First big time job interview. Advice?

**Castro's** · 01-10-2005, 03:14 PM

So, I graduated with an accounting degree a few weeks ago and sent out my first resume last week for a job that I'm very interested in. Today when I returned to work after lunch I had a voicemail saying they would like to set up an interview. This is going to be my first "big time" job interview in which I actually have a chance of getting a good paying job in my field of work, but there were 150 applicants for the job so I'm guessing there will be a lot of people being interviewed for the job.

I've been on two real interviews in the past. One was for a bank teller job a few years ago which I got. The other was for a sales associate for Scheel's All Sports which I also got. I'm always reading information about saying this, or doing that, or coming up with some great story about how you helped the company do this that or the otherthing. On both of my interviews I was basically just myself and answered their questions because I get too nervous during interviews to bring up any of that stuff without the fear of looking like a moron.

The majority of maggots out there I'm sure have had numerous job interviews during their lives, or have probably conducted many job interviews. Any advice for suggestions for me that may help my chances of getting the job? or should I simply stick to being myself?

**PlayHarder** · 01-10-2005, 03:16 PM

or should I simply stick to being myself?

Always worked for me.

**A-wreck** · 01-10-2005, 03:19 PM

Smile. Act confident only if you cannot be confident. Act impressed with their operation. Pretend to love everything about the company.

Most importantly: lie to them and tell them one of their competitors has offered you a job for more money than this company will offer you but, you would rather work for them for less money.

**lph** · 01-10-2005, 03:19 PM

Definitely recommend being yourself.

The only real piece of advice is fairly general Let the interviewer set the tone. If they want to small talk; then small talk, if they are all business, you should be too. Don't fight to talk about your education/experience if the interviewer wants to talk sports. Basically let the interviewer set the tone and go with the flow.

**cj001f** · 01-10-2005, 03:19 PM

Be yourself. Also remember the interview is for you as well as them - ask intelligent questions.

**Woodsy** · 01-10-2005, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by Castro's

Any advice for suggestions for me that may help my chances of getting the job? or should I simply stick to being myself?

bee yourself, do not exaggerate or lie, but sell yourself and your past accomplishments.
Find out as much about the company/job as you can and tailor your answers to why you are a good fit.
if they ask you if there is any reason you should not get the job, answer "only if you find a better qualified applicant, which you wont."

weaknesses? workaholic, blind obedience, etc.
kick ass & be confident.
edit: and interview the interviewer. You should always ask as many questions as you answer.
this impreses the hell out of me when I interview folks

right before your interview, walk in the bathroom look in the Mirror and proclaim:
I am gonna rip the shit outta this!

**EPSkis** · 01-10-2005, 03:26 PM

Exude confidence & be yourself. Smiles, firm handshakes & maintaining eye contact.

"Whether you think you can or you can't - you're right."

**hoarhey** · 01-10-2005, 03:27 PM

Check your teeth in the mirror before the interview!

Luckily, this only happened to me on an interview with a company that I didn't care so much about. After the interview, I went to the bathroom and noticed that I had a big wedge of carrot stuck between my teeth.

Needless to say, I didn't get a request for another interview from that company.

Live and learn.

Double check your resume for any typos or spelling errors...

The others have given good advice for during the interview.

**Foggy_Goggles** · 01-10-2005, 03:33 PM

OK, firstly, shine your fucking shoes. If you haven't worn a suit much in your life, wear one a few days before to figure it out. It sounds silly but I deal with many college grads who are uncomfortable in business formal. What to do with your buttons, when to take your jackets off, how not to piss on your tie -- these type of thinks.

Secondly, hand pick a few of your character traits you would like to get across. The interview questions are just a basis of conversation, they interviewer is really trying to find out out you. Brief yet well thought out interviews are the best.

Thirdly, follow up. We often to team interviews and I generally have to play "bad cop". I always ask at least one technical question have the candidate will most likely have no clue about. I always end with "if you have any questions, here is my card ....". I just gave the candidate a perfect opp to follow up, if they drop the ball and don't call or email me they either a) don't want the job b) have no self confidence and think they bombed the interview c) have no business skills.

Be early, brush your teeth, have prepared list of questions. Your job at the first interview is to figure out as much as possible about the possition. Remember, the firm is trying to sell you the job as much as you are trying to win it.

**teledave** · 01-10-2005, 03:33 PM

Drink heavily, both the night before and day of your interview.
Sleep in the clothes you are going to wear to the interview the night before.
You'll get extra credit if said clothes reak of cigs, stale beer, and cheap ladies cologne.
Tell the receptionist how hot her ass is, even if she weighs in at 350.
Ask how much vacation time you can take immediately, if the company offers free drug and alcohol rehab programs, and how lenient the sexual harassment policies are.

Actually, the just be yourself advice is really the best. The job won't work out if you and the company don't match up. Think before you answer any questions, asking the interviewer to clarify his question in some way is always a decent stall tactic to use while formulating your answer. Be honest, but phrase your honest answers so that they fit within the company's framework of what they are looking for. Unless just being yourself and being honest would be the above, then lie your ass off.

Edit: Ask for the job at the end of the interview.

**LAN** · 01-10-2005, 03:34 PM

I agree. Be yourself. Confident, but not cocky. Instead of talking to the interviewer/panel as potential bosses, try to see them as colleagues and as people who are going for the same goal (ie: productivity/job/etc) that you are. That way, the process might be less intimidating to you.

Remember to think of your strengths and weaknesses beforehand. I always try to spin my weaknesses to a positive.

Also, dress professionally. Better to be overdressed than under. And DON'T button all 3 buttons of a 3-button suit. Just the top 2.

**UTdave** · 01-10-2005, 03:35 PM

Don't be surprised if they give you a test. What type of accounting job are you looking for? CPA firms are hiring about now but expect to work minimum 50+ hours a week and most Saturdays through April. If you want to get into public accounting try narrowing the field. With 150 applicants there are bound to be other applicants who have grades as good as yours were and have experience. I work for a fairly small local firm in SLC and got my job by opening the phone book and calling firms. I posted about it if you want to do a search.

**weibo** · 01-10-2005, 03:41 PM

Find out about the company and position offered. Research is important, I have interview too many people that have said "I didn't know that was part of the job" or "I didn't think you would sk me about that" or my fav. "There's a test?" All things that you can call and ask about before hand. Prepared equals cares about the position equals bonus points.

KQ · 01-10-2005, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by Foggy_Goggles

OK, firstly, shine your fucking shoes. If you haven't worn a suit much in your life, wear one a few days before to figure it out. It sounds silly but I deal with many college grads who are uncomfortable in business formal. What to do with your buttons, when to take your jackets off, how not to piss on your tie -- these type of thinks.

YES!!! Shine those shoes!!! I've heard ppl comment time and time again on how not shinning your shoes shows a lack of attention to detail. Personally, I always notice shoes and if they don't look like they've been attended to at some point in their life it's a check mark.

As for the suit jacket, the rule on buttoning (3 button jacket) is, from the top button to bottom: sometimes, always, never.

Good luck!!!

**Viva** · 01-10-2005, 03:48 PM

If you don't know WTF the interviewer is talking about, ask for clarification. If you're asked a question that you do not know the answer to, say so, but also give your best shot at a reasonable answer. That way they know you're not BSing them and shows that you're capable of intelligent thought. Ask about the learning curve and what's expected of you over time.

Oh, LAN- Just the middle button on a trey.

**goofygrin** · 01-10-2005, 03:48 PM

Like everyone else said, be yourself.

Also make sure you follow up with them in a couple days to a week if you haven't (either an email or a phone call is good).

Be prepared for the $$ question as I'm sure that it will come up (and I hate that question personally).

**Yossarian** · 01-10-2005, 03:48 PM

Advice?

Don't fuck up!

EDIT EDIT:

**Pinner** · 01-10-2005, 03:55 PM

What he said.

**cj001f** · 01-10-2005, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by KQ

YES!!! Shine those shoes!!! I've heard ppl comment time and time again on how not shinning your shoes shows a lack of attention to detail. Personally, I always notice shoes and if they don't look like they've been attended to at some point in their life it's a check mark.

As for the suit jacket, the rule on buttoning (3 button jacket) is, from the top button to bottom: sometimes, always, never.

If they expect you to dress in a suit, or something more than business casual, yes. I'm a engineer. Engineer's never wear suits, and if they do, they aren't an engineer, they're a manager.

Follow ups are key - always send a follow up e-mail. Most business people check physical mail infrequently, phones can be awkward, e-mail is perfect.

**Tyrone Shoelaces** · 01-10-2005, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by cj001f

.

Follow ups are key - always send a follow up e-mail. Most business people check physical mail infrequently, phones can be awkward, e-mail is perfect.

I'm always more impressed with a phone call rather than an email. Anyone can write an email and probably does...a phone call is more personal and shows greater confidence IMO. YMMV

**schuss** · 01-10-2005, 03:59 PM

yep, everyone here is spot on. I'm mildly insane, and actually told the interviewers for my current job that in as many words, and they just laughed it up. Just don't be afraid, and be friendly. Would you want to interview a bunch of stiff shirts hiding behind a resume? Be honest, direct and confident, and you'll do well. You may not get the job, but if you were honest and direct, it wouldn't have fit anyway. Questions that always come up: what is your dream job (my answer: skiing for 200K a year, got some laughs from that one), where do you see yourself in 2/5 years (management or further in your field, in your case probably mention CPA'd etc.). I didn't ask a ton of questions, but I did banter a lot with the interviewers. Just schralp it man, it's just talking to someone, and you've done that your entire life.

KQ · 01-10-2005, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by cj001f

If they expect you to dress in a suit, or something more than business casual, yes. I'm a engineer. Engineer's never wear suits, and if they do, they aren't an engineer, they're a manager.

Follow ups are key - always send a follow up e-mail. Most business people check physical mail infrequently, phones can be awkward, e-mail is perfect.

well yeah, but he said he graduated with an accounting degree - kinda figured he was going for an accounting job.........

**CUBUCK** · 01-10-2005, 04:11 PM

I graduated last May and was hired in July for my job and this fall I was a part of the firm's analyst recruiting for this summer. The fact that you are offered an interview already says alot about your credentials and that the company thinks you are capable of handling the job. I was amazed how few interviews we gave from the number of resumes we recieved probably 5-10% of people got interviews.

One thing that impressed us while we were interviewing is enthusiasm and knowing about the company. It is a smart idea to spend time on the company's website and pick up whatever you can. If they have an industry specialty know it. Its extremely important to let them know that you have done your research.

The other big peice of advice is to be personable. smile sit upright ask them about the job city etc. Cultural fit is another big componet during interviews. Chances are these guys want someone not necissarily just like them but someone who isn;t going to be drag on the office. Be upbeat and fun. After our interviews we would ask each other whether we would like to get a beer with this person or whether we would be ok being stuck at an airport with them.

And like everyone else. Good luck and be yourself.

**Castro's** · 01-10-2005, 04:14 PM

First off, thanks for the adivce so far. The job is for a an accounting position with a construction equipment firm. The nice thing is that I did my internship at a heavy highway constuction company this past summer and still work there part time until I find a full time position. I made my resume a few weeks ago and saw this job in the paper last week. The job description matched almost exactly to what I am currently doing know. I almost felt like I had to change my resume because my job description for what I'm doing know is identical for the job I am applying for (but I didn't

).

I have a two button suit so can I get away with only buttoning the top button? or do I have to button both?

Also, a lot of advice has suggested asking lots of questions. What type of questions would you recommend? I know a lot about the basic info of the company and I don't want to ask anything with an obvious answer.

Thanks!