[kleon52]

In a couple days I will be interviewing for a a private (manufacturing) staff accountant job

In short, my problem is that I am not good at interviewing and come off as “not confident”

This is the same feedback i get in most interviews in the last 3-4 years, I have not been able to lock any offers since undergrad and grad

Does anyone have some serious, genuine advice?

I know the STAR method, “be your self,” etc but all of that is easier said than done.

The only job I have now is a temp job and I only have that because there was no interview. I have done about 30-40 interviews and have never locked in an offer. I had interviews with all the big 4, a lot of middle tier companies, private industry, government, etc.

Quick bio:

CPA Candidate (see sig)

Bachelors in Accy: top 5 program

Masters in Accy: top 5 program

Volunteer work in tax

Currently a staff accountant

Competitive GPA

Involved in many extra curriculars in school + part time job

REG: 80
AUD: 82
BEC: 83
FAR: 83
Finished Feb 2015, 5-6months

Ninja MCQ for AUD, BEC, & FAR

[Anonymous]

I'm so laid back, when I interview candidates I end up talking more than conducting the formal stiff interviews. I know that confidence is important. Even if you don't have any, fake it. Make a list of 2 or 3 things you have worked on and you feel like you did a great job, or were told you did a great job. I have interviewed so many women (its normally women) who are more comfortable downgrading their accomplishments then they are “promoting” them. I tell my kids and employees all the time, you have to know your worth and go after it.

Smile, make some eye contact. Go in with some questions to ask them about the position; who would you report to, what is a normal weekly schedule like; etc. Anything is better than nothing.

I am a very shy person, it took me a long time to gain confidence and to feel comfortable in interviews. I personally have only ever been on 3 job interviews, so I am a little green in that as well. Maybe that's why I am laid back. I just don't like to be stiff, rehearsed, etc. I don't know if any of this helps at all. But if you are super shy, it may not hurt to state that. I am shy, but once I get comfortable and know people that all changes, so it could help to disclose that, if you feel that it could help explain your “lack of confidence”.

Good Luck!

[Author]

Replies