UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE FALL ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT 2015 STUDENT GUIDE

UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE FALL ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT 2015 STUDENT GUIDE Including accounting recruitment procedures for Career & Employment Services (CES) And Management Co-op

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4-6 Page 7 Pages 8 A message about Accounting Recruitment at the U of L Accounting Recruitment Information Sessions & Events Important Recruitment Dates & Deadlines CES On Campus Recruiting Procedures for Accounting Students Management Co-op Accounting Recruiting Process for Co-op Students Preparing to meet employers U of L Contact Information ~ Career & Employment Services (CES) ~ Management Co-op ~ Accounting Clubs C P A A m b a s s a d o r s

A message about Accounting Recruitment at the UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE Career & Employment Services (CES) manages the accounting recruitment process for U of L alumni and current students on our three campuses. As the general Career Services office, we are excited to bring to you the University of Lethbridge Accounting Student Recruitment Guide. This information will guide you through the intense Fall recruitment of new grads, Co-op and summer students for accounting positions in 2016. The challenge of Fall accounting recruitment is that it begins immediately when you return to campus. You will need to have your resumes, cover letters and transcripts ready to go and be prepared to meet employers as soon as possible. This Guide is a tool to help you understand accounting recruitment and to take the panic out of the process by helping you to get organized. Employers recruit students and alumni all year round, but on-campus recruitment (OCR) refers to the process by which employers recruit students for full-time and summer (non co-op) positions that start in the future. CES may facilitate their recruitment by posting positions, collecting resumes, booking interview rooms, scheduling interviews and arranging information sessions at the employers requests. Employers seeking Co-op students will coordinate with the U of L Co-op programs for work terms that may start in September, January or May. If you are a registered accounting CO-OP student or you are interested in joining the Co-op program follow the Management Co-op procedures included in this Guide. Under the umbrella of Career & Co-op Services, both Career & Employment Services and the Management Co-op Program are small units committed to helping students explore careers and succeed in making a transition to the workforce. We welcome inquiries from students at our campuses in Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton. Use this Guide as a key resource for Accounting recruitment but don t hesitate to contact us if you have questions regarding the process or your own job search strategies. Best wishes to all of you during this exciting time. Employers are as anxious to recruit you as you are anxious to reach your goal to be a professional accountant. Page 1

ACCOUNTING RECRUITMENT EVENTS & INFORMATION SESSIONS ALL students are welcome to attend information sessions and events MEET YOUR EMPLOYER EVENTS A career fair for students entering the CPA Professional Education Program in Alberta. CPA Alberta coordinates regional events open to students from all institutions at no cost. Each event is an opportunity to meet organizations who are actively recruiting for new grad, co-op or summer accounting opportunities. Similar to a career fair, pre-approved training offices (both industry and public accounting) will host booths to provide students with information about their organizations. Company representatives may include HR representatives, partners, line managers and CPA students. Here are the 2015 Alberta event dates: Please note there is no need to sign up for the Meet Your Employer events. Edmonton Friday September 11, 2015 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Expo Centre at Northlands, 7515 118 Ave NW Lethbridge Wednesday September 16, 2015 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm University of Lethbridge Student Union Ballroom Calgary Friday September 18, 2015 9:00 am to 4:00 pm BMO Centre, 20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary To find out who will be attending each event check out the CPA website: http://www.cpaalberta.ca/become-a-cpa/post-secondary-students/student-recruitment Remember to dress professionally, research employers you wish to meet and be prepared to network. LETHBRIDGE CAMPUS SESSIONS: Many firms and companies will also host individual information sessions on campuses. Check our website for an up-todate schedule of events and to sign up to attend. Employer Information Sessions- Lethbridge campus (To- date): September 14 September 15 September 15 September 17 September 17 September 21 September 21 September 22 September 28 October 6 Encana @ 5-6 pm (3 rd year Accounting students only) Collins Barrow, Calgary @ 4:30 6pm PepsiCo 6-8pm (Management students; supply chain) Collins Barrow Red Deer LLP @ 4:30 6 pm (New grad; Summer) KPMG LLP @ 6 8pm (New grad) YPM @ 4:30 6pm (New grad; Co-op) BDO @ 6 8pm MNP @ 6 8pm (New grad, Co-op, Summer) CIBC @ 4:30-6pm (Gen Management 2016 grads) CPA Alberta @ 4:30 6pm CALGARY, EDMONTON & OTHER SESSIONS Upon request, CES will arrange sessions for employers on the Calgary and Edmonton campuses. As well, some companies may conduct activities off campus that are open to students from all schools. As we become aware of events, we will strive to email you through our CES Contact Lists. Be sure to sign up on the 2015-2016 contact list. Check the CES website regularly for current information and new events!! Page 2

IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR 2015 There will be NO FORMAL Accounting Recruitment Calendar with prescribed dates or deadlines for employers as they recruit accounting students for new grad, summer and Co-op opportunities. However, some employers will be adhering to an informal calendar see important note below*. It is to your advantage to meet with all interested companies to ensure you are fully aware of your opportunities and can freely choose the organization that is the best fit for you your values, lifestyle and work goals. Accounting Recruitment Process NO Blackout Period Ongoing RECRUITMENT IS ONGOING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR There is still likely to be intense recruitment taking place in the Fall. Offers can be extended at any time, however, students should be allowed a reasonable time (5-10 business days) to accept or decline If you accept an offer, please inform CES at ces.students@uleth.ca Job Postings will be posted on an ongoing basis. Deadlines will Pg vary. 8 Wed Sep 9 Important Note to students* After Sep 14 Ongoing Fri Sep 30 Fri Oct 2 Late October First Day of Classes Although there is no formal recruitment calendar, some employers in Alberta have advised us that they will be using the following dates in their recruitment: September 1, 2015: Jobs to be posted September 21, 2015: Job postings deadline October 9, 2015: Final offer date. Offers may be given throughout September and October as long as 5-10 business days are provided for students to consider the offer. October 16, 2015: Offer acceptance deadline Company Information Sessions hosted by Employers on campus. Employers can host sessions off campus at any time. Application Deadlines are at the discretion of employers. Be diligent in checking each posting for dates and times (e.g. noon, 4:30pm) Career Fair 2014 (Lethbridge campus) Indoor Track, 10am 3pm First Interviews can begin on University of Lethbridge campuses Heads up! Some firms will contact you directly any time after their application deadline to arrange interviews on-site at their offices. This may happen before October 2 nd. Candidates who have not received an offer should continue to watch the job boards for new opportunities. Notify CES, as firms still seeking applicants may contact the office

CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CES) ON-CAMPUS RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES for Accounting Students OCR is the process by which employers recruit students for full-time and summer (non co-op) positions that start in the future. CES may facilitate their recruitment by posting positions, collecting resumes, booking interview rooms, scheduling interviews and arranging information sessions at the employers requests. If you are a registered accounting CO-OP student follow the Management Co-op procedures (pg. 8) Follow our OCR Steps for Success and you will be better prepared to understand and coordinate YOUR SEARCH! Be informed, stay organized, and put your best self forward! Step 1. SIGN UP ON CES CONTACT LISTS BY MAJOR CES Contact list sign-up online. This information will be used only to contact you regarding opportunities, OCR, interviews and other job search or career activities. When you sign up you give permission to receive emails from CES staff. Step 2. LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT THE ON CAMPUS RECRUITMENT (OCR) PROCESS Read the following information carefully and contact us if you have questions. (Call us at 403-329-2187 or email us at ces.students@uleth.ca) Review the CPA website for information on Student Recruitment Step 3. VIEW JOB POSTINGS FOR ACCOUNTING POSITIONS - ONGOING View OCR postings by going to the CES online job board and search for accounting Check out the CPA Alberta Job Board. This free service allows you to view available positions and search for jobs before registering. Review a list of Pre-Approved Program Providers in Alberta (already approved by the profession) to identify potential opportunities. Explore other employers who recruit accounting students for opportunities to follow the Experience Verification Route CAREFULLY read and follow all instructions found on the job postings regarding application processes. Firms have different requirements, application procedures and deadlines. Step 4. ATTEND CAREER EVENTS AND INFORMATION SESSIONS Attend the Meet Your Employer events in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge. Attend info sessions in September to meet recruiters and learn what companies have to offer Participate in local Career Fairs to develop your network. i.e. U of L - September 30 th ; U of A September 23 rd. Step 5. ORDER TRANSCRIPTS & BE PREPARED WHEN EMPLOYERS REQUEST THEM Most employers request a copy of your transcripts as part of your application. To order transcripts go to: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/transcripts Need Transcripts Immediately? You can print or attach an electronic copy of your unofficial transcript off The Bridge. Let the employer know you will provide an official copy later.

Step 6. DEVELOP A TARGETED RESUME & COVER LETTER Need Help? Sign up for a CES resume/cover letter workshop. New this year, are rapid resume reviews offered on a first come first served basis at designated times see website for details and times. Are you in Calgary? We will offer two workshops in Calgary Sep 11 th and 12 th! Are you in Edmonton? Access the Concordia Career Services for resume/cover letter and interview help through the U of L s partnership with Concordia University. NEW this year for Edmonton and Calgary is a resume webinar. Contact us and we will provide you with options for getting help with your documents. (ces.students@uleth.ca) Step 7. SUBMIT APPLICATIONS BEFORE DEADLINE DATES DATES WILL VARY FROM POSTING TO POSTING Unlike last year positions will close at varying times at the discretion of the employer. Read carefully and mark you calendars to keep track of deadlines. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure all requested information and documents are submitted by the application deadline, in the proper format, and to the specified location/office. So, be sure to follow the specific instructions provided on each job posting. IMPORTANT NOTE: In your application please indicate your CURRENT LOCATION so we (as well as the employers) are aware when scheduling interviews. Step 8. BE READY FOR JOB INTERVIEWS IF YOU ARE SHORTLISTED If you are shortlisted you will be contacted either by the employer or by CES. If CES is setting the interview schedule we will email you to schedule a time. Please note that we will use your uleth email address so don t forget to check it during this timeframe. If you are not in Lethbridge we will do what we can to make arrangements with the employer to have you interviewed in Calgary or Edmonton. On campus interviews for OCR will begin on October 2nd. If you have been selected for an interview, respond quickly and request a time that works around your schedule. Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis. Please note that some employers may contact you before Oct 2nd to interview in their offices. Check your email and voicemail often. Ensure your voicemail message is professional. Be sure to record the date, time, and location of the interview, and arrive EARLY. Be prepared to communicate your strengths to employers with confidence. Sign up to attend a CES Interview Workshop. For statistical purposes, the CES office/staff would be grateful if you would keep us informed of your interviews and offers that are made. DECLINING OR WITHDRAWING FROM INTERVIEWS ON CAMPUS Withdrawing from or declining interviews should only be done under extenuating circumstances and as early as possible. This will allow time to adjust schedules and perhaps even provide other applicants an opportunity to interview. If you must cancel an interview, contact CES as soon as possible and we will notify the employer. Page 5

Career & Employment Services PREPARING TO MEET EMPLOYERS Preparation is your key to succeeding in your work search and face to face meetings with employers. Prepare to attend information sessions and meet your employer events To put your best foot forward, dress professionally and think about what you want to communicate to recruiters. If available, attend a Networking Workshop or conduct some online research to ensure you make the most of the opportunity. You can bring a resume but you will want to target your cover letter for applications after the event. Prepare questions you would like to ask the recruiters What information do you need? What s important to you when making a decision about the right fit? Try not to monopolize a recruiter s time and show your confidence by approaching them on your own rather than with friends. Let them see who you are and what you can bring to their organization. Think about what makes you different from other candidates. Be genuine in your interest and in the information you share. Preparing for the Job Interview If you have attended the career events, you are one step ahead in preparing for the interview. It will help you to be ready to describe how you have the technical, transferable and personal skills that you have learned the employer is seeking. Research the company, know yourself (your skills and experience), use real work, life or school examples as PROOF, and if possible, bring samples of your work to further demonstrate the real world quality and evidence of your performance. Attend an Interview Workshop and check out the tips for interview success on our website. Need Help? Have Questions? Don t wait! Call, email or drop in anytime! CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES is here to help! Information Packages (electronic & hard copy) for independent use at home Targeted Resume Techniques Cover Letter Writing Job Search Strategies Interview Techniques Workshops (Lethbridge Campus) for in person instruction & support Resume/Cover Letter Writing Job Search Strategies Networking Interview Techniques Resume Webinar to be offered for students and alumni not attending the Lethbridge campus Rapid Resume Reviews check workshop schedule for drop in times. First come. First served. 1-1 Consultations depending on availability and offered as a follow-up to workshops Support at a distance NEW resume webinar. Through email & telephone consultations CES: ANDERSON HALL 154 ; TEL: 403-329-2187; EMAIL: CES.STUDENTS@ULETH.CA; ULETHBRIDGE.CA/ROSS/CES P AGE 6

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UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE CONTACTS CAREER & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CES) Website: ulethbridge.ca/ross/ces Student Inquiries: ces.students@uleth.ca Alumni Inquiries: ces.graduates@uleth.ca Tel: (403) 329-2187 CES Team: Pat Tanaka, Manager tanaka@uleth.ca Nicole Leusink, Career & Employment Advisor nicole.leusink@uleth.ca Megan Kienzle, Program Assistant megan.kienzle@uleth.ca FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT CO-OP PROGRAM Website: www.uleth.ca/management/co-op Student inquiries: mngt.coop@uleth.ca Tel: (403) 380-1810 Management Co-op Team: Steve Craig, Director: steve.craig@uleth.ca Heather Hacior, Coordinator: heather.hacior@uleth.ca Doreen Kooy, Field Advisor Calgary: doreen.kooy@uleth.ca Susan Price, Program Assistant: coop.assist@uleth.ca YOUR ACCOUNTING CLUBS & CPA AMBASSADORS U of L Lethbridge Campus: Accounting Club Kurtis Nicholson, President, Accounting Club U of L: k.nicholson@uleth.ca CPA Ambassador Lethbridge Campus Rep Alex Glydon, CPA Ambassador U of L: Alex.glydon@uleth.ca U of L Edmonton Campus: At this time an Accounting Club is not operating on the Edmonton Campus Contacts to be determined, Accounting Club U of L Calgary Campus: Accounting Club Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ulethacctclub LinkedIn Group http://goo.gl/amkqum Twitter https://twitter.com/ulethaccrueyyc Zirgham Abeer, President, ACCRUE Accounting Club U of L: zirgham.abeer@uleth.ca CPA Ambassador Calgary Campus Rep Dorothy Wong, CPA Ambassador and Vice-President, ACCRUE Accounting Club CPA: uoflcal_dorothy@cpaalberta.ca Page 8