Fall recruiting is the busiest time of the year for accounting firms.
It’s when the plan on selecting the most interns and full-time hires.
I received a huge spike in questions this time of year.
So over the next couple of weeks/months, I’ll be covering these questions and at the end of the article I’ll put “NFRT” to show this has to do with fall recruiting.
The questions will be of all types but will all be related to helping you find a job this time of year.
So let’s get into it!
From the mailbag:
Hi Andrew,
I stumbled across your site via youtube back in June and I have been loving all the content you share with future and current accountants.
My name is Amanda Rodriguez and I am an Accounting student in her last year and as you know its that time for me to think of my future and prepare myself for sending resumes and lining up interviews that could turn into job offers. I have a few questions about this and I was hoping to get your opinion and advice.
I was planning to graduate in Spring of 2016 but now for unforeseen events I may have to push this back to Summer of 2016.
- Are recruiters only looking for candidates that will graduate in Spring 2016?
- Will graduating in summer 2016 hurt my chances against those who are graduating in Spring of 2016?
- Would it be wise to apply for summer internships so that it may turn into a job offer or apply straight for the position?
- Another part of the application process I am confused about is applying for the position itself. Is this done through recruiting events held at school or do I find these positions on their websites?
Again I have been reading your content and I was just confused as to how to actually apply for positions and get those interviews. I was about to just start emailing recruiters my cover letter and resume but I wanted your input first.
Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon
-Rebecca
These are great questions and really lie at why I started The Bean Counter.
The truth is, for people who already have accounting jobs, they forget how little they knew.
I started The Bean Counter because I remember what is was like to be in your shoes. Not knowing the best path and not having anyone to show you the way.
Even the people that are supposed to guide you tell you ridiculous things like: “Only apply on the company webiste” or “Your resume can be longer than 1-page”.
Let’s dig into these on-by-one.
Are recruiters only looking for candidates that will graduate in Spring 2016? Will graduating in summer 2016 hurt my chances against those who are graduating in Spring of 2016?
No.
Most accounting firms have on-boarding processes 3 times per year:
- January – Full-time hires & winter internships
- June – Summer interns (none or very few full-time hires)
- September/October – Full time hires only
I’m talking mainly about large firms, but many small firms fall under those dates as well.
If you graduate in the Spring or Fall, they still won’t want you to start until September/October.
So that’s perfect!
If you finish in Spring, you will have time over the summer to complete your CPA exam.
If you finish in Summer, you’ll be done and start work almost immediately!
Would it be wise to apply for summer internships so that it may turn into a job offer or apply straight for the position?
No.
Most accounting firms like you to do an internship a year or so in advance of your full-time start date.
You are typically considered ready for full-time when you have completely the 150 credit hours for the CPA exam.
You don’t have to actually be a CPA or completed any of the exams.
So in your case, if you complete your 15o credit hours in Summer 2016, you need to be looking for full-time September/October.
The best time for an internship for you would have been January or June 2015.
But don’t worry, most people at the firms never did an internship!
Another part of the application process I am confused about is applying for the position itself. Is this done through recruiting events held at school or do I find these positions on their websites?
Both.
I always tell people to make a list of at least 20 companies you want to work for.
First, see if they are at the career fair.
If not, then you need to reach out to them directly.
I walk through how to do that by finding them on LinkedIn and exactly what to say in the email here.
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress!
Have a question about fall recruiting? Let me know in the comments!
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