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Preparation for the Interview
Clarify your professional short and long-term goals. Be able to articulate
them clearly. Professional goals do not always mean getting to the top of a
corporation in a short time frame. They may include attaining specific levels
of achievement or production, or creating a desirable work situation. Short
and long term goals should be consistent.
Remember all the details and chronology of your work history. Interviewers
will frequently use your resume to help them formulate questions. In addition
to being familiar with the information on your resume, be ready to expand on
any portion of it, and be able to relate it to the needs of the person
interviewing you.
Learn as much as possible about the organization before you arrive for
the interview. Good sources are websites and search engines. The knowledge
you gain about the company will impress the interviewer with your interest.
Your Appearance
Dress appropriately and professionally for the interview. Avoid bright
colors, faddish styles, and anything that will be distracting. It is better
to be too conservative in dress than not enough. Suitable attire includes
white shirts, dark suits, etc. Check the details of your grooming including
neatly combed and trimmed hair, clean manicured fingernails, wrinkle-free
clothing, and polished shoes.
Your Actions
Be five to 10 minutes early for your appointment. Use the extra time to compose yourself and to read any available material on the organization. If you cannot make the interview on time, call before the scheduled appointment to notify the interviewer.
Be polite, alert, and relaxed. Indicate a genuine interest in the interviewer through eye contact, a firm handshake, and by using his or her name throughout the interview. Do not forget to smile!
Sit up straight, and avoid nervous habits like smoking, or chewing gum. Slouching, leaning on the interviewer's desk, and moving about constantly are all irritants.
Enthusiasm is contagious and one of the most frequently cited reasons for hire! Do not be afraid to express your genuine interest and excitement about the position, the company, and their goals.
Project self-confidence by speaking positively about your abilities, experience, and willingness to acquire new skills.
Communicating
Answer questions in an articulate and organized manner. Speak slowly and be sure to use emphasis and inflection where appropriate.
Always speak positively about former employers and experiences. Never complain about a previous supervisor or situation during the interview. Look for the educational value in your negative experiences and speak from that standpoint.
Listen carefully and be concise in your answers.
Relate your work experience directly to the needs of the organization.
Save questions regarding salary, benefits, vacation, sick leave, etc for the discussion after you have received an offer.
Closing the Interview
When the interviewer ends your meeting, do not attempt to prolong it. Briefly express your strong interest in the company and the position, thank the interviewer for his/her time, and leave on a positive note.
After the Interview
Send a thank you note as soon as possible, keeping it brief and to the point. See Thank You Note link under Career Resources on www.AccountantsDirect.net
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