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| November 2004 | The
Monthly Newspaper of the NYSSCPA |
Vol.
7, No.14 |
Interviews: The Final Frontier
By Patricia Lawrence, Human Resources Manager
Once you’ve established the career path you want to follow, then you’ll want to begin thinking about the all-important interview. The following dos and don’ts are helpful hints to ensuring a successful interview:
DO NOT:
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Show up late for an interview. If you are going to be late, call the interviewer as soon as you know you cannot make the scheduled meeting time.
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Volunteer personal information, unless it’s asked of you or is a natural part of the conversation.
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Ask about salary until the end of the interview.
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Give one-word responses.
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Interrupt the interviewer while he or she is talking.
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Give long, rambling responses to questions.
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Slouch or lean back in your chair during the interview.
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Avoid eye contact with the interviewer.
DO:
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Learn about the company and the industry before going to the interview. The Internet and the library are good resources for this.
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Practice interview techniques with a friend or family member. This could include discussing and answering possible questions you may be asked, and making sure you have good eye contact and are relaxed in your demeanor.
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Dress to impress. A neat and clean suit, dress, skirt and blouse; shirt, slacks, jacket and tie should be the attire of choice.
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Bring a clean copy of your resume and cover letter to the interview even if you previously sent in copies to the interviewer.
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Speak at a normal pace, neither too fast nor too slow.
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Appear confident but not overly so.
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Listen carefully to the interview questions before answering.
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Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer.
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Sell yourself for the job, but sell the “true” you, based on your skills, abilities, experience, qualifications, values, etc.
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Thank the interviewer for his or her time and follow up with a “thank you” note.
Organization is the key to “acing” an interview. If you are mindful of the dos and don’ts of an interview, show sincerity and highlight your strengths as they relate to performing the job you are interviewing for, you will be well prepared to land your first job in the accounting profession.
