For Applicants

Why CSS professional search Is Best For Your Job Search
CSS Professional Search is the best way to find a full time position. We specialize in permanent placement for accounting and finance positions.

Companies realize that their future growth and profitability depend upon how effectively they implement employment solutions. Organizations large and small are looking for talented people. In fact, increasing numbers of companies realize their very survival may depend upon identifying, recruiting, and retaining qualified full-time personnel.

CSS Professional Search has responded to these needs by establishing its Professional Search Division. Outstanding professionals rely on CSS Professional Search to find positions such as:

• Controllers
• Accounting Managers
• Senior Accountants
• Staff Accountants
• Cost Accountants
• Internal Auditors
• Tax Professionals
• Public Accounting Professionals
• VP's Finance
• Financial Analysts
• Treasury Professionals
• Consultants

Our Approach One of our Senior Consultants will be selected to work with you to find the right position. That Senior Consultant will be your partner through the entire process, understanding your objectives, becoming familiar with the business environment you seek, in order to find the position that will help assure your long-term success.

As you may know, many of the best jobs are never advertised. Since CSS Professional Search works with hundreds of companies, large and small, we have the network of contacts essential to the job that best meets your requirements.

Learn more by contacting us today.

1. How to do well on any job interview...
   1. Do your homework about the company. By researching the company, its executives and its business you get a clear understanding of what the company does and where it stands in the industry.
      • Strategies: Call the company's switchboard for its web site address and to request some general company brochures. Ask around to find out about its reputation. Also read any publications or press releases you can find that cover the company and the key people - any library will have past records.
   2. Rehearse your interview script. Great trial lawyers avoid asking a question to which they do not already know the answer. Likewise, during an interview, you should not hear a question you have not already anticipated.
      • Strategy: List the obvious questions, and using a tape recorder, practice interviews, and play them back. Keep answering the questions until you sound convincing and confident!
   3. Be prepared to explain the negatives about your resume. These include any gaps in time - staying home to care for the children... taking a sabbatical. All are acceptable explanations. You don't have to hide that you were let go because of a layoff or downsizing.
   4. Describe your previous business relationships cautiously and creatively - especially if you had a problem boss. Attribute problems to differences in expectations and structural changes. Don't demean anyone! Remember, you are not at work to take things personally.
   5. Make it clear you want the job. Strangely enough, many job candidates fail to say they want the job! Many times an interviewer may give the job to the person who demonstrates the most enthusiasm for it. Watch the interviewer's body language - if they lean forward, then you lean forward, and if they lean back then you lean back.

2. INTERVIEWING TIPS
   1. Always bring at least two additional copies of your resume to every interview (you may meet with more than one person). It is also a great idea to have a pad of paper and a pen so that you can take notes if necessary (taking notes can be a good way to impress an interviewer that you are serious about your work, and that you are serious about wanting the position).
   2. Wear appropriate business clothing. Conservative is key. Overdoing jewelry, clothing, makeup, nail polish, or hair is not professional.
   3. Shake hands. Relax and be confident. Maintain eye contact. Be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet, SMILE! Remember, the receptionist will always discuss how you were acting in the lobby!
   4. Ask questions. Research the organization. Discuss products, services, and history. Avoid mentioning any scandals, financial or image problems that the corporation may have faced in the past.
   5. Do not leave without getting a business card from your interviewer in order to send a thank you note for the interview.

3. COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
   1. TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF.
      Don't spend too much time answering this one. Avoid details. Don't ramble. Answer should relate to the job opening and what you can do for the employer.
   2. WHY SHOULD WE HIRE YOU?
      Relate past experiences which represent success in solving problems which may be similar those of the prospective employer. Summarize your assets.
   3. WHAT ARE YOUR STRONG POINTS? WEAK POINTS?
      Present at least three strengths. Don't say you have no weaknesses, give only one. Explain a positive aspect of a possible weakness--such as I am impatient, I am a workaholic, or I have a problem finding the time to take a vacation!
   4. WHY ARE YOU LEAVING YOUR CURRENT POSITION?
      Never make a negative statement about your current employer or position! Focus on what you are eager to do rather than complaining about what you are currently doing. There is no acceptable way to state that you dislike your boss or co-workers without sounding as if you are difficult to please or get along with.
   5. WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS?
      Talk first about doing the job for which you are applying. Give long range (five or more years) and short-range (one to three years) objectives.

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