10 Must-Know Resume Tips for Accounting Students

How do you create a compelling resume with limited experience? What should you include, and what should you leave out? We aim to answer these questions and help you succeed with 10 resume tips that will get your foot in the door as a new CPA.

1. Make it Clean and Inviting Ensure the font size and margins are consistent and easy to read. Use bullet points, bolding, or underlines to guide the reader’s eyes. Balance text with white space to create a professional look.
2. Spell Check, Spell Check, Spell Check Thoroughly proofread your resume for grammar and spelling errors. Ask someone to review it and point out any unclear phrases, statements, or irrelevant details.
3. Start with Educational Accomplishments List your educational achievements first, followed by part-time jobs or volunteer experiences. Include the name of the school, graduation month/year, specific major, and GPA. Highlight any honors or special recognitions.
4. Focus on Accomplishments Emphasize what you have accomplished rather than just listing job duties. Quantify results using numbers, percentages, dollar amounts, or other concrete measures of success.
5. Keep the Resume to a Single Page Include only information that will help you secure an interview. If a detail doesn’t support your goal of getting an interview, leave it out.
6. What Not to Include Avoid irrelevant details such as age, height, weight, and family member names. Only list hobbies or short courses if they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
7. Use Strong Verbs and Action Words Utilize powerful verbs like managed, directed, coordinated, and researched to describe your responsibilities and achievements.
8. Do Not Include References Provide references only if requested by the employer. Ensure your references have a copy of your resume and are prepared to be contacted.
9. Follow Employer Instructions Submit your resume exactly as the employer requests. If they prefer electronic submissions, do not send a printed copy, and vice versa.
10. Get Feedback Before Submitting Share your resume with trusted individuals and be open to their feedback. Ultimately, ensure you are comfortable with the look and content of your resume.

Creating a powerful resume involves careful attention to detail. Follow these 10 tips to craft a resume that helps you get your foot in the door as a new CPA.

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