Provisional Accounting Blog

Many job seekers mistakenly assume it’s acceptable to submit the same cover letter for every position — or that doing so is an entirely optional step. If this is your strategy, you probably haven’t had many interview requests because it is absolutely not okay to put anything less than 100% effort into each and every cover letter.

You only get one chance to make a first impression and your cover letter is it. Consequently, each one must be unique and written for the opportunity at-hand. This route definitely takes more time, but receiving an offer for a job you really want will make it well worth the extra work.

5 Tips to Make Your Cover Letter Outstanding

Supplement Your Resume

Use your cover letter to tell your story, because your professional history is already listed on your resume. This is your chance to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and create a compelling case for why you should be selected for an interview, so make every sentence count.

Focus on Your Strengths

When applying for a job you’re not quite qualified for, don’t use the cover letter to highlight your shortcomings and try to justify them. Instead, keep the tone positive by selling your strengths to convince the hiring manager to give you a chance, despite not meeting all the requirements.

Explain Why You’re a Great Fit

Hiring managers want to find a candidate who has both the skills to succeed at the job and the personality needed to fit in with the rest of the team. Prove you’re that person by carefully reviewing the organization’s website and social media pages to learn more about its company culture. Emulate the tone used online in your cover letter and highlight something about the culture that makes you really excited about the possibility of working for company.

Use Keywords

Companies often get more applications for each position than they could possibly ever review, so many use software to scan cover letters and resumes for certain keywords and phrases — and those without a high enough percentage are eliminated. These can be found in the job description, so review it carefully and try to incorporate anything used multiple times into your copy in a natural, flowing manner.

Get to the Point

Busy hiring managers don’t have time to read a long cover letter, so make yours short and succinct. Try to state your case in approximately three paragraphs, which should equal about half a page. Never go longer than one page, as no one will read it and rambling on will just make you look like an amateur.

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It’s a huge feeling of relief to accept a new job you’re really excited about. Now that you’ve signed your offer letter, bid your former colleagues farewell, and celebrated with family and friends, it’s time to start focusing on this exciting new venture.

Depending on how you felt about your prior manager, getting a fresh start with a new boss may be a welcome change or a tad bittersweet. Either way, adapting to life with your new boss must be a top priority, because the last thing you want is for them regret their hiring decision. Expect the process to be one of trial and error, but with a little time and patience you’ll get right back into your comfort zone.

3 Tips to Make a Great Impression on Your New Boss

Learning to work with a new boss is a major transition for both of you. Follow these three tips to show respect to your new supervisor and make it clear you’re eager to please.

Maintain a Positive Attitude.

The first impression you make on your new boss is entirely up to you, so choose to make it a great one. Not knowing what to expect from your manager is definitely intimidating, but displaying a negative outlook won’t get you anywhere. Put a smile on your face and remain optimistic that the two of you will really hit it off.

Align Your Expectations.

Get on the same page as your boss from day one by requesting a meeting to discuss their expectations. Find out their preferred communication style, the type of matters they want to be consulted on — and those they don’t — how your success in the position will be measured and what you should plan to accomplish during your first few months on the job.

Be Flexible.

No two managers are exactly the same, so you can expect things to be a little different now that you have a new supervisor. Display a willingness to adapt and accept changes as they come, even if they push you out of your comfort zone — and they will. You might feel out of your element for a while, but before long this will become your new normal.

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Choosing the right person for the job is one of the most difficult parts of being a manager. To an extent, hiring decisions are always a bit of a gamble, but slowing down and giving careful consideration to each candidate can make all the difference. No matter how much of a rush you’re in to fill the position, you must make time to ensure it’s a choice you feel confident in.

Consider These 4 Factors Before Extending a Job Offer

Cultural Fit

It’s only natural to be drawn to the candidate with the most impressive resume, but that alone doesn’t make them the right choice for your team. According to an analysis by software company RoundPegg, new hires who are considered a good cultural fit are 27.2% less likely to quit during their first 18 months of employment. Ensuring the candidate’s personality, beliefs, and values match that of your organization can make all the difference.

Feedback Received

As a responsible employer, you certainly included other members of your team in at least the final stages of the interview process and called your top contenders’ references, so really listen to what everyone has to say. When it comes to certain candidates, you may unknowingly have blinders on that cause you to miss red flags, so it’s important to take everyone’s thoughts and opinions into consideration — even if you aren’t initially in agreement — to make the best possible decision.

Future Plans

The hiring process is incredibly stressful, time-consuming, and expensive so you want to choose a candidate with a desire to build a future at your company. Of course, there’s never a guarantee the person will work out, but keep their future career goals in mind when making the decision, to ensure these aims can be achieved at your company.

Enthusiasm

The best employees are those who are truly passionate about their work and consider the job more than just a way to earn a paycheck. For your company to thrive, you need a team of people eager to learn and grow, who are always willing to push the envelope. If a candidate displayed even the slightest hint of laziness or a bad attitude in the job interview — when presumably on their best behavior — imagine what they’ll be like when their true colors shine.

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Holding a management position is a huge responsibility. The decisions you make impact your entire team and the company as a whole. It’s only natural to feel a bit apprehensive when making decisions of a huge magnitude, but if you constantly second-guess every single move you make, it’s time to put a little more trust in yourself.

Your team looks to you for guidance, but it’s hard to set a strong example for them when you’re always unsure of your own choices. Constant wavering doesn’t make you seem more responsible, it just gives the impression that you don’t know what you’re doing. Learn how to make a decision and stick to it.

5 Ways to Stop Overthinking Every Little Decision

Use these five approaches to stop second-guessing yourself and start leading your team to success.

Set a Time Limit.

Force yourself to stop overanalyzing by setting a time limit for each decision and when the designated time is up, force yourself to make a final judgment. This way, you avoid making rash decisions, but you don’t allow yourself to spend too much time mulling over each situation.

Make It Okay to Be Wrong.

No one makes the right judgement call every time. Accept the fact that sometimes your decision is going to produce great results and other times it will prove to be the wrong move. You’re only human and you’re going to make mistakes no matter how long you spend pondering each move.

Remember That Most Decisions Can Be Reversed.

Jobs in the financial industry do not involve making life or death decisions. Some choices certainly carry much more weight than others, but it’s important to remember that most can be overturned, if necessary. Focus on taking each decision seriously, without seeing the consequences in a purely black or white manner.

Dig Deep to Understand Why You Overthink.

Think long and hard about what it is that causes you to be so overly cautious about each decision you make. It could be self-doubt, a need for perfection, anxiety, or any number of deeply rooted reasons. When you identify the cause, you can understand what’s driving this behavior, which will allow you to better control it.

Employ Distraction Techniques.

Come up with a few distraction techniques you can put into action when you realize you’re overthinking something. This can be anything from heading outside for a walk to occupying yourself with busy work, as long as it refocuses your energy on something positive.

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In some professions, a graduate degree does little for earning power or job prospects, but accounting and finance isn’t one of them. Whether you’re planning to become a CPA or have your sights set on other mid-to-high-level positions in the field, earning an advanced degree is a move you certainly won’t regret.

It probably isn’t realistic for you to drop everything and head back to school full-time. Even a part-time program at a local institution may be out of the question if you have a really demanding job or personal obligations. Thankfully, many highly respectable colleges and universities offer an array of fully online graduate programs, allowing you to earn the same degree as everyone else in a non-traditional setting.

4 Reasons to Consider Taking Online Courses

You’ll Become More Marketable

Most accounting and finance positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but if you’re hoping to move into a role with more responsibility, an advanced degree is often recommended, if not required. If you earn a master’s degree, you’ll have an automatic edge on other candidates without one, which can help you get the job.

Flexible Schedules Allow You to Achieve a Work-Life Balance

Unlike a traditional learning environment, online programs allow you to fit your course schedule into your life. Most schools allow you to take as few or as many credits as you want at a time, so you can earn your degree at your own pace. When you’re enrolled in an entirely remote program, you can complete your coursework from anywhere, at any time of day, providing the ultimate flexibility.

Many Companies Offer Tuition Assistance

There’s a very good chance your employer offers full or at least partial tuition assistance, providing the opportunity to earn your degree on the company’s dime. Sometimes certain caveats apply — staying employed by the company for a certain amount of time after your tuition bill has been paid or earning a minimum grade in the course — so check with your HR department for specifics.

Your Earning Power Will Increase

Earning an advanced degree may result in a serious pay increase at your next job. According to a 2015 survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAT), the average starting salary for MBA graduates is $100,000. This is an overwhelming $45,000 more than the $55,000 average starting salary of graduates with just a bachelor’s degree.

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In the past, employees dressed in business professional attire for work each day, used formal titles to address their boss, and followed a strict 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. These days, business has become inherently more casual — and in most cases, this is a good thing. However, there’s a fine line between laid back and just plain unprofessional, so it’s important to make sure your company doesn’t cross into the territory of the latter.

4 Signs Your Laid Back Office is Bit Too Relaxed

If any of these situations sound familiar, your super casual office may have spun a bit out of control and your team might be too laid back at work.

Employees Are Habitually Tardy.

It’s okay to occasionally look the other way when an employee sleeps through his alarm, but it’s not alright if people habitually come into work whenever they please. The work day starts at a certain time for a reason and when employees are constantly late, your bottom line suffers.

People Are Taking Advantage of Sick Days.

If your company is one of the many that offers unlimited sick days, it’s important to make sure your generosity isn’t being taken advantage of. Consider reinstating a set number of sick days if you notice people seem to be using them in excess.

You Don’t Have a Dress Code.

Not having a dress code is a recipe for disaster — even if your work environment is a casual one. All it takes is one employee to come into the office wearing something grotesquely inappropriate that is offensive to others. Play it safe and institute a formal policy of what is and isn’t acceptable to wear to work.

Management Isn’t Getting the Respect They Deserve.

Your management team is friendly and approachable, but this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a certain level of respect from their subordinates. If employees constantly overstep boundaries and behave in a generally arrogant manner within your laid back work environment, it’s time to demand some serious attitude adjustments.

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Some people have no trouble walking into their boss’s office and asking for a raise, but it isn’t that easy for everyone. If you know you deserve a higher salary, but have been hoping your boss would broach the subject first, it’s time to stop waiting around and finally get the ball rolling.

When you’re naturally shy about finances, the thought of asking your boss for more money can be almost panic-inducing. Build your confidence by focusing on how fortunate the company is to have you on the team. As a talented accounting professional, you add a lot of value to the organization and you should be properly compensated for your efforts.

3 Ways to Get the Raise You Deserve

It would be nice if your boss just gave you a raise because you asked, but it rarely goes like that. Remain cool and confident during this nerve-wracking discussion by taking the time to build a solid case that clearly supports your request.

Determine Your Market Value.

Conduct research to see what other accounting professionals with your level of education and years of experience are earning in your geographic area. The S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great place to find this information. Present the findings to your boss as supporting evidence that your request for a larger salary is reasonable.

Highlight Top Accomplishments.

Present a strong case that really sells your request for a larger salary. Include specific dollar values you’ve saved the company, successful projects you’ve worked on, the amount of new business you’ve brought in, and any other specific and measurable achievements that are sure to impress.

Discuss the Future.

Make it clear that you consider the company part of your long-term career plan and aren’t simply asking for more money to tide you over until you can find something better. Share initiatives you would like to implement in the future and demonstrate enthusiasm for projects you’re currently working on to show how much you value your job and enjoy being part of the team.

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It’s beyond exciting to know that another talented, energetic person who blends right into your company culture will soon be joining your team. You want them to feel appreciated from day one, so it’s important to adequately prepare for their arrival, to make their introduction to the company is a positive one.

Everyone is a bundle of nerves when starting a brand new job, so as the boss, it’s up to you to make the transition as easy as possible. Learn what you can do to help ensure their first day is a very positive experience.

3 Ways to Make Your New Hire’s First Day Easier

Prepare Their Workspace and Systems Access

Starting a new job is overwhelming enough without having to figure out how to get the tools you need to actually do any work. Make sure the person’s workstation is completely set up before they arrive — including requesting usernames and passwords for any applications they’ll need. Knowing you took the time to prepare for their arrival will make them feel welcome and reaffirm their decision to accept the job offer.

Introduce Them to the Team

Walking into a room where everyone knows each other and you don’t know anyone is intimidating for even the most outgoing person. Ease your new employee’s nerves by personally introducing them to every member of your team and anyone else they’ll be working with. If possible, organize a group lunch where they can spend a little time with their new colleagues in a more relaxed setting outside the office.

Present Them with an Introductory Plan

When you’re brand new to the job, you spend a lot of time second-guessing yourself. Figuring out exactly what you should be doing and if your performance is up to par can be very stressful. Alleviate this issue by presenting your new employee with a detailed 30-60-90 day plan on their first day, outlining how you would like them to spend their first three months at the company. This puts you on the same page from the start, so you can both manage your expectations.

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Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing is a locally owned and operated employment firm that really knows the local market. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

When you needed to fill a position on your team yesterday, it’s always tempting to hire the first qualified candidate who walks into your office. While this strategy will probably be effective in the short-term, it won’t bring you long-term success.

It’s important to look at the big picture when making hiring decisions. Someone who is a match on paper may be a good hire who is capable of getting the job done, but your company deserves someone who is truly great. Don’t stop looking until you’ve found the best possible fit for the company.

5 Characteristics of a Great Hire

Passion

If an employee isn’t passionate about their job, they’re not going to do outstanding work. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to earn a solid paycheck for producing great results, but if money is a candidate’s primary motivator, their heart isn’t in the right place.

Self-Starter

You don’t have time for hand-holding at your company. Choose a candidate who is confident enough in their own abilities to explore new ideas and take initiative. These innovators may not get it right every time, but they won’t stop until they put your company on the map.

Great Cultural Fit

A person may have the most impressive resume that’s ever come across your desk, but if they don’t fit into your company culture, they won’t add value to the organization. Hiring someone whose personality clashes with the rest of your team will likely create a work environment that no one enjoys.

Creative

The business world isn’t always black or white, so you want to choose a team member who welcomes the opportunity to develop inventive solutions. Find a creative thinker you can count on to tackle even the most complex issues and you’ll never have to settle for a mediocre resolution again.

Ambitious

If a person isn’t interested in advancing their own career, they’re not going to care about taking your company to the next level either. Choose a person who is clearly driven to keep learning and expanding their skillset, because your company will benefit from this quest for continued growth.

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If you’re like most people, you work hard each day because you want to be good at your job — not because you’re waiting for someone to compliment your efforts. However, it’s always great to be called out when you’ve exceeded expectations or simply excel in a certain area.

Receiving praise from others is an immediate ego boost. It makes you feel special and provides you with the self-assurance of knowing that other people think you’re talented. While you should definitely feel proud of these kind remarks, it’s also important not to let them go to your head. Don’t let another person’s applauses make you lose sight of who you are and what you want from your career.

How to Gracefully Accept a Compliment

Use these four tips to respond in an elegant manner when someone sings your praises:

Show Gratitude

When someone pays you a compliment, “thank you” is the first thing you should say. This is a simple way to show your sincere appreciation for the kind words. People are never obliged to give you praise, so you should always appreciate it — no matter how accomplished you are.

Take Responsibility

Playing down an achievement and pretending it’s nothing is a common response to praise. If you’re guilty of this, it’s time to stop this reaction immediately! You’re a talented person who should never sell yourself short. Also, rejecting the compliment is insulting to the giver and makes them feel uncomfortable.

Acknowledge Your Team

If your team played a role in the accolades you received, be sure to recognize their efforts. You don’t want to be known as the person who does some of the work and takes all of the credit. Plus, sharing the praise with others makes you appear humble and shows how much you respect your colleagues.

Send the Right Nonverbal Cues

The body language you display when receiving a compliment can send an even stronger message than your words, so be cognizant of that. When thanking someone for their flattering remarks, look them directly in the eyes, uncross your arms and smile. This lets them know that you’re truly grateful for the kind words and really value their opinion.

Searching for a challenging and fulfilling new accounting job?

Contact Accountingpros Recruiting + Staffing. We offer more professional accounting job opportunities than any other Northwest staffing agency!