There are many resources at your local library or career services office to help you prepare for that job search. We also included a few tips and some advice to assist you.

Interview Tips

• Research the company you are about to interview with. If you can demonstrate that you know something about the company you are interviewing with, this reflects your interest in them, as an employer.
  
• Dress appropriately – shined shoes, groomed hair, pressed clothing, business attire, no odd-colored fingernail polish or gaudy jewelry. Make a positive first impression!
  
• Have a firm handshake and good eye contact.
  
• Smile, smile, smile!
  
• Speak clearly, don’t mumble. Be confident and positive when you reply to questions.
  
• Ask questions, this is your chance to interview the company.
  
• Ask for a business card and send a thank you letter after the interview.
  
• Practice interviewing with a friend.
  
• Participate in mock interviews at your college campus.

Application or Cover Letter

Always send a cover or application letter with your resume. This letter is an extension of your resume and can be just as influential as your resume in a recruiter’s decision to schedule an interview with you. It’s a tool you can use to make sure your resume gets read.

Include your experiences or special abilities that are particularly applicable to the position for which you are applying. Do not send out “generic” cover letters. Tailor them to each employer to whom you send your resume. Tell the recruiter what makes you a better candidate than others or what makes you unique and best suitable for the position.

A cover or application letter is also a way for you to communicate your interests and intentions. If you are interested in a particular area of accounting, express this in your cover letter. Tell about your reasons for relocation, etc.

Also be sure to include a phone number and times when you are available to be reached, in the event the recruiter wants to schedule an interview with you.

First Year Tips for Success

• Develop excellent work habits, i.e. meet deadlines and don’t procrastinate.
  
• Be a team player – learn from your co-workers and share your knowledge.
  
• Be an avid reader about your career area. “Own” your profession and develop a disciplined reading program so you’ll be aware of trends and developments.
  
• Talk to, not about others.
  
• Know expectations of your job and your organization and make sure they’re on the same track.
  
• Volunteer for outside activities, such as assignments to speak to outside groups or lead professional panels.
  
• Seek out mentors both inside and outside your profession – watch and learn from winners.
  
• Be willing to take risks with personal development – learn from mistakes, build on strengths and correct weaknesses.
  
• Build relationships with clients, staff, outside business people.
  
• Participate in community events, become involved in business organizations.

Click here for our online application.

Lola Fair
Director of Human Resources
fair@kcoe.com
785-825-1561

Jeannie Blue
Recruiting Coordinator
blue@kcoe.com
785-825-1561

Kennedy and Coe, LLC
3030 Cortland Circle
Salina, KS 67401