Everybody wants to be an accountant. It's one of the most popular careers for new grads. And, on average, a Big Four firm receives 26,000 job applications a year. So, how do you stand out from all the competition? Here's some helpful advice from the sources themselves.

Windup, and Here's the Pitch

"It's not about saying I'm a new grad and I can do everything," says John Sogawaof CMA. Narrow your pitch and say, "Here's where I want to go, and here are my career goals." You'll be seen as more unique, self-aware and self-directed.

Volunteer. Get Some Experience. Anywhere

We want someone who has the personality, who has high integrity, who has these tangible skills beyond the accounting realm," Andrew Golobic of Deloitte told us. In fact, every single person we spoke with said that extracurriculars will help seal your employment contract.

But, Will Christensen, National Campus Lead Talent Acquisition at Deloitte, said to make sure you're doing it for the right reason because "we're going to ask you." So avoid the laundry list of activities. "Pick one and do it well. Don't do 20 and do them all average," he advises.

The Degree Myth

Think you need a business or accounting degree? You don't. As Brian Leader, VP of Learning at Chartered Accountants of Canada (CA) told us, companies are always looking for diversity of thinking. Roughly 30 percent of students that go through the CA program have educational backgrounds that aren't Business or Accounting. So for you Engineering or Marketing grads out there, rest assured that you're welcome to join the ranks. "We definitely like them," he told us. And, uh, a passion for numbers helps too.

How Important Are My Grades?

Are you seriously wondering about this question? Super important! Do we really need to tell you this? If you're coming in lower than a B minus, stop reading this magazine and hit the books.

3 Reasons to Attend as Many Recruiting Events as Possible

1. University is the only place where hoards of employers will come to you. This will never happen again. Take advantage.
2. Career purgatory is working at a place that doesn't suit you. These events will give you a chance to get to know the people, the culture and the opportunities that exist at a particular company. You'll appreciate this later.
3. Personal connections. Chances are, the recruiters you meet will either a.) have influence on whether you get called in for an interview, or b.) actually be one of the people interviewing you.

4 Tips to Get You Through a Recruiting Event

1. "I'm going to be blunt: If there's alcohol on offer, don't get drunk. This is a recruiting event, and if you can't hold your alcohol, if you don't know how to drink in a professional setting, don't drink at all," says Will Christensen of Deloitte. Got it? Good.
2. Ask original questions. Don't say, "How is your company different?" As John Sogawasays, "know your audience." Do your research and come in knowing how the company is different. Then ask them about their new project/program/initiative that you read about in the Globe and Mail/local paper/heard about from one of your professors.
3. Don't swarm the partners or senior managers. Remember to speak with the junior accountants, too.
4. Guys, not sure if you should wear a tie? Wear a tie. Same for you, gals: dress professional.

Photo: Zoonar RF/Thinkstock