Top interview tips on how to get your foot on the ladder in the world of accountancy and finance
By Gemma Cozens
Gemma Cozens is Membership Progression Manager at AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians). She is responsible for supporting members in their journey through studying the AAT accounting qualification into the accountancy profession.
The world of accountancy and finance is now appealing to more people than ever. Why? It can be a lucrative field to work in and once skilled up; finance and accounting professionals are sought after in every industry and across both public and private sectors.
In this competitive marketplace, you need to be more prepared than ever before to get your foot up the ladder.
Here are five top tips to help you succeed in each and every job interview and bag your perfect job in finance and accountancy.
- Research – There is no excuse, every employer expects you to do your homework. Never forget that you’ll be up against many other candidates so you’ll need ‘nuggets’ of information to show how much preparation you’ve done, to stand out. Wth the internet, information is so readily available for every organisation; so you need to be thinking not about where to start looking but where to stop. Dig deep; read more than just a company’s website. Once in the interview find the perfect time to show off what you’ve learnt.
- Practice – It may sound silly, but it actually helps to practice and talk your answers though. Speaking out loud will teach you not to waffle. You want to talk at a consistent pace and not repeat the same things over and over. You want to say things which show your enthusiasm and passion for the role, but you also want to try and say things that they haven’t heard from any other candidate. Make sure you don’t recite your CV word for word.
- Tests – depending on what job position you go for, tests are becoming common practice. Be prepared, stay calm and practice beforehand. Use online resources and do some sample tests so you know what to expect. Most accountancy practices will ask you to complete numerical and verbal tests on the first or second interview. Before your interview it’s always worth asking the HR department if you will be doing any tests so that you know what you might need to bring e.g, calculator. Don’t get caught out and come without the right equipment.
- Be prepared – Make sure you know everyone’s names in the interview and be prepared for all the obvious questions, especially the last question which can usually be: ‘Do you have any questions for us?’ People often bypass this question; however it can work to your advantage and cement you as someone that is keen to learn more about the role and has a great interest in the overall organisation.
- Dress and act appropriately – Look smart and professional and dress to reflect this. This is a professional industry and employers will be looking to see if you fit the bill. This may sound obvious but your body language reveals a lot to employers. Make sure to make eye contact, don’t slouch and show a little bit of your personality, employers will be looking to see how well you could fit in with the team, so ensure to give the interviewers a taste of who you really are as a person and what you can bring to the job role and ultimately the business.
Did you find this helpful? Have you got an interview coming up? Which of the above do you do before an interview? Share your comments and questions below.
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