UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE FALL ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT (For Articling Positions) 2013 STUDENT GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 2 A Message from Career & Co-op Services Page 3 U of L Contact Information Page 4 Accounting Recruitment information Sessions & Events Pgs 5-7 CES On Campus Recruiting Procedures for Articling Students Page 8 An important Note to U of L Edmonton Students Page 9 Accounting Recruiting Process for Management Co-op Students Pgs 10-12 Preparing for Interviews MESSAGE FROM CAREER AND CO-OP SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE Career & Co-op Services is excited to bring to you the University of Lethbridge Online Student Recruitment Guide. The information will guide your through the intense Fall recruitment of new grads, co-op and summer students for articling positions in Approved Training Offices and entrance to the CPA Professional Education Program. Each year in September and October, approved training offices will submit postings for articling positions, screen applicants, interview and make offers for jobs that will begin in the next year. Imagine the feeling of securing a full time New Grad, Summer or Co-op position by December! The challenge of Fall accounting recruitment is that it begins almost immediately when you return to campus. This year, the postings go live on September 3rd with deadlines on the 19th. You will need to have your resumes and cover letters ready to go, order transcripts and start preparing to meet employers. The Regional ‘Meet the Approved Training Office’ events in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton invite students from all institutions to participate. In addition to the trade show booths, you will have the opportunity to attend information sessions by firms on the day. This will be the first time sessions are offered during the Lethbridge event, and will eliminate the many evening information sessions held by firms in the past. The sessions are significant opportunities to interact with company representatives and make comparisons between firms so SAVE THE DATES on your calendar!! As you go through the recruitment process, you’re also taking classes, completing assignments and exams - the pressure can be overwhelming!! The Online Student Recruitment Guide is a tool to help you understand Accounting recruitment and to take the panic out of the process by helping you to get organized. Ultimately, its goal is to facilitate your success in securing a position with a training office. Under the umbrella of Career & Co-op Services, both Career & Employment Services and the Management Co-op Program are small units committed to helping current U of L students explore careers and succeed in making a transition to the workforce. CES also continues to provide services to graduates. We welcome enquiries from all students across the three University of Lethbridge campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton. Use this Guide as a key resource for Accounting recruitment but don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions regarding the process or your own job search strategies. Best wishes to all of you during this exciting time. Employers are as anxious to recruit you, as you are anxious to reach your goal to be a professional accountant. Best regards, Pat Tanaka, Director Career & Employment Services Steve Craig, Director Management Co-op Program Page 2 UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE CONTACTS CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CES) Website: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/ Student Inquiries: ces.students@uleth.ca Graduates Inquiries: ces.graduates@uleth.ca Tel: (403) 329-2187 CES Team: Pat Tanaka, Director: (403) 329-2763, tanaka@uleth.ca Megan Kienzle, Program Assistant: megan.kienzle@uleth.ca Career & Employment Advisor (to be announced) FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT CO-OP PROGRAM Website: http://www.uleth.ca/man-cep/ Student inquiries: mngt.coop@uleth.ca Tel: (403) 380-1810 Management Co-op Team: Steve Craig, Director: steve.craig@uleth.ca Andrea Spackman, Coordinator: mngt.coop@uleth.ca Field Advisor Calgary (to be announced) Susan Price, Program Assistant: coop.assist@uleth.ca ACCOUNTING CLUBS U of L Edmonton Campus, Accounting Club: Maisam Darabi, President and ICAA Campus Rep maisam.darabi@uleth.ca U of L Calgary Campus, Accounting Club: Abraham Rahim, VP Finance contact@ulethaccountingclub.com U of L Lethbridge Campus, Accounting Club: Janelle Dobing, President janelle.dobing@uleth.ca. Page 3 ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT EVENTS & INFORMATION SESSIONS ALL students are welcome to attend information sessions and events MEET THE APPROVED TRAINING OFFICE EVENTS (Recruitment for Articling Positions) “ A career fair for students entering the CPA Professional Education Program in Alberta.” The Institute of Chartered Accountants will again coordinate ‘regional events’ to be open to students from all institutions at no cost. Held across the province, each of the Meet the Approved Training Office events is an excellent opportunity to meet firms who are actively recruiting for new grad, co-op or summer opportunities. Similar to a career fair, approved training offices will host booths and information sessions to provide students with information about their organizations. Firm representatives may include Partners, Line Managers, Articling Students and HR representatives. PREPARING TO ATTEND: To put your best foot forward, dress professionally and think about what you want to communicate to recruiters. If available, attend a ‘networking’ workshop or conduct some online research to ensure you make the most of the opportunity. You can bring a resume but you will want to target your cover letter for applications after the event. Prepare questions you would like to ask the recruiters – what information do you need? What’s important to you when making a decision about the right ‘fit’? Here are the 2013 Alberta event dates: Friday, September 6 - Edmonton and area Northlands Expo Centre, 7515- 118 Avenue NW 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Edmonton breakout schedule Edmonton employers attending Wednesday, September 11 - Lethbridge and area Students’ Union Ballroom A & B, University of Lethbridge 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Lethbridge breakout schedule Lethbridge employers attending Friday, September 13 - Calgary and area BMO Centre, 1410 Olympic Way SE 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Calgary breakout schedule Calgary employers attending LETHBRIDGE CAMPUS: Although Accounting firms will be hosting their sessions during the Meet the Approved Training office events, other companies may hold information sessions aimed at recruiting accounting students. Nexen and Cenovus are already scheduled to host sessions in September 2013. Check our website for a schedule of events. EDMONTON CAMPUS: By invitation of the U of A Business Career Services, U of L Edmonton students are welcomed to attend their employer information sessions. You are asked to identify yourself and your school to firm representatives. (See the section for Edmonton students for specific information on accessing U of A BCS events – pg 8). OTHER SESSIONS On request, CES will arrange sessions for employers on the Calgary and Edmonton campuses. As well, some companies may conduct activities off campus that are open to students from all schools. We will strive to let you know of those events as we become aware of them. CHECK THE CES WEBSITE REGULARLY FOR CURRENT INFO AND NEW EVENTS!! www.uleth.ca/ross/ces Page 4 CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT (OCR) PROCEDURES for Accounting Students OCR is the process by which employers recruit students for full-time and summer (non-coop) positions that start in the future. CES may facilitate their recruitment by posting positions, collecting resumes, booking interview rooms, scheduling interviews and arranging information sessions at the employers’ requests. If you are a registered accounting Co-op student follow the Co-op recruitment procedures (pg. 9) Follow our “OCR Steps for Success” and you will be better prepared to understand and coordinate YOUR SEARCH! Be informed, stay organized, and put your best self forward! Step 1. LEARN ABOUT THE ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT (OCR) PROCESS Attend a CES Accounting Recruitment Workshop in September. Check on our website for scheduled times and locations on all campuses. If you are unable to attend a workshop in person, we encourage you to read the following information carefully and contact us if you have questions. (Email ces.students@uleth.ca) Step 2. REGISTER WITH CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CES) Sign-up on our Accounting Recruitment Contact list online: This information will be used only to contact you regarding opportunities, OCR, interviews and other job search or career activitieS. http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/accounting-contact-list-2013-2014 Step 3. VIEW JOB POSTINGS FOR ARTICLING POSITIONS - STARTING SEP 3, 2013 View the most up-to-date OCR postings by going to the CES online job board and search for ‘accounting’ http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/job-board/ • Review the Approved Training Office Profiles in this guide, all are actively recruiting articling students – scroll down for the list of Training office profiles. http://www.albertacas.ca/BecomeaCA/RecruitmentInformation/OnlineCAStudentRecruitmentGuide.aspx • Check the Employment Opportunities for Articling students on the ICAA website. http://www.albertacas.ca/EmploymentOpportunities.aspx?page=SearchJob CAREFULLY read and follow all instructions found on the job postings regarding application processes. Firms have different requirements and application procedures. Step 4. ATTEND CAREER EVENTS AND INFORMATION SESSIONS Articling Students: attend the “Meet the Approved Training Offices” events and attend concurrent information sessions by accounting firms Interested in Industry positions? Other companies may hold information sessions aimed at recruiting accounting students. (e.g. oil & gas companies, government departments). Attend Career Fair 2013 September 27th as 100 companies from many sectors will be attending. Check our website for a schedule of events. Page 5 Step 5. ORDER TRANSCRIPTS & BE PREPARED WHEN FIRMS REQUEST THEM Most firms request a copy of your transcripts as part of your application. To order transcripts go to: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/transcripts Need Transcripts Immediately? You can print or attach an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript off “The Bridge”. Just let the employer know, you will provide them with an official copy later. Step 6. DEVELOP A TARGETED RESUME & COVER LETTER Need Help…? - Sign up for a resume/cover letter and interview workshop online at http://www.uleth.ca/ross/ces/workshops Not on the Lethbridge campus? We can arrange to help you over E-mail or by phone. Step 7. SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE DEADLINE DATE AND TIME – SEP 19th All postings for articling positions close on Thursday, September 19th. It is at the discretion of each training office as to what time the posting will close on this day It is YOUR responsibility to ensure all requested information and documents are submitted to the employer by the application deadline, in the proper format, and to the specified location/office. So, CAREFULLY follow the specific instructions provided on each job posting. IMPORTANT NOTE: In your application please indicate your CURRENT LOCATION so we (as well as the employers) are aware when scheduling interviews. STEP 8. BE READY FOR THE JOB INTERVIEWS IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED BY FIRMS If you are shortlisted you will be contacted either by the employer or by CES. If CES is setting the interview schedule we will email you to schedule a time. Please note that we will use your ‘uleth’ email address so don’t forget to check it during this timeframe. If you are not in Lethbridge we will do what we can to make arrangements with the employer to have you interviewed in Calgary or Edmonton. On campus interviews for OCR will begin on September 30th. If you have been selected for an interview, respond quickly and request a time that works around your schedule. Firms may contact you any time after the application deadline to schedule interviews on site at their offices. It is your responsibility to check your email and telephone answering machines often, as employers may attempt to contact you these ways to arrange interviews. Ensure your messages are professional. Be sure to record the date, time, and location of the interview, and arrive EARLY. Be prepared to communicate your strengths to employers with confidence. Sign up to attend a CES Interview Workshop or check out our interview tips at: www.uleth.ca/ross/ces For statistical purposes, the CES office/staff would be grateful if you would keep us informed of your interviews and offers that are made. DECLINING OR WITHDRAWING FROM INTERVIEWS Withdrawing from or declining interviews should only be done under extenuating circumstances and as early as possible. This will allow time to adjust schedules and perhaps even provide other applicants an opportunity to interview. If you must cancel an interview, contact CES as soon as possible and we will notify the employer. Page 6 IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT DATES FOR 2013 The Accounting Recruitment Calendar outlines specific dates to guide approved training offices as they recruit articling students for new grad, summer and Co-op opportunities. It is to your advantage to meet with all interested firms to ensure you are fully aware of your opportunities and can freely choose the firm that is the best fit for you – your values, lifestyle and work goals. IMPORTANT! Read the following information carefully to ensure you are well informed. KEY DATES Sep 3- Oct15 at 8am MDT RECRUITMENT SEASON BEGINS BLACKOUT PERIOD – NO offers to be extended during this time. September 3 Job Postings go live –New Grad, Summer and Co-op positions September 6 Edmonton Meet the Approved Training Office event – Northlands Expo Centre (Booths & Sessions) September11 Lethbridge Meet the Approved Training Office event – Students Union Bldg, University of Lethbridge (Booths & Sessions) NEW! Information sessions on event day only. September 13 Calgary Meet the Approved Training Office event – BMO Centre (Booths & Sessions) September 19 Application Deadline (for all training positions) – All job postings must close September 27 Career Fair 2013, Lethbridge campus September 30 First Interviews can begin on University of Lethbridge campuses Please note: Firms may contact you directly any time after the application deadline to arrange interviews on-site at their offices. October 15 at 8am MDT Firms can extend offers on or after 8am MDT – Acceptance deadlines are at the discretion of the firm, however, students should be allowed a minimum of 3 business days to accept or decline – If you accept an offer, please inform CES at ces.students@uleth.ca Late October Candidates who have not received an offer should notify CES, as firms still seeking applicants may contact the office Page 7 AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO U of L EDMONTON STUDENTS For the past five years, the University of Alberta’s Business Career Services (BCS) has invited University of Lethbridge students to participate in their Employer Information Sessions and to submit applications through their offices during accounting recruitment. Career & Employment Services is grateful for their willingness to provide this opportunity to our Edmonton students. Please be aware that when attending events at the U of A you are a guest of BCS. As a representative of the University of Lethbridge and for your benefit, a professional and respectful approach to the office, staff and employers will make a positive and lasting impression of you as a candidate. In all your dealings with Business Career Services (BCS) ensure you consistently self-identify as being from the U of L – both to employers and to BCS office staff. See specific procedures below. RE: EMPLOYER INFO SESSIONS The U of A Business Career Services (BCS) office invites U of L students to attend information sessions at the U of A. Regularly check the BCS ‘Calendar of Events’ for current events: http://www.business.ualberta.ca/Careers/BusinessCareerServices/EventsCalendar.aspx BCS PROCEDURES FOR INFORMATION SESSIONS “Please follow the RSVP instructions on the BCS calendar of events and be sure to consistently self-identify as being from the U of L – both to the employers and to BCS staff. Make sure you also clearly identify yourself in any emails to BCS when RSVPing or making inquiries. If nametags are provided at the events, please note U of L below your name.” RE: APPLICATIONS Submit your applications as instructed directly to employers or through CES whenever possible. But, if Edmonton employers direct you to apply through the U of A, Business Career Services will accept your applications through their office. BCS requests you follow their application procedures. BCS PROCEDURES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS ‘If the employer wants applications gathered in our BCS office, there are drop-off boxes and a checklist at our front counter to help students ensure their materials get to the right firm. Or ask our front counter staff – we are glad to help.” When submitting applications to the BCS office please staple all materials and submit to the drop-off box indicated on the posting. Do not submit materials in envelopes or folders! The drop-off boxes are located across from the elevators on the second floor of the Business building and inside the Business Career Services office (BUS 2-21).” Business Career Services: 2-21 Business Building University of Alberta; 780.492.2166 (tel) Page 8 ACCOUNTING RECRUITING PROCESS FOR MANAGEMENT CO-OP STUDENTS Phone: 403-380-1810 Web: www.uleth.ca/management/co-op Email: mngt.coop@uleth.ca 1. COOP APPLICATION: Apply to the co-op program at www.uleth.ca/management/co-op, preferably before Sept. 10, 2013. 2. ATTEND ‘MEET THE APPROVED TRAINING OFFICE’ EVENTS Sept. 6 - Edmonton, Northland Expo Centre Sept. 11 - Lethbridge, U of L SU Ballroom Sept. 13 - Calgary, BMO Centre More info: http://www.albertacas.ca/BecomeaCA/UpcomingEvents.aspx 3. WORKSHOP: Find out how to market yourself on paper and in person at a Co-op Workshop. 4. INTAKE APPOINTMENT: Tailor your resume to the jobs to which you will be applying with one-onone help from a Co-op Coordinator. 5. JOB BOARD: Browse the online co-op job board. All Articling co-op positions go live Sept. 3, 2013. 6. RESEARCH: Research the firms to which you will be applying. 7. APPLY TO JOBS: Submit Articling applications through the Co-op Office by the posting deadlines of Sept. 19, 2013. 8. MOCK INTERVIEW: Sign up for interview practice online by Sept. 23, 2013 at www.uleth.ca/management/co-opmockinterview 9. ARTICLING INTERVIEWS: You may be contacted for an interview during the blackout period of Sept 3 – Oct 14, 2013. Email the co-op office at coop.assist@uleth.ca to let us know the date and time of your interview. If you would like more preparation for your interview, please make an appointment with a Co-op Coordinator. 10. ARTICLING JOB OFFERS: Offers may be extended after 8:00 am on Oct 15, 2013. Email the co-op office at coop.assist@uleth.ca to let them know which offer you have accepted. If you decline an offer, please contact that firm letting them know you will not be joining them. Acceptance deadlines are at the discretion of the firm; however, you should be given at least three (3) business days to accept/decline the offer. . Page 9 Career & Employment Services PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS Preparing ahead of time will help you be ready to describe how you have the technical, transferable and personal skills the employer is seeking. Research the company, know yourself (your skills and experience), use real work, life or school examples as PROOF, and if possible, bring samples of your work to further demonstrate the real world quality and evidence of your performance. The main purpose of a job interview is: for the EMPLOYER – 1) A way to gain and confirm more direct information and understanding of applicants. This assists in determining each person’s “fit” with the organization, its values, and its employees, as well as their ability to perform required duties and maintain the work integrity required for the position. 2) It is a chance for them to “tell and sell” you on their company and entice you to work for them if an offer is made. for the APPLICANT – 1) A way to market their skills, abilities, experience and “fit” with the organization in a direct, in-person manner. 2) A way to gather valuable information about the company and position to help make decisions if offered a position. A job interview is a BUSINESS MEETING where both you and the employer are considering making a mutually beneficial deal. It is a 2-way opportunity - YOU have skills to offer & THEY require someone to fill a need that exists in their team, their organization and their success. BE that person! BE prepared! BE ready for their questions and KNOW your information! Consider yourself to be a knowledgeable CONSULTANT or RESOURCE PERSON who is meeting at a company’s request to describe what you have to offer & how you can assist/fit with their company! PROOF YOU have the skills/qualities/ experience the employer needs, the desire to work for their company, & must be able to communicate this well EXAMPLES EMPLOYER has a job opening, hopes you can meet their needs and wants to market the benefits of working for their organization Page 10 Treat each JOB INTERVIEW as an OPPORTUNITY to: learn something about yourself, the interview process, the world, etc. learn something about the company, the position, the work atmosphere, the location. improve your interview confidence and skills by gaining first-hand experience in the process. INTERVIEWS ARE BEST PREPARED FOR BY … 1 GATHERING INFORMATION: o Review your skills, experience, abilities, knowledge, training/education, inspirations and goals to help you understand yourself and to be more able to speak naturally about your ability to “perform” in the position and “fit” with their company. o Research the company’s website, talk with people who have worked for them or who know about them, review the position, and understand their corporate projects, organizational structure, and values to help you evaluate your level of interest in the position/company. o Anticipate questions and prepare strong responses using examples of your own experience in similar situations, utilizing required skill sets, working on similar tasks, and succeeding in challenging situations. Consider practicing your interview skills out loud, with a friend, with career advisor, or on videotape to observe responses, body language and voice tone. (see CES Interview Skills Workshop for help in preparing and be ready for Behavioral Description Questions) 2 KNOWING WHAT TO EXPECT in the INTERVIEW PROCESS: Phase 1) Establishing rapport and making a good first impression during the introduction phase: Smile, be confident, be “up”, offer a firm handshake, establish eye contact, and don’t be afraid to make small talk. Use deep calming breaths and positive self-talk during the interview to remind yourself that you are prepared, confident and relaxed! Phase 2) Exchanging of information when the employer asks the applicant a variety of questions, each with a deliberate purpose, that will assist in their decision making/hiring process. These include: Questions about your background, previous experience, education, strengths, weaknesses, work habits, commitment to the job, and skills sets that make you qualified for the position. Questions that reveal insight into your personality, interests, activities, values, long term goals, volunteer/community involvement, interest in the organization, etc, that might indicate an apparent “fit” with the staff team and organization in general. Questions about your ability to perform specific duties required in the position: knowledge of & experience in technical areas, how you cope with supervision, expectations of the organization, etc. Questions that reveal what you “would do” in a hypothetical situations (situational questions) Questions that reveal how you “have handled” past situations of a similar nature (behavioral descriptive questions). Phase 3) The closing transition of the interview is when the employer has finished their questioning and invites you to ask any questions you may have. You should ALWAYS have “good” questions ready to ask the employer as this shows positive personal initiative and intelligence, a noticeable interest in the position/company, and it is expected. Ask questions about aspects you have a sincere interest in, as these will be more natural to remember and will show your confidence. Typical questions may include: if training is provided; what if any performance measures/reviews are in place; how the company views professional development; where does the company see growth in the future. Page 11 3 PRESENTING YOURSELF in STRONG & POSITIVE WAYS: o Dress professionally and towards the conservative side. Look great! o o Plan the night before. Business suits and professional attire are appropriate for interviews with accounting firms. Avoid strong perfumes and deodorants (you never know when someone will have an allergy); jangling jewelry, facial piercings and anything that will distract the interviewer from your answers. Be organized and know what to bring to the interview. Good advice is to bring a simple folder with: One or several copies of your resume, cover letter, application form (if any), transcripts, any reference letters you would like to offer, paper & pen to write notes if needed, study sheets to review, and several copies of your references, if they were not included in your resume. Samples of your work that demonstrate to interviewers your strengths and past skill successes. These can be integrated into relevant responses to questions or can be left with interviewers for a period of time. This technique is called a “career or skills portfolio” and if prepared for and used well, it can make a positive impression on employers. (See the CES office to attend a Portfolio Workshop and/or get further information) Arrive early and know the location of your interview. Consider checking out the office/room number, bus routes, parking, and travel time in advance to ensure a stress free experience on the day of the interview. Interact positively with the receptionist as their impression is often sought. After the interview, take time to write down your impressions of the experience, the questions/responses given, and areas/questions to prepare for in a second interview or in other interview meetings. Consider sending a “thank you email” or hand-written card to each member of the interview panel as is a very impressive job search strategy that may set you apart from other interviewed candidates. This is comprised of 2 or 3 short sentences thanking them for their time and mentioning your interest in the company and “fit” with the position. INTERVIEW RESPONSES – TIPS FOR SUCCESS! Focus on your strengths and give concrete examples of skills and successes in your past. Know yourself, your skills, the company, the job description, and your goals. Be sincere, be positive and be yourself! Make answers brief and clear, usually 1-2 minutes maximum. This is helped by preparing in advance for relevant interview questions and rehearsing responses for easier recall under pressure. Avoid rambling and vague responses. Focus on your strengths and ask for clarification if needed. Take your time in answering questions. Pacing your interview responses and speaking slowly can add to the impact and clarity of your responses. It is acceptable to take a moment to think out your response and even take a small “pause” in between thoughts as needed. Need Help? Have Questions? Don’t wait! Call , email or drop in anytime! CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES is here to help! In-depth INFORMATION PACKAGES (electronic & hard copy) – for independent use at home • Targeted Resume Techniques • Cover Letter Writing • Job Search Techniques • Interview Techniques Related WORKSHOPS (Lethbridge Campus)– for in person instruction & support Resume/Cover Letter Writing • Job Search Techniques • Networking Interview Techniques • Portfolio Development 1-1 CONSULTATIONS – depending on availability and offered as a follow-up to workshops SUPPORT at a DISTANCE – through email & telephone consultations CES: ANDERSON HALL – 154 ; TEL 403-329-2187; EMAIL: CES.STUDENTS@ULETH.CA; HTTP://WWW .ULETH.CA/ROSS/CES/ Page 12