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Job-hunting Items

The following is a partial list of subjects to be discussed in further detail at a later date. Note that this section will be updated on a periodic basis:

bulletSpecializing in a particular area of tax vs. being a Generalist (including discussion of specialized industries with unique tax treatment)
bulletThe dangers of accepting a counteroffer ("don't look back ! ")
bulletBasic differences in the type of tax work you would perform in working for the following: Industry, CPA Firms, Government, Law firms & other tax career paths
bulletThe relevance of getting an advanced degree in the tax field (e.g., MS-in-tax or LL.M.) & some schools that offer the specialized tax program
bulletTips on writing an effective resume, along with a cover letter, etc.
bulletKey reasons people change tax jobs (eg-want a different mix of compliance as opposed to  research & planning)
bulletResults of a salary survey conducted among tax professionals
bulletOutsourcing vs. the creation/expansion of the In-house function ( a cost-benefit analysis)
bulletOverview/Our perception of he current tax employment marketplace & future outlook (e.g., many of our clients complain that their biggest problem is getting quality tax staff to fulfill their assignments.)

 

Indicated below are some very interesting articles that can assist you in you job hunt.

bulletThe Dangers  of Accepting a Counteroffer - Howard Kutcher, CPA/MS (Tax)
bulletEntering the Job Search Zone - Linda Scharf, CPC
bulletCrafting your Net for Networking - Linda Scharf, CPC

"THE DANGERS OF ACCEPTING A COUNTEROFFER"
          By Howard Kutcher, CPA/MS (Tax) -President
        Kutcher Tax Careers, Inc.

 
         In one of the tightest labor markets in recent history, more and more companies of all sizes are extending counteroffers to their employees than ever before. The reason is obvious: why go through the trouble and hardship of replacing that particular person when you can have an opportunity to keep him/her by paying some extra money to retain good employees. Furthermore, it prevents a disruption in the workflow and reflects better morale for the other employees than if there were higher turnover.

        From the employee who is receiving the counteroffer, it may be
"flattering" and of course, financially rewarding, but beware of the
consequences! Studies show that well over 50% of employees that
succumb to this arrangement leave the company within a year anyway.
Oftentimes their bosses will look to replace them because "they are no longer a team player" among other reasons. Also, if the company is going to pay the extra compensation, they naturally will be expected to work harder or given additional responsibilities (often that are above their heads!). Consider the following from the employees' point of view:

o If I were making $50,000 today, why all of a sudden am I worth $60,000
     tomorrow. Did I do anything different to deserve such a large increase
     other than to threaten to resign? If I were that appreciated, I would've
     gotten that increase based on merit, not by putting a gun to their head.

o Don't look back-although it may be emotionally (and sentimentally)
    hard to break away from my current employer, the "new" company
    I am going to is welcoming me with open arms. Look forward to the
    new challenge.

o Take virtually everything my current boss is saying to me with a grain
    of salt. In effect, "I'm firing him/her". Therefore, being on the defensive
    end, they will say almost anything I want to hear to make me stay.
    Wouldn't I do the same if I were in their shoes?

o  Although you may have felt comfortable before you resigned, you
    showed  your dissatisfaction with your current situation and the
    relationship with your boss will probably be strained and never the
    same again.

o Think about the ultimate reason I was looking in the first place (besides
     money). Would anything really change if I stayed? The same problems
     will still exist.

Author's note: Being in the employment agency industry for over fifteen years, I've seen too many scenarios as described above where the employee decides to stay and accept the counteroffer and later regrets it. Also, keep in mind that if the boss himself/herself gets an attractive offer, he/she may jump ship to. (We've seen it happen more than you can imagine!)

Entering the Job Search Zone - Linda Scharf, CPC

Things are going well at work. You have created your niche and are proud of your accomplishments. Yet now the comfort of the familiar has turned to boredom and you say to yourself, " Been there. Done that."

You have just entered the JOB SEARCH ZONE. This is where it begins ---the journey from the familiar to the exciting world of change.

To survive in the ZONE you will need protective gear. You will need to be prepared to describe who you are, what you have accomplished, and what separates you from the crowd. Develop a strategic plan and get ready for action: Organize your thoughts by creating lists:

  1. Review the job descriptions of your previous positions, and list tasks and accomplishments for each job. Identify each position including dates of employment, company name and city/state. Identify each of your supervisors by title.
  2. Make a list of your educational credentials. Include courses without degrees as well as completed degrees, certifications, and licenses.
  3. Now it’s time to pack your Brag Bag. List your strengths and identify what makes you stand out from the crowd---What do you do better, faster, more efficiently than anyone else?

Once you have reviewed and analyzed your past it’s time to think about your future: What are your immediate goals? Where do you hope to be in 3-5 years? What about your 5-10 year plan? Employers seeking support and administrative employees are generally most interested in your immediate goals. If you are on a middle or upper management level be prepared to discuss your long-term goals.

Everything you have just done will help you prepare a resume and express yourself with confidence at an interview. You are now prepared to enter the JOB SEARCH ZONE. Proceed with enthusiasm. Change is enriching and exciting!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Linda Scharf, CPC, is President of Judlind Employment Services, Inc. in Stamford, CT. Judlind specializes in permanent, temporary and temp–to-hire staffing for office support, administration, accounting and finance.

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

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Crafting your Net for Networking - Linda Scharf, CPC

Networking is a 24-hour process. It is a lifestyle that enhances business and personal relationships—a support system that will help you when you need a new job, advise on climbing the corporate ladder, a safety net when you dare to "go it alone," a resource when you need a doctor, personal trainer or child care provider.

Every person you meet has the potential of adding value to your network. So—put yourself where the people are: community center, business organizations, religious and community volunteer organizations, adult education and college classes, health clubs, bookstores, special interest groups. Join groups you enjoy. Get involved. Participate on a committee. Attend all the monthly meetings. Take a series of classes. The key is to be involved with a group on an ongoing basis so that you can get to know people.

Once you target a group attend the next scheduled meeting. Be pro-active and engage people in friendly small talk. Approach people who are by themselves rather than trying to inch your way into a group.

Introduce yourself and start with pleasant open-ended conversation: "What made you decide to come tonight?" "What do you know about the speaker?" "Are you a member or a guest tonight?" Draw the person out and build it into a conversation. Presto! You’re crafting your net!

Get organized and create a "network file". Keep notes on each person’s phone number, address, and areas of interest and professional expertise.

Networking nets need constant care. Nurture the relationship by keeping in touch. Send a note or article of interest; pick up the phone and call. Be sure to connect with that person at the next meeting, class or event. Be available when they need help so that they will be available for you when you need help.

Remember that networking is a continual process. You need to be willing to be pro-active and push yourself to meet new people and engage them in conversation. Networking is a challenge that enhances your life.

¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨

Linda Scharf, CPC, is President of Judlind Employment Services, Inc., in Stamford. Judlind specializes in permanent, temporary and temp-to-hire staffing for office support administration, accounting and finance.

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

 

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