CPA Resume & Cover Letters

A resume is one of the most important documents you'll need to get hired, regardless of whether you're a recent college graduate looking for a job or a long-time CPA professional preparing for your next career move. Your resume highlights your academic and professional accomplishments from the past and present.

The popular wisdom about resumes is that the longer they are, the more experienced you appear to be. This is no longer the case. The notion that a long and exhaustive resume is a one-way ticket to landing a job is far from the truth.

So, what is the most effective CPA resume tip that will guarantee you an interview? Prioritize the quality of your resume over its quantity. Due to the competitive nature of the job market, recruiters rarely have time to review resumes longer than one page, especially in the accounting field. Therefore, a one-page resume is what’s expected now and is what recruiters are looking for. If you write an effective resume, you should be able to grab the recruiter's attention quickly, increasing your chances of landing your dream job.

How To Write A Resume

Preparing the Resume

Do your homework and look for the qualities your potential job requires. Include these skills and keywords in your resume wherever you can. Your goal is to show that you are qualified and would be a perfect fit for the role. It would be helpful if you look through some standard resume examples online to get a basic idea. This will help you choose a resume format.

Resume Content

Contact Information: Include your contact information (name, email address, and telephone number) in large font at the top of your resume so the recruiter can easily identify you. Avoid putting your mailing address on your resume.

Objective: Including an objective statement on your resume is optional. However, it is a great way to highlight your skills and explain why you are qualified for the position. Keep it short and crisp, as you will detail your job-specific abilities and responsibilities in the experience section.

Experience: There are many ways to list your professional experience in a resume. Components like company name, job title, years of experience, and duties are especially important to include in this section. Always list your recent experience first followed by past experience. If your resume does not precisely match what they are seeking, add a cover letter to emphasize the qualities that make you the ideal candidate. For instance, if you have worked in the private sector for many years but wish to enter public accounting, include skills that demonstrate you are self-motivated and can work well individually as well as in a team.

Education: List your education credentials in reverse chronological order, beginning with the most recent. For example, Master's students should list their graduate school first. We also recommend omitting high school entirely and including only your most recent and relevant education. In case of an aspiring CPA, if accounting is your second degree, include both your accounting degree and your previous highest degree.

Additional Information: This is another optional section where individuals can list special abilities and interests. This gives the recruiter an idea of who you are outside of work. Here you can add elements such as your social media handle where you educate others about the CPA exam. Remember to maintain a professional tone if you choose to include this information.

References: Your resume should not include references. A recruiter will inquire if they are required.