#2 - What I Wish I Knew Sooner to Land the Right Role Faster

We've all been there, launching what feels like countless job applications into the void and hearing nothing back.

I remember the struggle of finding my first job - all the job postings, applications, cover letters, job fairs... it felt like it was never going to end.

I eventually landed a role that I liked, but it felt like a lot of wasted time to get there. That said, I learned a lot along the way about the job hunting process that I wish I knew sooner that would've helped speed up the process and find me the right role, faster.

So here I am telling you everything I wish I knew when I was searchnig for a new role. You might do some of these already, but maybe not all. If there's anything you think I've missed, let me know.

1. Research the company you're applying for

It sounds obvious, and for the most part potential candidates do a bit of research on the company to understand their mission and vision. But going that extra mile deeper can really make all the difference. Spend some time researching the culture, recent news or industry updates that could be relevant to the position. Try reaching out to people that currently work there. Typically, people are willing to give advice and help guide you to determine if it's the right culture fit.

2. Know your skills

Everyone knows to highlight relevant skills on your resume, but often times we only think of those hard skills that make you a good fit for the role, and we end up forgetting all about the soft skills we have. Being a 'good fit' for a role isn't just about being good at that job, it's about how you fit into the bigger picture, the team, the company culture. Soft skills like team work, communication and adaptability are just as essential to highlight on your resume as your qualifications and experience, and can demonstrate your ability to excel (lol) in the role and bring added value to the company.

3. Grow your network

Having the right skills and qualifications is great, but realistically it's just half the battle. Finding the right role is 50% what you know and 50% who you know - so it is essential to grow your network. That doesn't just mean connecting with a couple of hiring managers on LinkedIn and hoping that they'll think of you when they're looking for an auditor. It means forming real connections. Connect with people in the industry on LinkedIn, with recruiters and follow companies you resonate with, engage in conversations, join networking events. All of these connections will help expand your network, and can even help you explore new paths you never even considered before.

4. Work with a mentor

Similarly to growing your network, you can learn from others who have taken a similar step before you. It's important that you understand the necessary steps in getting from where you are now, all the way up to leadership positions if that's your goal. Mentors are there to make sure you're on the right track and will keep you accountable for your goals. Don't be afraid to lean on them when you need it! But how do you go about finding a mentor? Networking sites like LinkedIn aren’t just buzzing with the latest industry and network news, but are an excellent place to connect with people who are in your ideal long-term position. Connect with them and ask them about the steps they took to get there.

5. Have a plan

Make a plan for your career now, so you'll know what jobs prospects you may want to consider later. It’s good practice to anticipate when your current job will become stale or unfulfilling (or both) and figure out what steps are required to get where you want to go—and how much time and effort those steps will take. This may mean asking yourself questions like: "What type of work would I enjoy?" or "What kind of environment would be most compatible with my personality type?" It could also mean considering what skills are necessary for a different position and assessing whether you need to take additional courses to obtain those skills.

6. Talk to recruiters

Recruiters can be an amazing resource for finding the right accounting job.

If you're still in school, or if you've been in your current position for a while and are looking to make a change, recruiters can help connect you with companies that may be hiring. Some recruiters specialize in entry-level positions, but others specialize in specific fields such as technology or finance.

There’s no shortage of opportunities out there, but it's all about knowing where to find them. While some of these jobs are advertised online through job boards, many more go unposted on those sites because they require specialized knowledge and experience to fill them effectively—and that’s where the power of working with a recruiter comes into play!

Remember, the job search doesn’t stop in Summer, check out the last Not Another Recruiter Newsletter for more info on why you should be applying for roles right now, instead of just waiting for Fall.

Alright that’s a wrap for this week, thanks for reading Not Another Recruiter Newsletter. If you enjoyed this, I encourage you to share it with your network and colleagues. The more people I can help, the better. And if you have any feedback or suggestions for future topics, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

See you next Wednesday!

Jack Kalb

Partner | Minted Search Group