Interview Help

Tauriel

I have got called for an interview with a brillant accounting firm for work placement during the summer. However I do not know what kind of questions they are going to ask me or if they will look for me to prepare some accounts right there for them.

I would appreciate any comments as I will not be able to set up a mock interview in time for it as there is a 1-2 week waiting list for an appointment with the career guidance in college!

LAVADUDE

Can you give us an idea of the size and location of the firm?
As this does matter, large firms tend to use more standardised questions and interview techniques. While medium/small firms have a less rigid interview format.

Anyway, main tips that should apply to most places

1) Look up the STAR technique for interview question
2) Prepare examples where you showed key skills/competences such as team work, leadership, communication, working to a deadline, time management etc. using the STAR technique.
3) Know a bit about the firm and the main services they offer, you'll be amazed at how many people don't do this
4) Know a bit about the current economic situation and be able to talk about it. For examples our recent strong export growth
5) They might ask you what skills do you think you need for this job
6) Know your CV and every single detail you put on it

7) Also if your asked what is your biggest weakness do not say "I strive for perfection too much" everyone uses this but do not spend too much time worrying about this, as this question is rarely asked by people who are used to doing interviews

8) If you're asked "tell me about yourself" they do NOT want "I was born in Ballymacnowhere and my dad was a jam maker"".
I answered this question along the lines of:
"I was always interested in accounting since doing buisness at J.Cert, so I decided to keep it on for L.Cert and I grew more interested in it, so I decided to do business in (Enter College) as it was a course I felt it was the best course available to me. At (Enter college), I got involved in (Enter society name/ club name) and held the position as (Enter position), this taught me (name skills learnt and give a few examples of what you did). At the end of/finishing my degree and getting exposure to the accounting modules which I enjoyed I specalise in accounting/auditing/tax for my future career"

9) Dress business formal not "going to a nightclub/wedding" formal
10) If there are 2 interviewers, make sure you pay attention to the one who asked the question but also from time to time face the other one and talk, this shows your inclusive.
11) Have your right hand free when you meet them as you'll be expected to shake hands
12) Ask questions at the end, such as future opportunities in the firm, how other new recruits have gotten on
13) Do not bring up the issue of wage/salary/benefits/holiday

Good luck:)

Tauriel

It's a medium sized firm based in Cork City and there is only one position available

LAVADUDE

Not much more advice I can give you except practice saying your answers out loud with someone you know, you might know in your head what you want to say but not exactly sure how to say it, this will help you overcome this.

Arrive early but not too early, about 15 minutes, know where your interview is taking place, take a practice run there if you don't know its location.

Also they're not going to be looking for technical knowledge but more for an eagerness to learn, so no need to act like a know it all