When was the last time you took a look at your accounting resume? Before your next application, you might want to go back and update a few things. That way, you stand the best chance of impressing the reader and landing an interview — and, hopefully, the job.
Let’s take a look at five things you need on your accounting resume:
#1: A strong summary.
A great resume starts with a strong summary. This is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager or recruiter who is reading your resume. A strong summary doesn’t have to be lengthy, though — a few sentences summarizing who you are, what you’re looking for, and why you’re a great candidate will do.
#2: Quantified data.
Employers want to know about your impact on a company or a team. But just telling them that you made a difference isn’t good enough. You’ll want to show how your hard work paid off. Put it down in quantifiable facts and figures. Rather than describing how you “saved the company money by eliminating overspending,” say that you cut extra expenses by 25% to save the company more than $100,000 last year.
#3: Certifications and specialties.
In the world of accounting, certifications and licenses are very important. There’s a certification for almost every specialty in this industry. And it goes way beyond the standard Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. For example, Certified Management Accountants (CMAs), Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs), and much more. List all relevant certifications or accreditations on your resume to make a big impact.
#4: Powerful verbs.
Did you lead a team or spearhead it? Did you change the way the team or department did things, or did you upgrade the process? Choosing powerful action verbs like these helps your resume to stand out in the sea of applications. The language also ingrains you in the hiring manager’s mind, making it that much more likely that you’ll get a follow-up.
#5: Soft skills.
Number-crunching skills, education, detailed work experience, and extra certifications aren’t all that’s required to be a good employee. Essential soft skills are important, too. Make sure your work history makes it clear that you possess soft skills like multitasking ability, listening skills, and good communication instincts.
Ready to put your accounting resume to good use? Check out High Profile Staffing’s Job Portal to view available positions in your area.