(Jan. 1, 2001) Wayne Mello is the Executive Director of Robert Half, a placement service for accounting and finance professionals. In this interview, Mello gives an overview of Robert Half's 2001 Salary Guide, including how salaries have changed in the past year and what firms are doing to attract the brightest job candidates. NOTE: A transcript of this interview is available by clicking on the link to the right under "Related Stories."

	Question 1
Our guest is Wayne Mello. Mr. Mello is the Executive Director of Robert Half. Would you start us off by telling us a bit more about yourself and Robert Half?

	Question 2
Let’s get right to what is first and foremost on both recruiters’ and job seekers’ minds: How have starting salaries in accounting and finance changed since last year’s salary study?

	Question 3
What are the skills and specialties most in demand?

	Question 4
What can accounting students today be doing now in order to be competitive, valuable candidates once they step into the job market?

	Question 5
What area of accounting has the least demand and why is it?

	Question 6
Are Internet and other tech companies as large of a threat to the accounting industry -- due to their attractiveness to graduates -- as they appeared to be in the past few years?

	Question 7
The Big Five and small accounting firms alike have been vocalizing the tough competition for employees due to the strong economy and low unemployment rate. What types of competitive compensation packages are large firms putting together to attract employees? Similarly, what are small firms doing to attract employees?

	Question 8
Beyond compensation packages, what are a few strategies for recruiting the best and brightest accounting candidates?

	Question 9
What are some tips for hiring managers when managing salary negotiations? And what are some tips for candidates when negotiating?

	Question 10
Accounting students tend to know about the opportunities available to them with accounting firms, large and small. What other career opportunities exist for accounting graduates -- or candidates in general?

	Question 11
The opportunities available in accounting tend to vary by region, from the Pacific Northwest to New England. What should job seekers take into consideration when looking for jobs in various locations?

	Question 12
In conclusion, what is the overall forecast for the accounting industry?

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