A Conversation with Debby Penar

Deborah S. Penar, MBA, Sales and Marketing Specialist/Recruiter for
BKD, LLP accounting firm is my guest blogger. I thank you Debby, for taking your valuable time to share your knowledge and expertise with everyone.

Debby, please tell us what your position at BKD, LLP involves.

I am the Sales & Marketing Specialist and Recruiter for the Fort Wayne and Merrillville offices of BKD. BKD is the 10th largest Certified Public Accounting and Advisory firm in the United States. Being responsible for both the marketing and recruiting for two offices within such a large organization is wonderful. I have an unending variety of responsibilities and each day is different.

When recruiting potential new hires what critical things do you look for?

BKD was selected one of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For by Accounting Today for both 2008 and 2009 http://www.bestaccountingfirmstoworkfor.com/
With that distinction, we truly do look for and hire the best of the best. Technical ability is essential, but that is only the first accomplishment that we require. We hire candidates who are the “entire package.” The folks we hire must have: business acumen, excellent verbal and written communication skills, a change orientation, conceptual thinking/problem solving, initiative, leadership, relationship building, teamwork/collaborative ability and a desire to develop themselves and others.

Where do you look for potential new hires?

We have found BKD team members on college campuses, through resumes sent directly to recruiters, on recruiting websites and through referrals from employees and clients or friends of the firm

How much weight do you put on academic achievement?

Academic achievement is essential, but is only the first hurdle of the interview process. As mentioned above, we are looking for the “complete candidate.”

How important are social skills in your organization?

Our BKDers are professionals and advisors to our clients. Social skills are essential in our business. We take social skills so seriously that as a firm we have incorporated etiquette training into our continuing education.

To advance at BKD what does one need to do.

The first step is to pass the CPA exam. This is a huge accomplishment that launches the career of a certified public accountant. Once this major goal has been completed, one must have a hunger for lifelong learning. The rules and regulations in this profession change constantly. It is essential that our people are continually learning so they can be trusted and valuable business advisors to our clients.

What areas does BKD routinely address in continuing education for employees?

Technical training is a cornerstone of all of our continuing education. BKD routinely provides more continuing education than is required in the industry. Other areas addressed in continuing education are business development, coaching, presentation skills, industry specific knowledge, etiquette and team building.

What would you recommend to young people starting their careers, to focus on to get noticed for a job?

Once they determine their profession of interest, learn as much about the profession and requirements as possible. Know your industry and potential employers. Do your research. If an internship is possible, that is an excellent way to get real world experience and is a great selling point for a candidate. Get involved with the career services office of your school and participate in organizations that will provide networking with potential employers. Have a perfect resume, there is no room for error on a resume, and know that you may meet potential employers anywhere. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so take advantage of that opportunity. Network, network, network.

What would you tell them not to do?

As stated above, do not make any errors on your resume. Be sure that any possible representation of yourself is professional, whether it’s your voice mail greeting, your email address, your social networking site or what you wear. It all represents you.

Do you look at social networking sites to check out potential new hires?

Yes, and have occasionally been unhappily surprised with what I find out there.

Is a handwritten thank you note after an interview a mark of distinction when considering someone for a position at BKD?

A handwritten note is always appreciated. Candidates in our industry seem to understand the importance of a handwritten thank you. What takes it a step further and makes it distinctive is to specifically reference items discussed in the interview and explain what the candidate can bring to our firm based on specifics from the discussion.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share about your position at BKD?

I just wish everyone could find a job they enjoy going to everyday as much as I enjoy mine.