One Snarky Chica with Issues

I just got back from a really strange job interview. I was interviewing for the position of a staff accountant. It was an amazingly short interview. It started with the dreaded question of “Tell us about yourself.” Then they told me “We’re going to tell you a little about the company and then we have two questions for you.”

Wow, I thought, only two questions?

It’s true. They did only have two questions. Want to know what they were?

1. What do you know about accruals?
2. What do you know about escrow?

Yup, that was it. That is all they wanted to know. Then they had me fill out an application. Strange.

Job interviews are tough though because you never know what the interviewer wants to see and hear. To try to cover all bases there are some general steps that can be taken to insure success at a job interview.

1. Do your homework on the company.Find out as much about the company, its history, its current situation and its future as you can. This way you look knowledgeable and like you really care because you put in extra effort.
2. Do your homework on the position you are interviewing for. Have a thorough understanding of the position, its key duties and primary responsibilities, and what is expected. Be prepared to ask good questions. Here are some possible examples: Who has been successful and why? Who has failed and why? Who does the position report to? Who does the position supervise? What needs to be done in the first 6 months; in the first year?
3. Do your homework on yourself. Review your career history thoroughly. Review dates, positions, duties and responsibilities, and accomplishments. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to cite specific examples of accomplishments and how your specific experience can help the company solve some of its problems. Concentrate on your most recent positions, but don’t neglect your early career. Reflect on your successes, so you can adequately impart your strengths when given the chance!
4. Arrive early for the interview. I knew someone that worked in HR once that told me her company did not consider applicants that did not arrive at least 15 minutes early for an interview.
5. When meeting the interviewer try to mirror their demeanor.
6. Do not answer questions with a simple “yes” or “no”. Sell yourself by using examples and paint a clear picture of where, when, how, what, and why you did it.
7. Stress your achievements, records and accomplishments. Tell them why they would benefit from having you on board…only not so arrogantly
8. Answer all questions to the point; do not ramble on. Role-play some responses before the interview if you think it will help you.
9. Never make derogatory remarks about previous or present employers.
10. Try to avoid asking questions in regard to salary, commission, bonuses or vacation during the first interview.
11. Tell your possible employer what you are going to do for them, NOT what they can do for you.
12. Remember to always represent yourself honestly.

Being prepared will allow you to enter the interview relaxed and confident that you can fulfill the needs of the company and that they have an opportunity that can enhance your career.