How Will TED Talks Help Your Career in 2017?

If you want to improve your career prospects in 2017 or simply invest in your career this upcoming year, don’t overlook the value of watching TED talks. TED speakers come from all walks of life to share unique perspectives and insights about their industry, life, spirituality and everything in between. Whether you need some motivation to get your career on track or want to develop some leadership skills, tune in to a few TED talks to boost your career opportunities this year.

Finding Work You Love

If you’re still trying to find your dream job or figure out what career path you want to explore in the upcoming years, maybe it’s time to rediscover your passion. If your job has become a source of misery and you’re trying to find meaningful work, watch this TED talk by Scott Dinsmore: How to find work you love.

Getting Back Into the Workforce

If you’ve decided to return to the workforce after a few years of being a stay-at-home parent, traveling or any other reason, you’ll need to develop some skills to re-enter the workforce and secure your ideal job. In some cases, an internship may be a necessary step towards career success — especially if you’ve been out of work for some time. You’ll want to watch Carol Cohen’s TED talk: How to get back to work after a career break for some tips.

Feeling Good About Your Work

Are you satisfied with your job or role? Do you wish you had more motivation and desire to work harder? If you’ve been wondering how to find meaning in your work or are just curious about how we find a sense of purpose in our work, tune in to this TED talk by behavioral economist Dan Ariely: What makes us feel good about our work?.

The new year is the perfect time to take stock of your career, map out some goals and determine where you want to go next. If you need help finding your dream job, consider working with an award-winning accounting recruiter. Casey Accounting & Finance Resources can help you get your career back on track.

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2017 Salary Survey for Accounting and Finance

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources has compiled updated salary data for the fields of accounting and finance. With the start of the year, candidates are looking for jobs as a part of their resolution, making the job market busy.

With compensation trends changing on a monthly basis, both sides can benefit from having this information during job negotiations.

Casey Accounting & Finance Resources can help financial professionals who want to learn more about what salary expectations should be. We have compiled our salary survey list with updated facts and figures including job descriptions for more than 120 accounting and finance positions for the Chicago metropolitan area.

Email us today at FinancialSalarySurvey@caseyresources.com and we will be happy to share this with you.  In the “YOUR MESSAGE” section, please enter “2017chicago-finance-recruiters Accounting & Finance Salary Survey”.  Enjoy the rest of the summer!

 

What Are the Best Ways to Deal with Co-Workers Who Annoy You?

You may try hard to get along with everyone at the office but there will always be at least one co-worker who you can’t stand to work with. The good news is you’re not alone. Many people end up working at jobs where they can’t stand a co-worker’s work habits or have difficulty communicating with certain people. While you might not be able to change jobs to get away from these people, there are some things you can do to make your days at the office more manageable. Here are some of the best ways to deal with co-workers who annoy you.

Ask Yourself What Really Ticks You Off

Sometimes it’s just a personality trait, quirk, or even way of speaking that makes you feel annoyed. Maybe that person reminds you of somebody you dislike or didn’t get along with in the past. It could be something as simple as this but you simply aren’t aware of it when you interact with this person. When you identify where these feelings are coming from, it may be easier to deal with that annoying co-worker. Taking a step back to determine what is causing your frustration makes it easier to find a resolution.

Don’t Be in Reactive Mode

If you find yourself spending a good portion of your day getting irritated by something a co-worker says or does, you may be stuck in reactive mode. Some self-awareness will make you realize that you have a knee-jerk reaction to this person. If you can make an effort to recognize a trigger and simply not react right away, your days at work may be a lot more tolerable. As soon as you hear that trigger, remember they probably aren’t pressing your buttons on purpose and it’s just part of who they are. (You may be doing the same thing to someone else!)

Be Comfortable with Not Liking Everybody

You don’t have to be best friends with everyone at the office but you do need to find ways to simply get along. Get comfortable with the idea that you are not supposed to like everybody — and they aren’t supposed to like you, either. You can maintain a professional relationship even if you don’t personally like someone. Just keep a friendly distance and stay focused on your work and more positive relationships.

Is it time to change jobs because of annoying co-workers? Consider working with an award-winning financial staffing firm like Casey Accounting & Finance Resources to find a job and workplace that is the right fit for you.

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The 6 “R’s” in Recruiting!

Finding great candidates is every recruiter’s dream come true!   A great employee helps a company grow and be successful. Being aware of The 6 “R’s” in Recruiting will put you ahead of the rest of the organizations vying for the top candidates and victory will be yours!

Reviews

What is being said about your organization on social media sites such as Glassdoor and Facebook?  When a Google search is done of your company, what reviews are showing up and how many stars appear? Managing your brand and responding to good and bad reviews will put you in a good light with candidates. Candidates want to see good reviews and positive experiences when applying to work at an organization.

Responsive Design Websites

Are your recruiting applications and communications available on a mobile platform?  Constantly using smartphones, candidates are looking for new opportunities.  Will they be able to find yours?  Post short videos about your jobs on YouTube and incorporate a link from Google Maps so candidates can find you.

Referrals

Great referral programs bring in high-caliber candidates to your organization.  Need we say more!

Reduce your Hiring Time

Speed is important.  Candidates lose interest when the hiring process is dragged out.  Take a look at how long it takes to hire a candidate from start to finish and see where you can tighten your process.

References

Get it right and check their references.  Automated reference checking programs increase the response rate and accuracy of the reference checks.

Recruiting Firm

Working with a highly regarded staffing and recruiting firm can help significantly in finding great candidates quickly!  Let Casey Accounting & Finance Resources find top financial staff for you!

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What Does the Financial Recruiter Want to See on Your Resume?

When you’re applying for accounting and finance jobs in the area, you’ll need to make sure you highlight all of your skills and certifications clearly in your resume. Many financial recruiters review resumes in great detail and even use programs to find certain keywords and phrases. If you aren’t including these words in your resume and making a strong case about your experience, you may get overlooked.

Here are three factors a financial recruiter wants to see on your resume.

Tech Skills

Many accountants, financial analysts and other financial professionals use the latest software programs and computer systems to manage data. You need to be up-to-date on the latest software programs and earn any relevant certifications. Consider taking online courses to catch up if you have been out of the workforce for a while. Make sure to list your tech skills and skill levels so the employer has an accurate idea of your exact capabilities.

Soft Skills

Many people don’t think accounting and finance jobs require many soft skills since the bulk of time spent at the office will be in front of a computer and managing data. However, today’s most successful accounting and finance professionals have good interpersonal skills and solid knowledge about the business world. Make sure you’re listing examples of leadership skills, a customer service background, and your ability to solve problems or stay organized under pressure.

Certifications

Any certifications, diplomas or other awards need to be listed on your resume. Make sure to highlight any notable events surrounding these awards, such as a company president’s award, so that you stand out from the crowd.

Making sure a recruiter sees examples of skills and certifications on your resume is a priority, but you also need to make sure you’re including any specific details about how your skills made an impact on the organization. If you have any data or statistics former companies have shared with you about a project you worked on where you were able to apply yourself, make sure to disclose that on your resume or cover letter.

Need help with your job search? Consider working with one of the top accounting and finance staffing agencies and contact Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. This award-winning team of financial recruiters has your dream job waiting.

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A Season of Thanks! What We Are Grateful For!

As Thanksgiving is upon us, we reflect on how fortunate we are and what we are grateful for in our everyday lives as we work to place our great candidates in outstanding jobs with great companies!

  • I am grateful for the CUBS world series! Go CUBS Go! And to work for a great family oriented company that has allowed me to purchase World Series gear! Erika
  • I am grateful for being able to assist candidates in finding their dream job and making an impact in their life!  Jessica
  • I would like to give thanks to all the amazing people I get to work with! This is by far the best company I have worked for and I can’t wait to see where the next year brings us!  Elizabeth
  • I am grateful for my health and for the passion that I have to live a healthy lifestyle.  Cheryl
  • I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with such wonderful people:  co-workers, clients and candidates!  I’m also grateful for my old horse that still likes to go out on trail rides.  Freedom is a wonderful thing!  Denise
  • I am grateful for having found my calling with such a great team and how positively it impacts me, my clients, my candidates, and my family.  Noori
  • I’m thankful for the clients and candidates who’ve trusted me to help them.  Pete
  • I’m thankful for having the opportunity to experience the world of staffing. I work with a great group of people who have taken the time to guide and teach me in this industry. This opportunity has given me the chance to see how rewarding staffing truly is.  Erin
  • I am grateful to be part of a team that is so passionate about what they do, as well as, supporting each other.  Renee
  • I’m grateful for the relationships I have been able to build with both my clients and candidates. The trust someone places in you when looking for a new career is something we take very seriously and I’m grateful that many people have put that trust in me this year.  Adam
  • I am thankful for my freezer because it keeps my frozen pizzas preserved day in and day out.  Jake
  • I’m grateful for the organization that I work at. It allows me the freedom and independence to utilize my own unique means of developing meaningful relationships with my clients, prospects and candidates. I am also grateful for both my partnering director and myself to have been on this ride for over 20+ years together. Eileen
  • I am grateful to be a part of Arlington Resources and work with amazing people!  Brooke
  • I am grateful to be able to maintain a strong work/life balance. Health and happiness to all this upcoming holiday season!  Rob 
  • The Cubs, our social committee, and our wonderful team have made 2016 one of the best years ever!  I am grateful to have such meaningful work, a great team that makes it happen every day, and being able to help others along the way.  Happy Thanksgiving!   Patty

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4 Skills Every Candidate Needs in Every Industry

If you’re putting yourself out there on the job hunt and want to secure a position sooner rather than later, make sure your prospective employer can identify some key skills and attributes that will make you the perfect candidate for the position. Whether you’re exploring an accounting career or working in finance, your future employer needs someone who is not only a hard worker but also has certain traits that will help them succeed with the company for the long term.

Here are four skills every candidate needs in every industry:

1. Communication

Even though your role may be fairly independent, you may be required to work with other departments, lead a team and collaborate with other staff members on certain projects. Having strong written, verbal and listening skills is critical for your success in any position. You need to be able to relay information concisely and respond to other people’s communications effectively.

2. Empathy and Emotional Awareness

Being able to understand your own emotions, and being aware of the emotions of others is a skill that can be developed. Some people have more emotional awareness than others, and this trait is important in both work and social situations. Being able to relate to someone and looking at their point of view can make it easier to get along.

3. Accountability

Being accountable for your actions is critical in a workplace environment. You need to admit fault and work on finding an effective remedy. Knowing what you are accountable for and who you are accountable to is important in any position. If you are in a management position, you need to enforce accountability among your team members.

4. Teamwork

Working as a team means always contributing your fair share and also making sure you are not taking all the credit for a job well done. Do your best work and bring others up so they can do the same at every opportunity.

When you’re searching for accounting jobs or need some help to take your career to the next level, talk to the professionals at a leading Chicago accounting recruiting firm. Casey Accounting & Finance Resources provides career tools, including assessments and professional resume reviews, to help you find your ideal job. Contact us today!

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Recent Placements from Casey Accounting & Finance Resources

As a nationally accredited, best in class recruitment firm, our staff at Casey Accounting & FInance Resources is well networked in the Accounting & Finance community, tenured and industry certified. With our dedicated staff experienced in developing relationships, obtaining referrals, and sourcing candidates, we can locate top talent that you may not be able to find on your own. In addition to our outstanding recruiting practices, our team is committed to community service and philanthropy.

CASEY ACCOUNTING & FINANCE RESOURCES recent placements include the following:

Temporary Positions Filled:

  • A/P Supervisor
  • Sr. Financial Analyst
  • Payroll Manager
  • Sr. Accountant
  • Credit and Collections Clerk
  • Inventory Control Clerk
  • Payroll Administrator

Direct Hire Positions Filled:

  • Controller
  • Project Accountant
  • Plant Controller
  • A/P Specialist
  • Sr. Accountant
  • Payroll Specialist
  • Accounting Clerk

For more information on our recent placements: http://casey.appsnapnv.com/jobs-filled/

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Quiet Personality? Loud Workplace? Here’s How to Be Successful

If you’re an introvert by nature and prefer to work alone, finding the right fit in the modern workplace can be a challenge. People who are quiet, reserved, and introspective may seem like they don’t get along with others, but that is usually far from the truth. These types tend to thrive when they have their own space but can do well in a group setting with some self awareness and self confidence.

Use the following tips to be successful in the workplace if you are an introvert.

Be Prepared for Meetings

If the idea of being singled out in a meeting or having to give a presentation makes you nervous, make sure you’re prepared. Review documents and materials that will help you give an intelligent response if you do end up getting asked a question during the meeting. Ask for an agenda from the meeting organizer so you know what to expect. Being well prepared for meetings can make it easier for you to get through those few hours with minimal stress and anxiety.

Learn to De-Stress in Any Situation

Anxiety and tension can make your work days a little more stressful. If you have a hard time relaxing and staying focused at work, take the time to de-stress using natural methods and techniques. Take deep breaths before a meeting, make sure you get to work early so you aren’t getting anxious about being late to the office, and try and stay focused in the middle of workplace conflicts. If you work in a very loud work environment, use headphones or take breaks when things get stressful, so you don’t feel too stressed out all day long.

Be Confident in Your Abilities

Be confident in your strengths and continue to build your skill set, nurturing your talents and appreciating the unique qualities you bring to the table. People will see results no matter what your personality type may be — you don’t necessarily have to be the loudest or most visible person in the office to do a great job. Stay focused on what you do best, don’t feel threatened or intimidated by colleagues, and do what you can to contribute at your best level.

Get Connected

You don’t have to struggle all by yourself in an office setting. Build an alliance of people who have similar personality traits as you, so that you can spend time together and develop camaraderie with your co-workers. Share an encouraging word with other introverted co-workers and build trust. Make a sincere effort to get to know people and don’t be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Your friend will be able to support you during meetings and may even put in a good word for you when you are looking for a promotion.

If you need help navigating the modern workplace or are looking for career opportunities in the accounting and finance field, talk to some of the top financial recruiters in Chicago by contacting Casey Accounting & Finance Resources today.

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Prevent Buyer’s Remorse! How to Make Sure You Have a Smooth Transition into Your New Job

Changing jobs can be a stressful time in your life, and you want to make sure you are taking steps to make the transition just a little easier. Being careful about how you conduct yourself during those last few weeks on the job is important because you want to make sure you are leaving on a good note, and ensure you are in the mindset to take on your next opportunity. Whether you’ve been with the company for a few months or a few years, here are some things you can do to make your transition to the new job much smoother.

Share the news with contacts on your last day of the old job.

Your colleagues may already know you are leaving, but you will want to wait to share any updates on social media or LinkedIn until your final days on the job. Make sure to notify people and make changes before you start your actual job, so you aren’t worried about getting updates, notifications and emails all day long on your first few days at the job. You need to be focused and show you are dedicated to the new job 100 percent — so email and social media interruptions need to be kept at a minimum.

Don’t talk poorly about your former employer.

If you had a hard time with your previous boss or weren’t happy with the job, it’s tempting to speak poorly about the old boss. Make sure you are not going out of your way to talk badly about them with colleagues, your future boss, or anybody else that may be connected with the company. You don’t want to be known as the person who ended up badmouthing the boss just because of a bad working relationship. There are always two sides to the story, and you don’t want to burn any bridges.

Be friendly.

It can be intimidating to meet new co-workers and get acquainted with new people in your department or company. You will need some time to learn about your new role and get adjusted to the new work environment. Make it a priority to be friendly to people during this time, so that you can make some new connections. Stay positive even when you feel anxious or stressed about the job so you can develop a solid network of contacts.

Take notes.

Take notes during meetings and just jot down key things you learned during the day, so you can keep yourself organized and on track. Taking notes will help you settle in that much faster, and have some things to study as you get acquainted.

Be ready to participate.

The new company has hired you to contribute and your role may involve active participation in meetings, brainstorming sessions and other group activities where you will need to speak up. Be confident in your decision to be there and don’t be afraid to do your part and come ready to participate.

Transitioning to a new job can be stressful, but there are several things you can do to make the change more manageable. If you need help with your job search or career advice, consider working with a top financial staffing firm in Chicago, Casey Accounting & Finance Resources. Contact us today!

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