Five Practical Ways to Leverage AI for Your Accounting Job Search

Let’s face it, AI (artificial intelligence) is here to stay. Although AI can be a controversial topic in the workplace, it is the way of the future. It’s now up to us to adjust accordingly.  

Many (and we mean many) of the daily processes in our professional and personal lives can be made simpler or faster using AI. From AI-powered voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to smart-scheduling calendar apps to AI-recommended shopping products to AI-powered chat bots for customer service your bank, the list can go on for miles.

It’s easy to see why more people on jumping on the metaphorical AI bandwagon.

What is important to remember is that beyond the ‘why’ of using AI, there should always be a ‘how.’ The 'how-to' use AI often takes precedence over the 'why' for the sake of clarity, accessibility, customization and relevance. ‍

‍How to use AI in your accounting job search?

Job seekers are one of the largest groups that should know the ‘how-to’ use AI. There are multiple ways in which AI can help you land your next role (specifically for the point of this article, in the accounting field), but we’ve broken it down into five tips.

With these points as your guide and a solid recruiter on your side, you'll be well on your way to landing your next accounting role! Let’s dive in!

Tip 1: Prepare for Upcoming Interviews with AI Tools

• ‍Mock Interviews: Interacting with AI to simulate real interviews and provide feedback can help you practice answering common accounting interview questions and improve your confidence. While it doesn't guarantee that you will ace the interview, it can prompt it to pose various behavioral interview and technical questions related to the specific job you are applying to.

• How to Use It: Don’t take the questions it poses as the only questions that you will be asked. Interviews will always look different; this can just give you an idea of what the interview may look like. Ask it to give you multiple sets of questions to keep yourself well-practiced. It may also be helpful to reach out to a recruiter to see if they have worked with a particular client as well. The recruiter may have an 'inside scoop' on their interview style, their favorite sports team, or a few questions that you may want to pay special attention to in prepping for the interview.

Tip 2: Optimize Your Resume with AI

• AI-Powered Resume Builders: Use AI to help create a polished, professional resume. AI can often offer suggestions based on industry standards and help format your resume effectively. It can help you load your resume with the right terminology and keywords for the role you’re looking for.

• How to Use It: Notice the italicized and bolded word in the section above. Don’t use AI to write your entire resume. Ensure you are using it to help you. There are many tools out there that can detect the use of AI, but you should also make sure that your resume represents you, not just what you tell a computer is representative of you. In 2024, the Big Four Accounting Firms have banned AI generated job applications and resumes as one way to make sure AI isn’t being used to simply pass their screening process or give anyone an unfair advantage.

Tip 3: Enhance Your LinkedIn Profile with AI Suggestions

• Profile Optimization: Recruiters and hiring managers heavily use LinkedIn to source talent for open roles. Increase your odds of your profile visibility to the right person by utilizing LinkedIn’s AI features. The new features offer suggestions for improving your profile, such as adding specific skills or completing sections. You can even now write messages to your first-degree connections with the help of AI.

• How to Use It: Take advantage of keyword optimization to build a strong foundation on LinkedIn. You want to use this platform as a way to showcase your personal brand. While a strong profile is a great launching point, it's all about the activity and effort that goes in afterwards. AI-powered content curation will keep your page alive and engaging. Post, comment, like, and share articles and posts that resonate with you! Remember, keep social on your social media. It is not a one-way street!

Tip 4: Utilize AI-Powered Networking for Initial Connections

• Networking Recommendations: LinkedIn uses AI to suggest people you might know or should connect with based on your industry and interests. Building a robust professional network can lead to job referrals and more networking opportunities.

• How to Use It: Once you begin the process through the AI-powered connection suggestions for initial introduction, we recommend taking the relationship off-screen! Building a genuine connection in-person can solidify relationships and establish trust in ways that digital interactions can't fully replicate. Whether it's grabbing a coffee, attending networking events or scheduling formal meetings, taking the time to connect in person will show commitment and can significantly enhance professional relationships. Don't underestimate the power of meeting face-to-face, especially in a time when genuine human interaction has become increasingly rare.

Tip 5: Track Applications with AI

• Application Management: Platforms like Huntr and JibberJobber help you track your job applications, follow-ups, and deadlines. AI features can remind you of important dates and suggest actions to keep your job search organized. In Atlanta, the job search process for Accounting and Financial professionals varies depending on the role, level of experience, and current market conditions. In 2024, on average, it takes about two to three months for an accounting professional to secure a new role.

• How to Use It: It's as easy as signing up for an account and getting started. Over the course of 50 years in business and helping thousands of talented professionals, we've heard folks tell us that sometimes searching for new job feels like a full-time job all on its own. Recruiters are an excellent way to save time and money too! Remember to have a backup for anything AI is doing for you. While it can be helpful, it is not infallible.

Human connection with a recruiter remains invaluable in a job search

While AI-tools help with efficiency, it’s always important to remember that it’s not what a computer thinks of you that will be hired, it’s YOU! Once you have the basics set up with the help of AI, consider talking to a recruiter about your job search.

Recruiters bring a personal touch, understanding nuances beyond algorithms, offering tailored advice based on your experience. Skilled recruiters build relationships, have extensive networks and can advocate on your behalf in ways that AI simply can't. This human element often leads to better job matches and a more supported job search experience.

Best of luck!

_{Special Note: While looking through these points, it’s important to make sure that you’re identifying the correct uses for AI on your job search. AI notably lacks the ability to perfectly replicate human skills like natural communication and critical thinking. AI isn't meant to replace, but rather to enhance various functions in a job search.}

‍