[Anonymous]

I have been networking hardcore during these last semesters (I graduate with the MAcc in Dec) and have been invited to come down to several firms to meet partners, staff etc. One partner said something to the effect of “between now and then, I encourage you to take a hard look at the auditing side of our firm and come with some really good questions for me and the staff. We’ll be able to what type of candidate you are largely by the kind of questions you ask” … What does this mean?? I imagine I will have so many questions about many things. What questions should I ask and what kind of candidate would he/they think I am by asking them?

[Missy]

They want to know that you did your homework on this firm and this office. Look up on the internet, linkedin, whatever you can find. You should have a good idea of how many people work in each side of the business, if there are many alumni from your school, etc. You should be able to ask very specifiic questions like “looks like 15 people in this office were promoted to senior last year, is that a typical year or were there any unusual factors”. You will likely be able to figure out who some of their clients are or at least the industries and ask questions like “manufacturers of high tech electronics have always fascinated me, what do you find unique about auditing those firms vs auditing manufacturers of consumer goods?”

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

You should not know obscure facts about them and ask questions to drmonstrate u know said obscure facts. Those questions are not natural at all. Just be friendly, curious, professional and ask questions about their careers, clients, culture…etc. Can't go wrong with that. Mla's second question is probably a good one if you phrase it like “on your website it says ur firm specializes in mfg, do you work on mfg clients?….and then ask follow up questions to show your interest. Remember ppl like to talk about themselves.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, sounds about right. What do you think be ment by “the type of questions you ask can tell us a lot about what kind of candidate you are”… Obviously it's too early to talk about salary right? Are there things I definately shouldn't ask, or topics to steer away from?

[Author]

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