I will save any CPA Exam tips until after I am done, but I will offer a piece a select few tips for interviewing.
1. If you can schedule it in this way, do NOT have the place you want to work at be one of your first three interviews. Interviewing is like a relationship. You aren't really sure how to handle it at first, you might say the wrong thing and get funny looks, or you might be so nervous and wind up not saying a word at all. Don't lie, we've all been there in relationships. You need to be comfortable with who you are speaking with. Interviewers can tell by body language and how well you articulate if you have self-confidence. Just like in a relationship, self-confidence is attractive.
2. REMEMBER: They aren't just interviewing you. You're interviewing THEM. Who are they anyway? Possibly your future manager? So what…they're still just a human. They go home and do the same types of thing as anyone. They were once in your shoes. So, you have to feel this is the right company for you. They could love you all they want but if you aren't going to enjoy working there, then what's the point? This also boosts your self-confidence (remember how attractive that is??)
3. Which leads me to the next point. ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS. Once you're done chit chatting and they tell you about their vacation they just got back from which you hope to be doing one day, they will ask you if you have any questions for them. This is rhetorical. OF COURSE YOU DO! I'm sure you know not to ask what the salary is, or how many sick days you get, but do you know what questions TO ask? If you are prepared, you had these questions ready in advance. You Googled the company or industry and thought of relevant questions in that matter, showing the interviewer you did your due diligence. “In regards with ABC Company's new relationship with XYZ Company, do you think this would impact your day to day responsibilities or do you see it as a new opportunity for yourself and the company?” But remember when I said you're interviewing the company as well? “Does ABC Company find ways to motivate their employees to consistently be A+ employees, rather than eventually slipping to Bs and Cs?” You want to know WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR YOU LATELY? It happens. People start at a company and start off strong. They come in early, stay late, and take on extra tasks. But if that company doesn't recognize this, eventually this employee will fall in line with the rest and become an average, mundane, 9-5er. Trust me. You don't want this.
So this was just a brief introduction into the world of interviewing. Feel free to ask any additional questions, and who knows…maybe eventually I'll make a post about this and I might get a change to be on the Sticky Wall of Fame!
Thanks!
SOURCE: I have been an interviewer at a prestigious firm.
AUD - July 2014 - 76
REG - August 2014 - 82
FAR - November 2014 - 78
BEC - January 2015 - 81
DONE!!!!
Used Becker online. Who needs a text when you can burn your eyes out staring at the screen for months on end?
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you're hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!"
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