The X factor – 4 ways to stand out in your firm

So, you’ve blitzed the competition and have landed a role at the professional organisation of your dreams. Congratulations!

But don’t get too comfortable.

Winning over a hiring manager is just the first phase when it comes to proving your worth. Taking the initiative and making regular contributions will help you stand out as your firm’s newest shining star.

Here are four tried-and-tested strategies for stepping up from the first rung on your career ladder.

The rise of a tax star – Elissa Romanin

Elissa Romanin didn’t originally choose a career in tax. Instead, she says, “tax found me.”

Imagining her future in a commercial role, Elissa completed a law degree, “because it was a good thing to have,” she says.

Graduate attributes that boost your employability

Do you have a graduate (or even postgraduate) tax qualification? Are you looking to land a prestige tax, accounting or legal position?

To separate yourself from the pack of other candidates in the eyes of prospective employers, it pays to demonstrate the following four attributes.

How to make the most of your Mondays

Nothing sends your productivity into overdrive like getting a flying start to the week. You might think of each Monday as the ‘weekend hangover’, but it’s better to use the day as an opportunity to establish your priorities and beat your deadlines.

Whether you’re facing five days filled with client meetings or completing the last phase of a project that requires your analytical skills to be razor-sharp, here are four top tips for making the most of your Mondays.

Build your resume while you study

A ‘Catch 22’ situation exists for many younger graduates – employers often require that you already have relevant work experience before they’ll consider hiring you, but you need to secure that first job to gain experience.

Achieving a high-distinction average in your undergraduate studies or mastering your taxation law units is likely not enough to help you land the job of your dreams. While recruiters and hiring managers seek candidates who show academic rigour, many also require that you demonstrate passion, focus, drive and initiative in a practical environment.

There’s no reason to despair, however, if you’re still studying for your degree. There are countless ways to begin proving to your potential employer that your contribution to their business will go well beyond balancing the books.

Here are four strategies for building your résumé while you study – because it's never too early to begin your career in a ‘real world’ sense.