At Elevate Recruiting, we know that great hiring outcomes begin with thoughtful preparation—on both sides of the table.
Whether you’re a candidate preparing for your next opportunity or a hiring manager struggling to close a key role, the right strategies can make all the difference.
Our team has placed countless professionals in finance and accounting roles, and we’re sharing some of our top insights to help you succeed.
Top Interview Tips for Finance and Accounting Candidates
Standing out in a competitive finance and accounting job market requires more than just qualifications; it takes strategic preparation and clear communication.
Here are our top tips for candidates:
Tailor Everything
A generic resume or cover letter won’t cut it in today’s competitive market.
Debra Schipani, one of our executive recruiting managers, emphasizes the importance of customizing every application to the specific role and company.
Highlight your most relevant accomplishments and show that you’ve done your research. Hiring managers notice the difference, and thoughtful tailoring is often what gets you in the door.
Get Specific and Show Impact
According to Heather Grimes, a seasoned executive recruiting manager at Elevate Recruiting, interviews are your opportunity to highlight your value.
Share specific, quantifiable results and connect your experience to the company’s goals.
When you demonstrate where you’ve made a measurable impact, you make it easier for hiring managers to see your potential.
Be Prepared and Be Yourself
Nolan Grossmann, Elevate Recruiting’s Executive Recruiting Manager, encourages candidates to be both strategic and authentic.
Start by researching the company and thoroughly understanding the job description. Be ready to speak confidently about your resume and accomplishments. But also remember to let your personality shine through—culture fit matters, and hiring managers are drawn to genuine, self-aware candidates.
Follow up with a thank-you note that reinforces your interest and reminds them of your alignment with the role.
Effective Hiring Strategies for Finance and Accounting Roles
Hiring the right finance and accounting talent takes more than posting a job description. It requires a strategic, well-aligned process that attracts and engages top performers.
Reevaluate When Things Stall
If a position has remained open for too long, Debra recommends taking a closer look at your hiring process.
Ask yourself:
- Is the job description too narrow or outdated?
- Are your compensation and benefits competitive?
- Are candidates moving through too many steps or waiting too long between interviews?
These friction points can deter top talent. Addressing them early can dramatically improve your hiring outcomes.
Move Quickly, Communicate Often
Heather advises clients to maintain consistent communication throughout the hiring process. Top candidates have options, and delays often lead to disengagement.
A well-communicated, efficient process sets you apart from competitors.
Also, be open to early conversations about candidate expectations—you may discover that adjusting seniority or responsibilities could unlock better-fit talent.
Define Success and Evaluate Thoughtfully
Nolan stresses the importance of clearly defining what success looks like in the first 6–12 months of a role.
Go into interviews with structured questions that assess not just experience, but problem-solving ability, adaptability, and communication skills.
Create a welcoming space so candidates feel comfortable being themselves, and debrief with your team promptly after each round. A thoughtful process leads to stronger hires.
Partner with Elevate Recruiting for Hiring Success
At Elevate Recruiting, we approach every search as a partnership.
Our team takes the time to understand both client needs and candidate goals, offering a high-touch, insight-driven recruiting experience.
Whether you’re seeking your next great opportunity or the right person to round out your leadership team, small changes in preparation can lead to big results.
Need help optimizing your job search or hiring process? Let’s talk. Contact us today to get started.