Trainee position Interview

Gael23

I have an Interview during the week for a fairly small firm so well outside of the top 10. I was wondering what kind of questions should I be prepared for aside from the usual HR stuff?
The interview is with 2 partners by the way.

CIARAN_BOYLE

ryanf1 wrote: »

I have an Interview during the week for a fairly small firm so well outside of the top 10. I was wondering what kind of questions should I be prepared for aside from the usual HR stuff?
The interview is with 2 partners by the way.

Why a small firm.

We dont pay as much as big 4 do you like money?

Gael23

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Why a small firm.

We dont pay as much as big 4 do you like money?

I would love to have gone for big4 but they wont look at you without a 2:1 degree and thats something I dont have

smcgiff

ryanf1 wrote: »

I would love to have gone for big4 but they wont look at you without a 2:1 degree and thats something I dont have

Pretty sure he was suggesting it as a question by the interviewer. BTW, don't give that as your answer.

Gael23

smcgiff wrote: »

Pretty sure he was suggesting it as a question by the interviewer. BTW, don't give that as your answer.

Oh I took it as a question to me! I actually have an answer prepared for that. I would say how I feel I would get more rounded training in a small firm and be presented with more opportunities to learn.

CIARAN_BOYLE

ryanf1 wrote: »

Oh I took it as a question to me! I actually have an answer prepared for that. I would say how I feel I would get more rounded training in a small firm and be presented with more opportunities to learn.

No, I'm a trainee in a small firm and they were two questions I was asked.

Trainee123

I'm a trainee in a small firm also.

They started off by asking about me and a few details about me. So I went into talking about my college and that. I was asked about my college/projects I had done. (but I had mentioned projects on my CV). I was asked about my interests. I was asked about exemptions ( I knew about what I would have from both the ACA and ACCA qualifications). There was a lot of discussion about managing studying/working full time but I made a point about having done this before. I ask also asked about why I would want to work for a smaller firm over a larger firm.

It's very general to be honest. And it's more of a chat. Don't be nervous, be yourself! Best of luck!

Gael23

Trainee123 wrote: »

I'm a trainee in a small firm also.

They started off by asking about me and a few details about me. So I went into talking about my college and that. I was asked about my college/projects I had done. (but I had mentioned projects on my CV). I was asked about my interests. I was asked about exemptions ( I knew about what I would have from both the ACA and ACCA qualifications). There was a lot of discussion about managing studying/working full time but I made a point about having done this before. I ask also asked about why I would want to work for a smaller firm over a larger firm.

It's very general to be honest. And it's more of a chat. Don't be nervous, be yourself! Best of luck!

Im a little worried about the tell me about yourself question but other than that I have a good bit prepared

Trainee123

ryanf1 wrote: »

Im a little worried about the tell me about yourself question but other than that I have a good bit prepared

I was told never to start with "Well my name is....." because they know it

I just went straight into my education. "I have just completed a Hons in Accounting at .... I chose this college because.... During my years here...." I know this would be on the CV where you studied but you can talk about why you picked that college (pick something that sounds good - exemption reasons, course structure, heard the course was good) and things you did during college - like if you were involved in any societies or sports.

It sort of geared towards them asking me more about my college which was my strong area as I didn't have accountancy work experience.

Do you know what qualification the firm operates? If I were you, I would find out which exemptions you'd have from the qualification(s). I think it looks good that you would know this.




Also, I forgot about looking at their website! In two interviews I had, the asked what I thought about their website.

Gael23

I had the interview yesterday.
First thing I thought was odd was how short it was, around 20 minutes. Not sure what to make of that.
The questons he asked were very specific and t the point so there wasn't much room for me to throw extra things in that I wanted to talk about. One of the first things he asked was how did my exams go. Icouldn't lie that I failed one but I tried to turn it around by saying I learned a valuable lesson from it to be better prepared next time.
I got the feeling he was impressed by my work experience and my degree so hopefuly that will go in my favour, even though my grades could be better.
He asked me what exams I was interested in doing and in what order as well so hopefully that means he's interested in me.
I came away with mixed feelings so I guess I just have to wait now.

smcgiff

ryanf1 wrote: »

I had the interview yesterday.
First thing I thought was odd was how short it was, around 20 minutes. Not sure what to make of that.
The questons he asked were very specific and t the point so there wasn't much room for me to throw extra things in that I wanted to talk about. One of the first things he asked was how did my exams go. Icouldn't lie that I failed one but I tried to turn it around by saying I learned a valuable lesson from it to be better prepared next time.
I got the feeling he was impressed by my work experience and my degree so hopefuly that will go in my favour, even though my grades could be better.
He asked me what exams I was interested in doing and in what order as well so hopefully that means he's interested in me.
I came away with mixed feelings so I guess I just have to wait now.

I'd say 20 minutes is plenty for that type of interview. Good luck.

Jim2007

ryanf1 wrote: »

Oh I took it as a question to me! I actually have an answer prepared for that. I would say how I feel I would get more rounded training in a small firm and be presented with more opportunities to learn.

"Well we don't don't have an audit department, no company sec or investment advisory, so how can that be a rounded training experience?"

smcgiff

Jim2007 wrote: »

"Well we don't don't have an audit department, no company sec or investment advisory, so how can that be a rounded training experience?"

"It can't. Thanks and good luck." *exits and slams door*