Career Tips from Robert Half International Robert Half International, Inc. is the world's largest staffing service in accoutning, financial, banking, and information systems. Here you will find tips from Robert Half about career skills and interview techniques. Select a topic to the left. For insights into a successful interview, check out the Robert Half Career Center. Attitude The way you present yourself is important throughout your career, not just during a job interview. Be confident and friendly. Always be prompt, and work hard. Put in the hours necessary to do first-rate work. Be enthusiastic and be ready to perform first-rate work no matter what you're asked to do. Enthusiasm can help you get a job done faster. You'll have time to take on exciting new challenges. Back to top Benefits Money is not all a company can offer. Some companies offer benefits such as advancement opportunities, stock options, tuition reimbursement, training, telecommuting, flex-time and child-care. Employees who feel valued work harder. Back to top Career Goals Higher positions do not mean shorter hours. Among executives surveyed, 76 percent said they spend more time in the office than they did five years ago. Employees who want to advance as a company expands will often work additional hours at home. Back to top Communication Skills Communication is very important in a team-oriented environment. Learn to communicate your ideas to others through written memos or verbal updates. Always keep your supervisor updated on the status of your projects. Numbers are important to accountants, but 96 percent of financial executives say communication skills are essential. Learn what it takes to clearly put your ideas into writing and practice speaking to large groups of people. Back to top Leadership Many companies look for leadership potential in new employees. Look beyond your immediate area of responsibility. Help your colleagues, learn what motivates and inspires people, and take on new challenges. Back to top Math and Reading Skills When hiring, many companies find applicants who do not have basic math, reading, writing or leadership skills. You can improve your chances of being hired by working on weaknesses in these areas before you go to a job interview. Back to top Second Languages When focusing on an accounting career, don't forget to learn a second language. Among executives surveyed, 63 percent said Spanish is the most important language to know as business becomes more global. Back to top Team Efforts In business, success is usually a team effort. Help out whenever your help is necessary, even if it is "not your job." Show initiative, and offer credit to the group when someone complements a job well done. Many executives believe a good team player is one who can meet deadlines. Everyone must help keep a project on track. If you don't, everyone else has to work harder to compensate. Back to top Technology Computers are part of the accounting profession. Spend some time on the Internet and see what is available on the topics of computerized accounting. Discover the latest business trends and learn to research new information about the industry. Back to top Time Management Learn to manage your time by planning ahead. Get organized with a "to-do" list. Gather your supplies and resources for each task, then set priorities and schedule similar tasks together. Back to top