| I know many of you have already read various | | | | you even interviewing him/her? (this is a 2-way |
| general interview tips but let me reiterate the issue. Let | | | | process... they need to ask you their questions to see |
| me put you in the Employers' shoes for a moment. | | | | if you fit. Allow them to ask, then it's your turn at the |
| Just imagine you are an accountancy employer, either | | | | end. Wait until then) |
| working for a big firm or even a small independent | | | | They start debating on Politics or Religion. (This is a |
| accountancy practice, looking to take on that newest | | | | job interview, not a current affairs debate, unless the |
| ACCA part qualified staff member to join your team, | | | | state of the economy and government has some |
| and you're looking forward to interviewing respective | | | | significant bearing directly relating to the job role) |
| candidates... but the following happens: | | | | And before leaving, they assume they already |
| He/she enters into the room with a smell of smoke | | | | have the job and ask you how much you're willing to |
| and chewing gum in his/her mouth. How much would | | | | pay them? (Always let the interviewer bring up the |
| you be impressed? What does this say about the | | | | discussion of salary. They may have to go away and |
| candidate? (People often chew gum before an | | | | think about it, or perhaps they haven't offered it to you |
| interview to maintain fresh breath, but you'd be | | | | at all because they won't be offering you the job. In |
| surprised how many people actually forget to take the | | | | either case, appear too pushy and most interviewers |
| gum out before walking in! And resist the urge to | | | | won't like that) |
| smoke before an interview, the smell is overpowering! | | | | Yes, I know you are completely frustrated if you could |
| He/she is not wearing a proper suit, or worse yet, | | | | imagine the scenario above and as an employer you |
| wearing jeans. (You are interviewing for a professional | | | | know what should not be done. So, respectively, if you |
| accounting career... you need to dress accordingly) | | | | really want to fail an interview, follow all the steps |
| He/she only has one single copy of their CV with | | | | above. However, look at these 5 top tips to hold |
| them. (Take multiple copies to give out in case they | | | | yourself with a fighting chance. |
| need one again. You don't yet know if it's a | | | | Five tips for a top ACCA interview: |
| multiple-seated interview panel.) | | | | Be prepared |
| He or she is fifteen minutes late. (Never, ever be | | | | Learn as much as you can about your potential |
| late for your interview! If you appear late for one of | | | | company, who they are, their services and their |
| the most important meetings, this suggests you won't | | | | strategic direction. Make sure you can articulate how |
| even care about other business meetings in the future) | | | | your strengths and career goals align with the |
| Their information in their CV, and information the | | | | company, and why you think you'll succeed in that |
| applicant provides during the interview are totally | | | | particular organization. |
| different. First thing on your mind? Doubt! (Always | | | | Be proactive |
| make sure your CV is factual and you know it | | | | Prepare a list of questions to ask your interviewer(s) |
| inside-out) | | | | so you can assess whether the company is the right |
| The candidate has called you by your first name | | | | place to launch your ACCA career. Ask them |
| without permission (how would you feel in this | | | | questions about the organization (they would be |
| professional setting?) and even worse, they've | | | | pleased to tell you more) but be specific about the role, |
| pronounced your name wrong! (always use their | | | | the clients you will be expected to take on, the |
| formal name until you are told to call them otherwise. | | | | opportunities they can offer you and what you can |
| Listen to how they introduce themselves when you | | | | expect from them in general. (All of these points should |
| first shake hands. It will be an indication of how they | | | | not be questions which you can find the answers |
| want you to address them) | | | | about on their website - see research point above, "be |
| The candidate is yawning and more interested in a | | | | prepared") |
| view outside the window, not even bothering to make | | | | Be yourself |
| eye contact with you. (If you don't want to pay | | | | Try to relax and remember that companies are |
| attention or act interested, then this is not the job for | | | | interested in the real you. When preparing, it's helpful to |
| you. Don't waste your time or the time of the | | | | think about how you'd like to communicate certain |
| interviewer) | | | | points but avoid over-rehearsing, as it may come |
| He/she sits before you even ask. (Wow! Do you | | | | across as impersonal. |
| feel empowered?... because the interviewer could feel | | | | Be professional |
| like they are on the back foot before they've even | | | | Take pride in your presentation. Companies adore |
| started... watch out!) | | | | professional traits like how you dress, how you speak |
| No professional conduct and no sense of humor | | | | and what you tell them about yourself. You will, after |
| (your staff is going to hate you for hiring them). | | | | all, be representing them in meetings, with clients etc. |
| (Always act professionally, and you want to come | | | | They want to make sure you represent them well in |
| across as if you can work in a team. It will be an | | | | appearance and tone. |
| important issue for the interviewer to review overall) | | | | Be awarethroughout the interview take a quick |
| The candidate conducts inappropriate or weak | | | | moment to think before you act. Be aware of how |
| body language. (Not everything is measured verbally - | | | | you are sitting, your posture, your body language, don't |
| think of your upright posture, your smile, your arms and | | | | yawn, keep eye-contact etc. Don't just blurt out any |
| hands etc) | | | | response simply to answer the question quickly, make |
| His/her answers are like a never ending speech | | | | sure you understand the questions and answer them |
| and he took you for granted (presuming himself the | | | | accordingly and thoughtfully. If you're speaking too fast, |
| only applicant). And still you are wondering why are | | | | slow down. |