Bringing the Job Search into the 21st Century

Over the past few decades, technology has dramatically changed the way finance professionals do their jobs. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that technology has also changed the way they find those jobs.

Accountemps, which provides temporary staffing for accounting, finance, and bookkeeping positions, recently surveyed 2,400 senior managers across the United States about the characteristics that make a particular professional stand out from a crowded field of candidates for an open finance position. The survey results suggest that appropriately leveraging modern technologies is a must.

Nearly half of survey respondents (49 percent) said they are impressed when candidates use social media to network with employees who already work at their organization. A similar proportion (47 percent) said candidates can stand out by giving hiring managers access to an online portfolio or personal website. And 4 in 10 said that highlighting accomplishments in an infographic can tip the scales in a candidate’s favor.

“A strategic job search requires much more than putting together a polished resume,” says Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps. “In addition to learning about candidates’ skills and experience, employers want to see a strong online presence and passion for their work.”

Despite this emphasis on the modern, finance professionals cannot disregard the basics. A full 58 percent of survey respondents said that a cover letter is very helpful to a candidate’s cause.

Moreover, candidates that leverage technology in their job search must do so wisely. An approach that comes across as inappropriate will hinder their prospects. When asked which actions would most hurt an applicant’s chances, a quarter of survey respondents cited using colorful fonts or backgrounds on job applications, while 35 percent cited using images such as emojis or caricatures.

Even as they demonstrate their online savvy, candidates need to “steer clear of anything that could be considered distracting or unprofessional,” Steinitz advises.