Getting your foot in the door of a ‘Best’ company

Fortune magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” have something in common?even during downturns in the economy, they still manage to record job growth. In addition, these companies which include Google, Nike and each of the Big Four accounting firms, have the highest ratings when it comes to management philosophy, job satisfaction, benefits and compensation, and other positive attributes.

If you want to get your foot in the door of one of these companies, here are a few suggestions:

1. It helps to know someone. Most of the Best Companies on Fortune’s list rely heavily on referrals. Think about any possible connections you have to the company and use them to your advantage.
   
   
2. Play up volunteer work on your resume. Many of the Best Companies value community outreach, so don’t forget to mention any volunteer work you’ve done.
   
   
3. Get ready to interview and interview and interview… You might be faced with a long series of brief interviews, or you could have a panel of employees interviewing you all at once. Any scenario is possible so be prepared.
   
   
4. Unleash your inner story-teller. The most popular interview style among these companies is “behavioral” interviewing?which means that you have to describe a specific situation in your past experience and how you handled it. Practice some possible scenarios before your interview.
   
   
5. Do creative research. You need to know about the company and industry, but a Google search won’t cut it. Be more detailed in your research, speaking with anyone who could give you more background information.
   
   
6. There’s no “I” in team, right? The 100 Best want to hire team players. Don’t just focus on yourself, focus on how you’ve worked with others to achieve goals.
   
   
7. If you’ve moved around a lot, be ready to explain why. Companies don’t want to hire someone who plans to leave in a few months. Make sure they understand that you’re ready to build a career.
   
   
8. Be open to learning new things. Many Best Companies try to create an atmosphere of ongoing learning. Express interest in things you’d like to do or skills you want to acquire. It shows your passion and won’t send a message of “I already know it all.”
   
   
9. If at first you don’t succeed, don’t give up. Almost across the board, Best Companies track candidates who were a close second in the hiring process. If you were passed over, it’s possible the company will call you again when another opportunity becomes available.
   
   
10. Don’t coast on their reputation. Don’t apply for a job simply because the company is on Fortune’s Best 100 Companies list. Ultimately you’re looking for the best fit for you, and that may be with a smaller, little-known company. Keep your options open.

The following CPA firms were included in the Best 100 list:

• #44?Plante & Moran
• #57?Ernst & Young
• #71?KPMG
• #90?PricewaterhouseCoopers
• #95?Deloitte & Touche USA

Check out Fortune’s complete list of the 100 Best Companies to work for.

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