Three Phases of the Interview Process
With today’s low unemployment rate the majority of employers are looking to retain existing staff. While the pool of candidates competing for accounting and finance positions is smaller than in years past, it is still critical that those looking for a new role learn to master the interviewing process. In a recent presentation to the Northwest Suburban Chapter of Management Accountants, Mike Garelli, Managing Partner of Marco & Associates, detailed the three key phases of the interview process.
1. Preparation:
• Confirming the dress code, the location, and practicing answers to frequently asked interview questions almost go without saying; however, making sure these are done in advance allows you more time to address the things that will help you stand apart from other applicants.
• Review not only the company’s website but be sure to review their financials if they are a publicly traded company. Plan to discuss how this impacts the company and its outlook for the coming year.
• Review the profiles of everyone with whom you will be meeting – the key is to look for common ground and similar professional interests. An interview is meant to help the employer see beyond your resume and build rapport.
• Review the duties for the position and tailor your resume to reflect the work that you have done and how it relates to the job for which you are interviewing.
• Prepare documentation (non-proprietary projects, spreadsheets, etc.) that you can bring with you which will allow you to showcase your abilities.
• Prepare 3-4 questions for the interviewer. These may be questions about the industry, the role as it relates to others within the organization, or how the company differentiates itself from its competition.
2. The Interview:
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early and bring a pen and paper with you. The interview should evolve from a Q&A session into a conversation. Having a means to take notes and formulate questions during the interview will help you gain a better understanding of the organization and their mission.
• Body language is key. Posture and eye contact are two of the easiest ways for an employer to identify your level of confidence.
• Practice “active listening” when being asked questions and when listening to the responses to the questions you have asked.
• “Show What You Know” – relate what you know about the company when answering questions and align your career accomplishments and skills to what the company is looking for.
• Close the interview by asking for a business card and finding out the next steps in the hiring process.
3. Follow Up:
• Send a thank you note to everyone with whom you have met, remembering to include key details from your conversation and confirming your interest in the position.
The interview process is more important than ever. Technology has the ability to enhance, but cannot replace, the job search process. There are key traits (professionalism, energy, passion, confidence, communication skills) that cannot be found on a resume. Networking and working with a reputable recruiter remain two of the most important ways job seekers can gain access to a hiring manager. For more information, or to discuss your job search, please contact Marco & Associates at 312.590.6107.
