Networking

You may think that a cover letter is a small formality in the job application process, and that in terms of importance, it doesn’t matter as much as your resume. Experts suggest that the truth is a little more complicated; yes, credentials and past experience are important, and they let your potential employer know that you are capable of doing the job that they’re hiring for. What a cover letter does, however, is let them know why you in particular are the right candidate for the job.  So what can you do to keep your foot in the door? Forbes has a few common openers to steer clear of:

Up-and-coming CPAs: You’re a hot commodity. In fact, according to a new report by the staffing agency Robert Half and the Financial Executives Research Foundation, larger companies are so eager to find—and keep—top accounting talent that staffing costs have risen in relation to recruiting, salary and benefits.

These days, even entry-level accountants must have a wider range of technical and communications skills in order to get a foot in the door, according to the Wall Street Journal. Why are companies looking for more from their lowest rungs? According to the outlet, it’s a result of the changing role of the CFO; as the position becomes “less numbers-oriented and more strategic,” CFOs are looking to hire people who not only have initiative and can analyze data, but also possess leadership, forecasting, strategic thinking, cost management, and financial reporting skills.