be seen as ignorant or rude.

Arrive Early

Be at the interview 10 – 15 minutes before the interview. Do a recon of the commute a few days before the interview so you know where the building is, how busy is the traffic, where you can park and how long of a walk you have to get there.

Make a great first impression

First impressions last, people say it for a reason. Make sure you look professional check your clothes for stains and your shoes are shined etc. Try and display confident positive body language, give a firm but not too tight handshake and remember to smile throughout the interview.

Treat Everyone As If They are The Hiring Manager

This goes without saying but nerves can interfere. Just remember to treat everyone with respect including front desk staff, security personnel cleaning personnel, security etc. Your potential employer may ask for feedback from other employees and as we said earlier first impressions last.

Respond Honestly to Questions

It may be tempting to decorate your skills and achievements in our experience interviewers find honesty respectable and refreshing. Focus on key strengths and again use the STAR model to deflect questions you may think show weaknesses.

Bring Them Back to your Skills and Achievements

When asked a question use it to your advantage by bringing to examples of how your skills and experience helped your past companies. Keep your answers focused and concise as your time is limited in an interview.

Do Not:

Speak negatively about past roles or employers as this makes you come across as adverse in an interview. If you feel your not getting what you want out of your current role, try focus on the skills and experience you have gained and what you want in the short and long term.

After The Interview

Ask About the Next Stage

Ask the interviewer about what the next stage in the process are. This shows enthusiasm for the role and will allow you to prepare for the next stage in the process.

Send a thank you email.

Send a thank you email to the interviewer, showing your appreciation for taking time out of their busy schedules. This shows that you are considerate.

We provide free jobseeker consultation to ensure you are placed in a role that fits your needs and values.

Tag: Interviews

Standing out in a competitive Irish accounting job market