Using an accounting recruitment firm is a great way to find a job in the accounting industry. This firm becomes your biggest advocate by promoting you to various possible employers. Your recruiter at this firm is the person that will do the contacting and promoting for you, so being prepared for your first meeting is crucial since you can’t take back a first impression.

Impressing Your Recruiter

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Think of your first meeting with an accounting recruitment firm as a dress rehearsal for the actual interview with the company you wish to work for. It’s also important to remember that the recruiter that you are working with controls where your resume gets sent and who he/she promotes you to. It’s to your benefit to make your first meeting very successful as much as you would for an actual interview for a job.

How to Prepare

The first meeting is mostly about you: the candidate and the recruiter getting to know each other. There should be questions and answers from both sides to make this meeting the most successful. Below are some of the tips to help you be the most prepared for your first meeting:

• Show up on time – Even though this is only a meeting to get to know each other, timeliness is extremely important. This shows accounting recruitment firms that you are responsible, and they will be comfortable promoting you to companies.
• Dress appropriately – It’s important to dress as if you were attending an actual interview. This again shows the recruiter how you will look when they set up interviews for you in their name.
• Bring your resume – It’s important to have a good copy of resume paper to give to the recruiter. While they might have an emailed or faxed copy, it’s always best to have a fresh, nice looking copy in front of them.
• Practice for general interview questions – The recruiter will most likely test your interviewing skills by asking you questions that are possible questions at your actual interviews during your first meeting. To be most prepared, practice questions ahead of time so that you are as ready as you would be for an actual interview.
• Be ready to explain gaps in employment – The recruiter will need to know the reasons for any gap in your employment, so it pays to be prepared ahead of time with the actual reasons for your gaps. Remember it’s best to be straightforward and honest, as accounting recruitment firms are going to be your best advocate when it comes to job hunting in the finance industry.

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You should leave your first meeting with a plan of action with any recruitment firm. This plan should include how you will stay in contact with the recruiter, the best way for them to get a hold of you at all times as well as what the next steps will be. The recruitment firm is your key in finding a job in the accounting industry and at the company you wish to work for.