[jkpoker1]

Does anyone have solid interview advice for someone that is pretty socially awkward? I’ve had around 8-9 interviews and just graduated from college. Around 7 interviews I had during school so not getting a job then really didn’t bother me too much because it seemed like many places wanted people that could work at that time.

I’ve had 3 interviews since graduating (1 extremely small cpa firm, internship, and another small cpa firm). I’ve had 4 interviews with CPA firms so far and the interview questions are really simple. They never ask anything that made me really stumble and just your basic questions (favorite accounting topic, career goals, etc.). I’m currently studying for the CPA exam and have also had interviews with non-publics and they always seem really perturbed to the fact I want to become a CPA. This is probably obvious but should I lie to non public firms about my ambition to be a CPA? Also I feel really dejected due to all of my failures. My gpa was pretty weak in college (3.0), however I feel like the fact I had a leadership position in a business club and a solid year of internship experience should really give me the edge to at least find an entry level job. I’ve also been really irritated because I have sent thank you letters to many of the interviewers and a few have not contacted me at all regarding the position (sorry but I believe a letter in mail would be much better, its so tacky they don’t even contact you to say they decline you from a position). I’m currently waiting to hear back from a position however I feel like I will not get it because they said to expect to hear back last week and I just got an email from the interviewer saying she was sorry for being nervous and that she was new to the interview process (in response to my thank you letter).

Sorry for this long paragraph but thankfully I’ve been getting a lot of interviews. Any solid advice about interviews? I just don’t want to go through 10 more interviews and not get a job because I feel like my confidence will be so low if I get to that point. Thanks for any advice.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[foreseeableCPA]

Congrats on getting several interviews. That means they definitely like what they see on paper. Something might be lacking in your interviews. I'm not the most social guy, but I try to be as personable as possible when doing interviews. At times, I would even joke around with the interviewer. Don't try to overly impress them with all your education, all they are looking for is someone who they will get along with at work. If you can put a legitimate smile on their faces, they will certainly want to work with you. Also, always make sure to keep your tone in check. Don't sound like a know-it-all and don't sound irritated. My sister sometimes gives off an attitude when she answers questions and she doesnt even know that she is conveying herself that way. Lastly and most importantly, just be yourself!! Good luck and I'm sure you'll find a job soon.

CPA - Class of 2013
CIA - Class of 2016

[P or F.. I think Im gonna BARF]

^^^ I would not recommend this at all. Keep in mind, I live in a massive city, yet the accounting profession is a small world. If one of your interviewers smells alcohol in your breath, you take the risk that you will hear about it again as word travels fast.

Why don't you try looking around the interviewers office for a personal item, and make small conversation over what you see. If the company's office is in a great location, talk about how accessible the office is… whatever it takes to make small chat and make you more comfortable in the interview.

B - (08/29/2013) Passed
A - (07/02/2013) Passed
R - (10/17/2013) 73 - Rematch
F - (05/29/2013) Passed

[Anonymous]

Confidence is key and so fake it til you make it (and fall apart after the interview)! Use strong sentences like “While I may be a recent graduate, I am goal oriented, learn quickly and have a strong desire to succeed in this profession.” I am excited about this position.” and my personal favorite “I am confident that I will be a valuable addition to your team.” If it is an “In-person” interview, walk in confidently, give eye contact with the interviewer, smile and give a firm handshake. Past interviews are just that…in the past…forget them…gather all your confidence and make this the one that lands the job!

They should be afraid to hire anyone else but you when you are done with them. Go get 'em Tiger! RROOOAARRR!!!

[jaredo155]

I would say first and foremost do not get discouraged, the economy is improving but it can still be tough to find an entry level job right now. I don't think not being outgoing or being nervous in an interview is going to hurt you, especially for an entry level position. Granted I have never worked in public, but I was in corporate accounting for right around 5 years and most accountants aren't outgoing. I mean you have a good mix of personalities in accounting usually, but the majority of accountants I met internally, and external auditors as well, were a little bit socially awkward (that is why we become accountants right, because we want to work with numbers not people).

So what advice would I give, it sounds like maybe you just haven't found a position where your personality is a good fit. It can be frustrating up front when you aren't finding a job, but trust me you would rather it take an extra month or two to find a job than to be in an environment where you won't fit in. Another thing is try to remember going in that while they have a job to offer, you are offering a young professional fresh out of school willing to work hard who is already ambitiously pursuing their CPA. I think if you can remember that you have as much to offer them as they have to offer you, it might help calm your nerves and allow you to just be yourself more in the interview.

I hope that helps a little and best of luck!

AUD - 2/2013 - Passed!
BEC - 5/2013 - Passed!
FAR - 8/2013 - Passed!
REG - 11/2013 - Passed!
"Do or do not, there is no try." - Yoda

[Gerg, CPA]

might be worthwhile to meet with a recruiter or similar professional. there are people that can coach you on how you interview

FAR - 1/26/2012 - PASSED (78, but Lost credit), re-do 11/27/2013 - PASSED (87)!
AUD - EPIC FAIL, 71, 69; 68; 5/25/2013 - PASSED (85)!
REG - 10/1/2012 - 72; 7/1/2013 - 73 UGH, 10/1/2013 - PASSED (85)!
BEC - 2/28/2013 - PASSED (82)!
Licensed CPA!

Used Becker self-study materials (just this for FAR original & REG #1), WileyTestBank, NINJA notes/audio, and Roger cram course for AUD #5, REG #3 & FAR reboot. CPA!

[Anonymous]

@OP, I think practice is key for your situation. See if your college's career center can set up some mock interviews. Like I said previously, it's great practice and they'll give you feedback you can apply to your real life interviews.

“Practice is the mother of skill” – Some dude I don't know.

[jkpoker1]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will somehow try mock interviews. I recently had 2 interviews and while 1 went ok, the other was terrible. It wasn't necessarily an accounting position (assistant revenue analyst), I had to meet with 4 people (3 different sets of people for 15 minutes of each person). It was beyond terrible. When first interviewer was describing job, I could tell my face was turning red and I was extremely nervous. The 2nd interview told me it was ok and to not be so nervous (this is when I knew the interview was going terrible and I wouldn't get a job there, which I'm fine with bc its not accounting). Finally, I met with 2 more interviewers and the final head interviewer didn't meet with me bc he was busy (other interviewer said he bailed on 75% of previous candidates bc he is busy in morning….. which i lol'd at in my head bc I know I will not get job). Honestly, it was probably the worst interview I've ever had however I thought it was obviously good practice with behavioral questions.

I think I need to do many mock interviews and hopefully receive feedback that can help me. I believe my eye contact, posture, and probably just poor body language make me look overly nervous which is extremely negative. I have gotten many interviews but never have received a 2nd round interview (idk how common these are for entry level postions outside big 4 or public accounting?).

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[peetree]

This is an old thread but another tip that I have that many people don't do (which is surprising given our profession) is if the company you're interviewing for is publicly traded, look up their most recent 10Q and 10K and look for any details that seem to stand out or anything that makes you interested. Anyone can go to a company website and write down the different brands they have but come into an interview with an understanding on how their debt structure has changed over the last three years and you're sure to impress someone.

The trick is to not just blurt out random facts but to form it as a question. For example, I recently interviewed at a manufacturing company that used LIFO for two plants and FIFO for the rest of their plants. I formed my question as “I briefly took some time to look at your recent filings and noticed you guys use LIFO for two plants and FIFO for the remaining plants. Does it cause any headache when trying to consolidate entity wide financials?”

Questions like that show that you're both informed, inquisitive, and are actually excited about learning about the company from a financial aspect, not just what “emerging markets they are deciding to go after”

FAR 02/21/13 - 95
REG 07/02/13 - 87
AUD 08/02/13 - 94
BEC 08/30/13 - 85
Ethics Exam - 90

Illinois candidate awaiting his license

Used Becker Self Study | Ninja Audio | Becker Flash Cards | Ninja Notes | Wiley Test Bank

[Anonymous]

I am a bit socially awkward as well. I am not good at keeping a conversation going or trying to be a salesman, so I had a difficult time trying to sell myself in interviews. The one thing that worked for me best was practice. I took the most common interview questions I could find(it was a list of about 20 questions) and wrote down well thought out answers that highlighted my strongest characteristics. Then I would practice the answers with friends and family, so I knew how to answer questions. You do not want to sound rehearsed, so don't memorize your answers word for word. Also, make sure you can talk about everything on your resume in detail. Most interviewers will ask you about something on it. There are plenty of videos online that will help you with preparing. Also, make sure to ask good questions that show you put some effort into preparing for the interview and will get the interviewer talking.

I will say that after doing this I received two offers from a big 4 and a regional firm, as well as an internship at a big healthcare company. Before I practiced, I wouldn't even get second round interviews.

[Whopper Warrior]

Also I would highlight different accomplishments that are not on your resume. For example my resume was stacked with accounting experiences (classes, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, and some other miscellaneous office work). When asked what was one my greatest achievements? I respond being “employee of the month” at burger king in high school. It shows that I have even more experience then what is on my resume, and does not bore them with what they read.

If they do ask you about something on your resume, be able to craft a description of your job; specifically your ability to solve problems individually and be a team player when need be.

DO NOT go into personal achievements. I used to say my greatest accomplishment was biking up mount Cadillac without stopping (one of the highest mountains on the Eastern Sea Board) and never received an offer. Changed that to the Burger King EoM, and some other things and BLAM, in the money. If its informal I think you can be a little more personal, but if not I would strictly stay on the course of how you add value.

Recent College Grad

ALL 4 parts passed summer 13
Ethics October 13
Experience (waiting)

Becker Only

[peetree]

I agree Whopper. I feel like the only time you should throw in personal things is at the end of the interview if they ask you something like, “what do you have planned for the weekend?” and even then, you don't say you're going to go get bombed FRI SAT and part of SUN. You keep it light like, “I have a friend coming in that I haven't seen in forever so I'm excited to catch up with them.”

Any where else in the interview, try to keep it related to either the industry or the job.

FAR 02/21/13 - 95
REG 07/02/13 - 87
AUD 08/02/13 - 94
BEC 08/30/13 - 85
Ethics Exam - 90

Illinois candidate awaiting his license

Used Becker Self Study | Ninja Audio | Becker Flash Cards | Ninja Notes | Wiley Test Bank

[jkpoker1]

I had another interview today with a healthcare provider. I swear getting the first job is difficult. I will go through on campus recruiting at my college this semester but I honestly believe I'll be lucky if I get 2-3 interviews (out of 30-40 possible firms). How can I expect to get a job with no real relevant experience. I've had 1 year of experience doing a/p so I feel like a lot of employers don't really care about that experience.

I always feel like the same similar questions are asked (past experience, behavioral questions, etc.) but there are always 1-2 questions that stump me that cause me to have to create some BS answer that is probably poorly-worded. I swear thinking on the fly for me is so difficult at interviews. Also how long should a solid interview go? Most of my interviews last 20-30 minutes. This is a good time frame correct? I feel like I don't really back up a lot of the things I say with solid detail because I honestly had a really poor internship experience without a lot of responsibility (basically just did projects for company controller, A/P, and data-entry).

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Anonymous]

my last couple interviews averaged 45 min to an hour, and i met with 3-4 ppl each. i've been really slacking on sending out thank you letters though. in fact, after the interview for my current job, the interviewer actually sent me an email asking if i was still interested, and said she was concerned cuz i didnt send a thank you letter lol

[jkpoker1]

Hey, I've also been really lazy sending thank you letters also. I honestly don't believe they mean much but its probably a smart move to make. I believe they have no impact whether you get the job or not but I'm sure interviewers respect the thank you. Also with my interviews, I've typically only been interviewed by 1 person normally (a lot of smaller firms). I've only been interviewed by 2+ people maybe 2-3 times.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Anonymous]

Interviews can be… unpredictable b/c you may not know who will end up interviewing you. Is it HR? Or a manager+?

On top of that, you will have interviews where it's very conversational and laid back (typically with partners), or you can have interviews that can get pretty formal (objective, resume based, etc.)

Generally speaking, I think it's a very good idea to prepare answers beforehand for the common questions you will most likely receive (which I'm sure you already know by now) (e.g. Why public accounting? Why do you want to work here? Tell me about a time… etc.)

Personally, every time I enter an interview, I set a goal to establish some form of common ground or connection. This alone, can sway your interviewer to extend you the offer. This can be done by including some unique interests/hobbies in your resume, or you can try to scan the interviewer's office for some clues on conversational topics.

By establishing this connection, you're able to gain confidence and actually feel a bit more at ease. This also makes a huge impression you have on your interviewer.

In other words, you basically want to find a way to stand out for your interviewer(s)– especially if there are a number of candidates for the position. You want to show interviewers a glimpse of your personality. Be genuine, otherwise they can see straight through it.

It's common courtesy to send thank you emails to whoever was involved in your recruiting process (recruiters, interviewers, professionals that you met at events, etc.) It may not make or break your chances– but it doesn't hurt to cover that base.

[Author]

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