Today's accountants must be able to explain complex data and concepts to diverse audiences, including clients, senior management and colleagues from other departments. Many times, these contacts do not have financial backgrounds, making it imperative for the presenter to deliver the information in ways that everyone involved can comprehend.

With the growing emphasis placed on the ability to communicate effectively, how can candidates prove to hiring managers they have the requisite skills? Following are some ways to highlight strength in this area during job interviews:

• Be prepared. Research the company and position thoroughly so you are able to converse with ease and pose insightful inquires. Before the interview, rehearse your responses to common interview questions as well as your delivery.
  
  
• Mention past achievements and awards. When appropriate, discuss recognition you've received for public speaking or writing. Or, if you managed a highly accomplished project team, emphasize how your ability to effectively communicate key goals to group members led to the initiative's success.
  
  
• Highlight speeches and editorial contributions. Are you involved with Toastmasters, or are you a regular presenter at industry events? Perhaps you contribute columns on topics of interest for your local chapter of an accounting organization. These are all compelling points to convey to hiring managers.
  
  
• Discuss steps you're taking to improve. Employers want to see candidates who are committed to continually enhancing their skills. When the opportunity arises, make sure to mention any public speaking or writing courses you are taking currently or have taken recently.
  
  
• Listen attentively. A major part of communicating effectively is being a good listener. Avoid thinking about the next thing you want to say while the interviewer is asking you a question. Let the hiring manager finish and then take a moment to gather your thoughts. You'll show you are truly interested in learning about the other person's concerns, developing a stronger rapport in the process, and can learn more about what the employer is looking for from you.
  
  
• Ask insightful questions. At some point in the interview, typically toward the conclusion, the hiring manager may ask if you have any questions about the role or organization. Bring up subjects that demonstrate your expertise but also spark continued conversation. For example: "I recently read that you are launching a new product. How will this help the company capture marketshare from Competitor Y?" This should prompt additional discussion and allow you to further highlight your speaking abilities.
  
  
• Offer thanks. Eighty-six percent of executives in a Robert Half survey said they consider post-interview thank-you notes influential when evaluating job applicants. This is an opportunity to distinguish yourself among other candidates and to highlight your writing skills. It's generally best to keep the message brief, but make sure to express your appreciation and summarize why you are the right fit for the role.

To advance in your accounting career you need strong communication skills. Although you may not have a chance to deliver a 45-minute speech on current industry trends or write Pulitzer Prize-winning prose when applying for a new position, you can still impress hiring managers with your abilities. By understanding what you want to say during the interview and when to bring up key points, you can turn this discussion into an opportunity to not only highlight your qualifications but also demonstrate your communication prowess.

ROBERT HALF INTERNATIONAL, founded in 1948, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company's financial staffing divisions include Accountemps, Robert Half Finance & Accounting and Robert Half Management Resources, for temporary, full-time and senior-level project professionals, respectively. For more information about Robert Half International, please visit www.rhi.com.