I need to vent....

[KYLE THEEE SPINKS FAN]

No problem at all, figure if I have some resources sitting on my computer might as well share them. I know a lot of the stuff has to do with trying to get an office/business type job, but I still think you'll find a lot of the stuff about interviewing relevant. One guy, partner of a CPA firm, told me that interviewing is an art. It's something you have to practice to actually get good at. I sucked at interviewing at first, but I would just pick out random interview questions they may ask and pretend to answer them in an interview setting. I would write all my examples of accomplishments, prior experience, etc...on a separate sheet of paper. Think of specific examples of prior work experiences that this company would look for. Practice, practice, practice...I can't stress that enough. Don't just memorize, but make sure it sounds authentic too. I know that's a fine line, but a line you need to be on. Be prepared, and make sure you sound genuine. You can google examples of job interview questions and find many. I did that for some interviews.

Go over their job description too. These companies love to hear those "buzz" words. If they put qualities in the job description they're looking for, point those out in the interview and give specific examples of when you showed those qualities. I felt that went a long way for me.

Another big thing is researching the company. Know their company inside and out, but not the negative stuff. Know everything they do, what their accomplishments are, and whta they're doing in the community. Companies love when you can do that. Also, at the end of the interview, they'll ask to to actually ask them questions. That's the perfect time to let that company reserach shine. Tailor your questions, so you actually ask a relevant question about the position but sprinkle in those company facts. For example, for PwC, I said, "You have many different tax departments, such as state and local, international, M&A, transfer pricing, and core. What are some of the different day-to-day responsibilities a new associate can expect to take on in a rotation?". Know the facts and sprinkle that in during the interview. Just make sure you have 3-4 good questions, that is the stuff that can make you stand out.

If they ask you to tell them about yourself, just walk them through your resume. Walk them through relevant education/credentials, relevant experience, any relevant awards, and if you know the company is looking for something specific, mention that and the experience you have relating to that. Don't go off on tangents and don't make it last over 2 minutes. In between a minute or two is the perfect amount of time for that question. They don't want to hear about your personal life story, just the overview that relates to this job.

Now, that's not to say don't be personable. Chit chat while you're walking to an interview room is great. Be outgoing and make conversation at the right time (walking to the interview room and if they walk you out). Ask how their day is going, or something general. Just don't have a silent walk back to an interview room, or appear stiff and rigid.

I'm sure you'll be nervous, and that's ok. Most interviewers expect that, so if you can't think of an answer right off the bat, it's ok to ask for a second to think. It's ok to take a breath before you speak or have a short pause. Of course, make this all reasonable. Don't ask for a second to think after every question, once or twice at most. You still need to show that you're prepared.

I've gone through more than a few interviews in the past couple years and finally found success at it in the past year. I had some great interviews, and finally landed a job at a Big 4 Accounting firm. Just work hard, and know that you get out what you put in. If you want it, you can get it. There's lots of great candidates out their, but sometimes it's just the little things that make you stand out.

I know this is long, but let me know if you have any specific questions. You can email me too if you don't want to put questions on the board.