Helpful Resources

Proven Interview Tips That Work

Stating the obvious:

* Dress - Wear your most conservative, professional attire.

* Start off with a firm handshake.

* Always make good eye contact.

* Be mindful of any nervous behavior.

* Thank each person for taking time out of their schedule to meet with you. (Do this at the beginning AND the end.)

Things to bring:

* A few copies of your resume. (You don't need to offer it, but you should have it available if the client requests.)

* Research on the company. (It is a demonstration of your initiative and preparation.)

Personality and enthusiasm are the two most important things!  Make sure you let everyone you meet with know how excited you are about this opportunity. You can actually say to them " This position is exactly what I am looking for."

Be Confident, but don't be arrogant or oversell yourself.

Be ready with plenty of examples. You should have an example for every point on you resume

Things you should NEVER do on an interview:

* NEVER discuss salary, work hours, benefits or commute. (It makes you look like you are not focused on the opportunity. If they ask you what salary you are looking for, let them know that salary is not the motivating factor and that you are more concerned with finding the "right" opportunity. If pushed let them know what you are currently earning and tell them that you would consider any reasonable offer.)

* NEVER speak negatively about your current or previous employer.

Questions to be ready for:

* Tell me about yourself? (Keep it professional; brief description of job duties, reasons for leaving, etc.)

* What do you know about our company? (This is where your internet research comes in.)

* Why are your leaving your current position? (Be ready to give good reasons for all job changes.)

* What are your strengths? (Don't just give them a strength, also give them an example.)

* What are your weaknesses? (Mention a weakness that can also be positive such as "I am too detail oriented".)

* What do you like about your current position?

* What do you dislike about your current position? Be very careful not to say anything negative.

* What challenges have you faced in your career and how did you overcome them?

Questions to ask:

* What is the most challenging part of this position?

* What do you think will be my biggest challenge in the 1st 90 days?

* Based on my background, where can I make the most impact in the 1st 90 days?

* What qualities are you looking for in the candidate that will fill this job? (Keep them in mind as you answer your questions.)

* What do I need to do to get this position?

* Do you have any hesitations about my background as it relates to this position? (Ask this as your last question.)

DO NOT TALK ABOUT SALARY

If someone asks you how much you're making, simply tell them, " I know salary is important to everyone, but I'm here to learn about the opportunity and determine if this is the right fit for my career. However, if this is the right, I will consider all reasonable offers." If pressed, then tell them your last position's base salary plus any bonuses and what you W-2'd the year before. Do not "fudge the numbers" - this will come out during negotiations.

Finally, and most importantly...ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH.  I know it sounds simple, but Accounting and Finance are "credibility" professions. We have seen many candidates lose opportunities that they would have otherwise received, because of deception about or omission of key facts such as reasons for leaving positions, specific salary history or credit/criminal background.

Also, try to get contact information/business card from each person you meet so you can e-mail a thank you note.