Provisional Accounting Blog

Anything but a formality, your cover letter can make or break your chances of scoring an interview. You need to put a great deal of time and effort into it, so it stands out from the rest. Short and sweet, it should be no longer than a few paragraphs. This requires a lot of detail to be worked into a relatively compact space, but it’s nothing you can’t handle.

Follow these tips from the accounting recruiters at Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing to make sure your cover letter hits all the key marks.

Five Must-Have Cover Letter Essentials

Personalization

No one wants to read a cover letter that could fit any number of jobs, at any company. Personalizing it to fit the specific opportunity takes extra time and effort, which isn’t lost on the reader. Start by addressing it to the hiring manager — do everything in your power to find their name — and continue by referring to the by job by the exact title listed in the posting.

Keywords

Many job postings receive a high volume of applications, so companies scan cover letters for specific keywords, and those without a certain percentage of these words are often pushed to the side. Ensure yours makes the cut by carefully scanning the job description for words and phrases used multiple times. Work these keywords into your cover letter content in a manner that sounds natural, so you’ll make the cut.

Unique Content

Job seekers often make the mistake of simply restating their resume in the cover letter, but that’s just a waste of space. Use this valuable real estate to present new information to the hiring manager. This is your chance to really sell yourself and explain the value you can bring to the position. It’s also a great way to let your personality shine through and show your fit for the company culture.

Contact Information

It may seem obvious, but many job seekers forget to include contact information in their cover letter. You want it to be as easy as possible for the hiring manager to reach out and extend an interview invitation, so be sure your phone number and email address are clearly stated. If you have an online portfolio, blog, website or use any social networks strictly for professional purposes, this is also the place to share links to these pages.

Actionable Close

End the cover letter by reiterating your interest in the job and your enthusiasm for the next steps. Suggest the two of you meet in person for an interview or say you’ll follow up by email in a few days. This displays confidence, shows you’re not afraid to take initiative, and displays your genuine excitement about the position.

Searching for a new accounting or finance opportunity in the Seattle area? Contact Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing. We’re here to help you find a job that checks all your boxes.

It seems the early bird really does get the worm. If you want to be happier and more productive, it’s time to start going to bed earlier. Several studies have shown the benefits of turning in early, which can seriously change your life for the better.

Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing — one of the leading Seattle Accounting recruiters — wants you to understand the power of a good night’s sleep. Find out what you can gain by sacrificing an hour of TV time for a little extra shut-eye.

Three Ways Sleep is Scientifically Proven to Boost Productivity

Become More Proactive

Waking up earlier in the morning can actually make you more proactive, according to a 2010 study conducted by biologist Christoph Randler. He found early risers anticipate problems and try to minimize them, which can lead to heightened job performance, a more successful career, and a higher paycheck.

Enjoy Increased Happiness and Less Stress

When you go to bed late, there’s a tendency to hit the snooze button several times, which ultimately starts your day on a chaotic note. A 2011 study conducted by Dr. Joerg Huber of Roehampton University found morning people to be healthier, happier, and have lower body mass indices.

If you think about it, this makes sense. When you get up with plenty of time to eat breakfast, complete your morning chores, get ready for work, and get out the door in time, your day starts on a pleasant, stress-free note. On the other hand, if you spring out of bed already late for work, you’re forced to leave the house in a frenzy, which sets the tone for a hectic day.

Combat Negative Thinking

Staying up late is correlated with higher levels of repetitive negative thinking, according to a 2014 study conducted by Jacob A. Nota and Meredith E. Coles. When you’re stressed about your job search or concerned about a big project with an upcoming deadline, going to bed early can actually help you manage these problems, instead of losing sleep over them. After a good night’s rest, you’ll wake up refreshed and clear-minded, allowing you to face the day with a positive outlook.

If you’re ready to start the next chapter in your accounting or finance career, Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing is here to assist. Whether you’re searching for temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, or direct-hire opportunities, we’ll connect you with top Seattle area companies searching for talent just like you. Contact us today to get started!

Most college students spend four years preparing for life in the ‘real word,’ so upon graduation, they expect to find their dream job. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way — at least at first. Many new grads quickly become discouraged, because entry-level jobs aren’t always as glamorous as they seem and other positions require experience they don’t have.

The most important tip you can give these young professionals is not to give up. Everyone has to start somewhere, so help them remember this is only the very beginning of their career. From working with accounting agencies to putting in time at the bottom of the ladder, use this advice to help recent college graduates head down the right path.

Get Another Internship

Some internships are specifically for college students, but many are open to anyone interested in the learning experience. If the recent graduate is having trouble finding a job in their field, taking on another internship could be the best career move they’ll ever make. This will give them the chance to boost their resume, make new contacts, and if they make a great impression, they might even land a full-time gig with the company at the end of their program.

Seek the Assistance of a Recruiter

Many people incorrectly assume recruiters only place experienced candidates, but that’s not true. Companies count on recruiters to fill positions at all levels, so there’s plenty of openings fit for those new to the workforce. Beyond gaining access to opportunities not advertised to the public, recruiters can also help new graduates polish their resume and sharpen their interview skills.

Do the Grunt Work

Everyone has to start somewhere. Entry-level jobs aren’t always as exciting as recent college graduates image. Often, they involve tasks like making copies, answering phones, and doing basic data entry. This realization can be very discouraging, but it’s important that they stick with it. When new graduates prove they can handle basic tasks, their bosses begin to trust them with more responsibility, allowing them to gradually move up the ladder. Being patient will lead to bigger, better things.

Take Advantage of Every Learning Opportunity

New graduates have a lot to learn about business, so seizing every chance to learn is essential. They should ask to sit in on meetings — even if it means taking notes for the boss —pitch in when a colleague needs a helping hand, and volunteer to assist with anything and everything. This will make them invaluable to their team and help flesh out their resume.

If you’re searching for a top Seattle accounting or finance professional to join your team, partner with Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing. We’re here to help you find the right person for the job — and fast.Contact us today to discuss your needs!

You hired a great team of workers but, lately, they’ve been failing to meet your expectations. Previously calm, easygoing staffers now seem constantly stressed and agitated. If you think there’s no correlation between the two, you’re mistaken.

Get to the root of the problem with these insights from Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing — one of the top accounting recruiting agencies in the Seattle area.

They Don’t Have Time to Focus

It’s hard to do great work when you don’t have time to get the job done right. If you’re constantly pulling your employees into meetings and otherwise taking them away from the work in front of them, it’s time to pull back and allow them to work uninterrupted.

Of course, that might not be the entire issue. Piling on projects that don’t really help your team move forward can also add to the stress. Take inventory of the assignments currently in your employees’ queue and put those not tied to company goals on hold — or eliminate them. There’s no need to bog your already stressed employees down with unnecessary busy work.

You’re Understaffed

If after auditing your team’s workload, they’re still weighed down with too much on their plates, you may need to hire more people. Your employees are only human. There’s limits to the amount of work they can accomplish in a day, a week, or a month. If you keep pushing them to the brink, they’ll hit burnout and you’ll likely lose them to other companies that treat them like people instead of robots.

They’re Lacking Necessary Resources

The amount of work your employees can accomplish largely depends on the equipment at their fingertips. If they’re forced to use outdated software, slow Internet, old computers, and other less-than-ideal resources, you can’t expect stellar results. Regularly upgrading dated equipment can easily become a major investment, but it’s one you can’t afford not to make. If you want your team to push boundaries with outstanding results, you have to give them the proper support.

Whether you’re looking for temporary accounting or finance talent to fill an interim gap or a direct-hire professional who perfectly meshes with your team, Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing has you covered. Contact us today to start your search!