A Quick Guide when looking for a new job in Practice
A Quick Guide when looking for a new job in Practice.
The practise market continues to be a candidate driven environment, where practice professionals are extremely sought after. If you have experience within practice and want to remain in the sector, then here are a few dos and don'ts when the time comes.
DO NOT: Lose control of your CV when using job boards
Here's something many jobseekers don't realise.
When you upload your CV to a job board, or apply for a vacancy, your details may become accessible through that platform's searchable CV database, depending on its settings and permissions.
Recruitment agencies pay significant sums for access to these databases, allowing them to search for candidates with particular qualifications, skills and experience.
That's not necessarily a problem. Many reputable recruiters use these databases responsibly, contacting candidates to discuss suitable opportunities.
Unfortunately, not every recruiter operates to the same standards.
Some less scrupulous agencies may take your CV and circulate your details to numerous accountancy firms without first speaking to you or obtaining your express permission.
The consequences can be frustrating:
Your CV could reach firms you never intended to approach. Multiple recruiters may introduce you to the same employer. Your current employer could potentially become aware that you're exploring opportunities. You may lose control over how your experience is presented and which opportunities you're considered for. Duplicate submissions can create confusion and potentially damage your chances of securing an interview.
DO: Stay in control of your job search
Before uploading your CV or applying through a job board, check whether your details will be added to a searchable candidate database and who can access them.
Consider working with a specialist recruiter who understands the accountancy practice market, takes time to understand your career ambitions and agrees which firms to approach.
A good recruiter should never send your CV to an employer without your knowledge and express permission.
At Addington Ball, we believe you should always know where your CV is going, why you're being introduced and what the opportunity could offer you.
Your career. Your CV. Your decision.
Do:
- Do figure out what is it you are seeking
Firstly, it is crucial to establish what you are setting out to achieve as part of your job search. Are you looking for career progression? Work life balance? Better working culture? Whatever it is, it is important you are clear in your criteria when exploring the market.
- Do be prepared for your job search to move very quickly
Most jobseekers in practice are surprised and a little caught out by the speed at which the process moves along. Be mindful that practice professionals are in very short supply. Demand will be high.
- Do establish a relationship with the right recruiter
Partnering with a recruiter can last your whole career. They can become a trusted consultant, providing support and advice where necessary and help a candidate at every step of the recruitment process.
- Do spend time preparing and updating your CV
An up-to-date CV is crucial. When applying to jobs, employers will want to see your most recent experiences. The CV should look to focus on key skills, experiences, and qualifications in relation to a specific role, ideally tailored to the job opportunity you are applying for. A good recruiter will be able to help you do this for free – don’t pay a company to do this for you.
- Do thoroughly prepare for interviews
Great news, you’ve got to the interview stage! Now is the time to really home in on this particular vacancy and ensure all basis are covered off. A job interview can take different forms, either at the office or on a video call but they can also be formal meetings or informal chats. Remember, the job has got to be right for you just as much as you have got to be right for the job.
- Do prepare yourself for the inevitable counter offer
You have finally accepted your next career move and handed your notice in, but now your current employer doesn’t want to lose you! With the current candidate short market, a counter offer is inevitable from your existing employer. It is a much quicker and cheaper alternative to keep you in the business rather than going to market and finding a replacement. Most of the time, a counter offer looks like enhanced pay, a promotion or a promise of better working conditions. But you really need to think why it took you to hand in your notice for your employer to then put this better offering together.
