Securing a job interview in today’s competitive job market does not come without its challenges, especially within specialised sectors like the finance and accounting industries. If you’re a seasoned CFO, chances are a hundred other strong candidates also applied for the role. If you’re a recent graduate looking for accounting jobs, years of experience might count against you.
Preparing effectively for any job interview can dramatically increase your chances of success.
1. Make Sure You Understand the Role and the Company
Before walking into any job interview, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the role you’re applying for and the company itself. If you are interviewing for an accounting role or broader finance and accounting sectors, this means digging deep into the specific responsibilities the job entails, as well as the company’s culture, objectives, and recent performance.
Research the company by looking at its website, and social media pages, and review any recent news articles or press releases. Understanding the company’s mission and values will not only help you align your answers to demonstrate you are a good fit but also allow you to tailor your questions that show your genuine interest in the company and your potential role in it.
2. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Don’t go the lazy route and copy-paste from job interview to job interview. It’s imperative to tailor your CV and cover letter to each specific role, highlighting the experiences and skills most relevant to the job description. Whilst the finance and accounting industry is broad, each employer might be looking for a unique set of skills or experiences.
Analyse the job listing to identify key skills they are seeking. Use similar language when describing your previous job responsibilities and achievements. For example, if budget management is a key component of the job you’re applying for, be sure to include any experience related to budgeting within your previous roles. Always remember, your CV and cover letter make the first impression of a company about yourself, so ensure they are impeccable.
3. Research Common Interview Questions
When preparing for an interview with an accounting recruitment firm, it’s beneficial to have an idea of the common questions candidates get asked. Typical questions could include inquiries about your understanding of accounting principles, your proficiency with specific accounting software, or scenarios where you had to resolve complicated financial scenarios or discrepancies.
Prepare structured answers that highlight your skills, experiences, and qualities. A popular technique to structure your responses is STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This method helps keep your answers clear and concise, and it demonstrates your capabilities by providing context, detailing your approach, and highlighting the outcomes.
4. Make Eye Contact
Eye contact is a significant aspect of nonverbal communication, particularly during job interviews, for several reasons:
- It builds trust as it indicates that you are sincere, reliable, and comfortable in the discussion, qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting.
- It demonstrates confidence by showing that you are self-assured and assertive, important traits for most job roles.
- It engages the listener, helping to hold the interviewer’s attention to what you are saying.
- By maintaining eye contact, you demonstrate that you are focused and genuinely interested in the conversation and the position in the company.
- Good eye contact is a marker of professional behaviour – it shows that you understand basic social cues and are capable of handling interpersonal interactions in a workplace setting.
5. Practising Your Responses
Rehearsing your responses to common questions can prove to be vital in a job interview. Practice helps you refine your answers and ensures that you present them in a confident, clear, and professional manner rather than blindly having to answer. Consider conducting mock interviews with a friend or mentor who can provide constructive feedback.
For more niche roles within the finance and accounting industry, consider the technical questions you might face and prepare accordingly. If you are interviewing for a Compliance Accountant role, be ready to discuss industry-specific regulations. If the job is for a GM Finance, be ready to discuss corporate finance and business operations.
6. Plan Your Journey
Ensure you know exactly where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. Planning your route and transport in advance can help avoid any last-minute delays. Aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. This gives you a buffer in case of unexpected travel issues and a few moments to collect your thoughts before the interview starts.
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