Tips for OCR with Jack Pullara Workshop

By: Laura Hoffmann, Editor-In-Chief

On Monday, September 8, 2014, during the height of On-Campus Recruiting season (OCR) at Baruch College, Jack Pullara, former partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and current manager of the Working Professional Career Programs at the Graduate Management Career Center (GCMC) joined the Zicklin Graduate Accounting Society (ZGAS) to provide students with tips and tricks for the Fall 2014 OCR. We would like to highlight some of the key points discussed, for those who missed or need a recap of this informative workshop.

Attitude and energy are important in all interactions with recruiters. One should convey excitement about the position and firm. This is because most jobs in the accounting field require long hours and involve dealing with important clients; thus, recruiters need to be sure that one will work well with others and have good interactions with clients. Attitude and energy can often be very easily shown, via a smile and handshake.

Resume Tips: All students should have their resumes proofread. When recruiters look at resumes they ask three key questions: 
1. “Can this person do the job?” 
2. “Is this person the right fit?” 
3. “How well will this person do the job?” 
These questions are easily answered through clues on one’s resume. Other questions regarding key skills for the job, such as attention to detail, are also easily answered by looking at one’s resume. In terms of formatting, be sure no tabs are used, use Calibri font, and center margins. As for content, list skills and accomplishments but do not use words such as “assist” and “participate in,” as they are too broad and make it appear that one did not truly accomplish the task on one’s own. Additionally, Jack suggests leaving hobbies and interests off one’s resume and listing them on LinkedIn (a link which one should provide on the resume and cover letter heading). Only include skills and hobbies that would be relevant to the position (i.e. chess  champion). 

Cover Letter Tips: Students should always provide a cover letter, even if it is not requested by the firm, unless application instructions specifically state not to include a cover letter. Customize every cover letter to the position being applied for, and do not use a form letter. A good way to address the letter is “Dear Hiring Manager.” Think about this when writing the letter: “How would you define success in the position you are applying for?” Include at least three actionable strategies and examples that relate your experience and knowledge to the position. Make sure these are not items you have already mentioned in your resume. Also, make sure the letter is one page or shorter and match the font with your resume (preferably Calibri). 

Thank You Note Tips: Send these quickly, usually within 24 hours of the interview. The best time of day to send them is between 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. on a working day. One of the best things to do is mention specific details of the conversation you had with the recruiter. Compliments in the note are also a wonderful way to build a relationship. Finally, don’t expect a reply unless you have asked specific questions in the note.

We hope these tips will be useful for you during OCR, and we wish you the best of luck!

---