job interviews Archives - Professional Courtesy, LLC

I co-owned a beautiful, high-end gift store for 10 years and enjoyed the experience very much. We had a great staff and people waiting in line wanting to work for us. Most of the staff was composed of mature women who just wanted a little time away from their usual routines and loved and appreciated beautiful things. However, in the summer months we often supplemented our staff with well-chosen, college students.

We had an active bridal registry and spent hours with our brides helping them choose just the right china, crystal, linens and more. So, to work for us required some knowledge or the willingness to learn, in detail, about the very beautiful things we sold.

Today, as we start the summer months I am reminded of those days and the number of young people who would come in the door wanting to know if we were hiring. Some of those young people looked great, impressed us with their maturity and looked like they might fit in. Those were the names I kept in a special file with detailed comments, in case we had an opening in the future for them.

Then, there were the young people who came in, with their friends, dressed in cut off jeans, chewing a wad of bubble gum, proceeding to ask if we had any openings. Needless to say, we did not. The way those young people presented themselves never got them past the front door, as far as we were concerned.

So, if you are seeking summer employment and popping into to businesses, here are some things to keep in mind:

Don’t take your friends along if you are going into businesses and asking for a job.
Make sure you are well-groomed and dressed appropriately.
No cut-offs
No chewing gum
No sweat pants or exercise clothes
No low-cut or skimpy tops
No too short skirts
No shorts
No flip flops
No tank tops or bare midriff

If you get the job, be available and willing to work when asked. If you are always asking for time off or can only work a short period of time, maybe a summer job is not going to work out.

Many summer jobs can turn into great opportunities later on. Take advantage of working with people who can teach you a few things.

Happy job hunting!

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.

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