Well as the title says I have an interview coming up next week. Its been a while since I've been on one and probably my first interview in regards to my chosen profession. Any advice on how to prepare? Its a local accounting firm and they've sent me the application through email to fill out beforehand. Certain things I'm iffy on is expected salary. Should I just research the average starting salary for the position I am applying for? Another question on there is in regards to how fast I can type. I have no idea. I haven't tested my typing speed since middle school. Are there any places where I can do this. Personal references, who should I put down? I'm pretty nervous about this. Thanks for any help I really appreciate any feedback.
Research the company. Talk about them. Like on a date...get them to talk about themselves...they love it. As for salary, just say, "I would be more than happy to discuss that upon given an offer of employment. But in this interview, I want to make sure I'm a good fit for you, first." basically, early interviews are not a place for discussing numbers. If they insist, be vague somehow...like "commensurate with my experience, but willing to negotiate." just use their job posting wording back at them. But of course you could just say, "salary, of course, is important to me, but being with a company like yours is why I'm here. What do you offer as a salary and benefits package?" This will get them to change the subject...if that is what you want. You have the right to get an offer first. It will make you sound like you have other job offers on the table. Personal references...professors are great...or anyone in the field who is a friend of yours.
Thanks for the advice. So for the application that I need to turn in to them, should I just leave it blank?
I had a couple of friends applying for the big 4. Two got PWC, one got KPMG. I heard from one of them that the first interview is a behavioral/personal, so basically nothing technical. Assuming it's the same deal, I'd say do the following things; prepare an impressive anecdote about yourself based on your CV experience, a "leadership experience" that wouldn't fit on your CV (how you captained your basketball team or saved an orphan or something, I don't know), and an experience where you overcame an obstacle working with others. In my experience, having those three things prepared gets a lot of bases covered, as really, companies are looking for two things in behavioral; leadership and fit within organizations. In case they turn technical, it wouldn't be bad to brush up on a few basics. Just make sure you're up to speed.
oh, it's an application box. I don't know. But you have the interview, correct? The application no longer really matters. basically, your true answer is whatever you offer and I will decide. So, how do you put that in a box. You don't have to research the market average...you could just write "market avg" in the box...or say "negotiable" or "commensurate with X company's starting position" but yes, if you have the interview...I would say you can leave it blank. I'd probably leave it blank and let the interview process handle that question.
Thanks for the responses guys. Yea I have the interview set up so I guess I'll put negotiable on the application. The leadership thing sounds good. I need to brush up on as much as possible I hate being caught off guard by questions. Don't know if it puts things in perspective but it's not a big 4 but a mid size firm. I'll basically be meeting with the president of the company and a senior tax accountant.
QFT...anecdotes of how you are a team player are awesome. I prefer the time a saved a baby seal from getting it's head bashed in...and the time I jumped in front of the Japanese whaling vessel to show how dedicated I am to the cause..but Northside Storm probably has better stories. Just don't mention how you once got DaDakota to admit he was wrong the cf.net. They might become suspicious about your internet time.
tell them you won't even bother wasting your time interviewing with them until you get to negotiate your salary with them.
awesome...the president (research his/her name on the internet)....so much more reason to research the company so you sound knowledgeable of them. 9 out of 10 interviewees will not do this. And s/he won't give a damn about how you filled out the application form that HR gave you.
-Prepare a 2-3min speech about yourself for the "describe yourself" question. -Don't talk about salary numbers until they give you an offer. With an offer in front of you, salary, benefits, vacations are all negotiable. -If they ask you personality questions and give you a scenario, even if you haven't had experience dealing in that particular situation, start talking them through by describing what you would do in that situation. -Research the company, and make sure you have 4-5 good questions you want to ask them at the end of the interview. Like "what's the ideal employee in your opinion?" and "what's the best part of working for the company, and what's one thing you'd like to change?". That should leave an impression on them. -Eye contact and be confident.
I'd say if anything, that means you should focus more on the preparation and especially research more about the firm. The big 4 routinely make hiring decisions, and they don't particularly care if you know too much about them; they're the big 4, everyone knows something about them. A mid-size firm won't take hiring lightly---and it's obvious they're pulling the big guns. They do want you, so just chill, and you'll rock it. I'm sure of it. Just take the time to get to know them, and the company. For extra brownie points, look back at where you applied for the position; look through the list of qualifications they are looking for, then mentally, start tailoring some of your answers to those qualifications. I don't like to stress too much about memorization and regurgitating answers since an interview is a bit spontaneous, but personally, what I do sometimes, is take a few keywords from the list of things they ask for, and make sure I sprinkle them around. If they're looking for something special (Skill A would be an asset) make sure to mention it.
Another thing to keep in mind is that interviewers like to try and trip you up by asking about your negative qualities. I had this pop up a couple of times and the best thing to do is try to take a perceived negative and make it into a positive. In both cases I was asked this, I responded with the same statement and I think it came off pretty well (I got the job both times). I told them that one of my biggest weaknesses was also one of my biggest strengths. I get so focused in on a project until its completion (or something like that). I also threw in that I am fully capable of multi-tasking but really enjoy the challenge of completing a project before its completing due date. Hope this helps...it helped me a couple of times. And always be prepared for odd tangented questions.
Don't start this thread until you get an offer you turd.. useless.. probably not even going to get a phone call back. but good luck
All great advice guys. Thanks! One more question, they ask for 3 personal references and of course I don't want to put just anyone's name down but are friends who are already working in their respective profession ok? I've know them for a long time and are pretty professional.
Think of 4 or 5 major accomplishments or problems you've solved and have those guns ready to fire as the answers to questions about your work history. Try your best to make them match the question asked. Would be good if one or two of them involved resolving a workplace conflict.
