At this point, you have prepared your story and the answers to the typical interview questions. You're ready to wow them with your accounting knowledge. Let's talk about some of the basics. Make sure you are appropriately dressed. Most interviews will require business attire - wear a conservative suit, conservative shoes and little jewelry. Do not wear strong smelling perfumes. Take a portfolio with extra copies of your resume. Show up on time - in fact show up a few minutes early. Give the recruiter a firm handshake. And no matter what, always show poise and confidence throughout the interview. During the interview, the interviewer may try to rattle you. They want to see how you function under pressure. Accountants must show poise and grace in all circumstances. They want to know you have ethics and an active lifestyle. Grades and extracurricular activities will be extremely important. Emphasize your GPA to the interviewer if it's good.
After the interview
Waiting to hear back from the interviewer about whether you made it to second rounds can be gut-wrenching. Each time the phone rings you jump, hoping it's the firm you just interviewed with, calling to ask you back for more interviews or to give you an offer. Everyone goes through this nervousness. Try to go on with your life: continue with your job search, study, hang out with your friends, and prepare for future interviews.
There is one things you can do after the interview to ensure that you've done all you can: send the interviewer a thank-you note. No matter how good or how bad an interview goes, a thank-you note will win you extra points. Make sure the note expresses your continued interest in the firm. Re-emphasize anything that helps you stand out from other interviewees. And a final check - make sure there are no spelling errors.
What now?
A few days after your interview, the firm should contact you with one of two answers: 1) we want you to interview in second rounds, or 2) thanks for your interest, but we can't offer you a job.
If you don't get asked back for second rounds, it's not over. You still have other interviews. Ask the recruiter for feedback and try to fix any problems for your next interview. If you are asked back for second rounds, it's also not over. Second-round interviews can be held either on campus or at the firm's offices. Once again, make sure you're prepared. During these interviews, make sure your answers are always consistent. Ensure that you continue to show interest in the firm. If second rounds are on campus, expect one or two interviews with seniors or managers. If the interviews are on-site, you may have up to six interviews with seniors, managers or partners. Again, make sure you send a thank-you note to each interviewer.
You may receive an offer at second rounds, after second rounds, or you may be asked to come back for third rounds. This will vary by firm.