UK graduates are facing a difficult job market, but there are ways to increase your chances of landing that first position, says ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). The advice below is given by graduates, a recruitment consultancy, and ACCA’s head of education.

Dorothy Wood, head of education ACCA UK: “We all know how difficult the job market is at the moment, but graduates must not lose sight of their goals. There are jobs available, and there are steps they can take to help find one.”

Past graduates, Hays recruitment and ACCA offer five graduate tips:

1. ACCA member Alastair Goddin, Risk Manager, Catlin, advises students to highlight their relevant experience:

“When applying for graduate jobs, try to think of examples of non-academic roles you have performed, such as holiday jobs, work placements and even committee roles for university clubs and societies. This will show you can adapt to different situations outside education.

2. ACCA member Jude Roberts, Senior Business Relationship Manager – Business Restructuring, BDO Stoy Hayward, recommends that graduates build experience:

“In your cover letter talk about what you are good at, what your strengths and relevant experiences are. Highlight the transferable skills you have, and explain why you would be good for that particular role. Don’t describe your weaknesses or tell them why you are not suitable for the job - at this stage you want to give the employer every reason to invite you for an interview.”

3. ACCA member Imtiaz Ahmed, Assistant Manager Audit, A Qasem, was promoted rapidly due to his social media activity, and he recommends that graduates try to gain exposure through online social media platforms:

“Having a blog, a Facebook account and a Twitter account can definitely give you an advantage. Blogs and ‘tweets’ about your chosen field help you to get noticed, and can also help to build your professional reputation. Facebook is an excellent networking tool. If you set-up or join groups you will find it easy to meet and correspond with like-minded people. One thing to remember though, your prospective employers will look at your blog, tweets and Facebook page, so make sure you keep it professional”

4. Nick Tout, Director at Hays Accountancy & Finance, offers some interview advice for graduate job hunters:

“Most companies now use the competency-based method of interviewing, the idea being that past performance is seen as the best indicator of future success. Although your relevant work experience may be limited, you will need to provide examples of your competencies. For example, if testing your team ethic, you might be asked, “Tell me about a situation where you have been part of a group working toward a specific goal. What was your role in the group?” The key is to describe the situation, outline the tasks and any challenges involved, the actions you took, and importantly, don’t forget to discuss the outcomes achieved.”

5. Finally, ACCA’s Dorothy Wood highlights the importance of applying for roles on an individual basis:

“When you apply for a position, make sure you edit your CV specifically for that role. And when you write your cover letter, write it in response to the advert, don’t send the same cover letter to everyone. If you do, they will know it is a generic letter and will be a lot less likely to respond.”

For additional graduate advice, visit www.accaglobal.com/graduates or for more information and to access the latest accountancy and finance jobs, please visit www.hays.com/accountancy

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Notes to Editors

1. ACCA is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. We have 362,000 students and 131,500 members in 170 countries worldwide.
2. ACCA has worked with governments, national organisations and development agencies in emerging economies- for over 20 years- promoting the accounting profession, to create value for the communities, businesses and individuals it serves.
3. ACCA believes that globalisation of business means that one set of reporting standards is essential. We favour the principles-based IFRS.
4. ACCA understands the real issues facing small businesses as 63,000 of our members work in SMEs or small partnerships worldwide. 59% of our members in the UK work in or for a small and mediums-sized enterprise (SME) and we have over 100 years’ experience in understanding and supporting small firms.