Interview Tips

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Build a Quality Resume

• Organize your information
• Highlight your strengths & experiences - include the extra skills you've gained along the way
• PROOF it! Clerical errors can be costly
   

Prepare for the Interview

• Find out as much as you can about Harding Martin and Bentleys from:
  • Our web site & brochures
  • Your placement office
  • Your Faculty
  • Other students & Harding Martin or Bentleys employees
     
• Be interested!
  • Check out books & videos on interviewing skills & appearance
  • Review examples of questions likely to be asked of you
    • Why public accounting
    • Why Harding Martin 
    • What subjects did you enjoy most, least
    • Grades & achievements
    • Other university activities
    • Work experience - how has it prepared you
    • Long-term career goals
  • Practice answering those questions
  • Be prepared with questions you should ask of Harding Martin
    • Firm growth
    • Industry trends
    • Variety of experience
    • Average promotion time 
    • Work atmosphere
    • Salaries
  • Organize your thoughts
  • Attend pre-interview functions:  career fairs & socials
    • Introduce yourself
    • Ask questions
    • Show interest
  • Gain experience
    • Interview with other public firms & companies
    • Improve your skills
    • Widen your perspective 

 

The Harding Martin Interview

• What the interviewer is looking at:
  • Enthusiasm
  • Verbal & nonverbal skills
  • Study & work habits
  • Degree of interest in firm
  • Your appearance
     
• Look professional
  • Dress professionally 
  • Look neat and clean
  • Maintain good eye contact & have a firm handshake
  • Focus on the interview & interviewer
  • Be yourself - we expect you to be nervous!
  • Get a good night's sleep
     
• Your role
  • Ask questions
  • Try to decide if this is the type of firm you want to work for
  • Remember eye contact & your body language express your self-confidence
  • Don't be shy about your accomplishments
  • Be positive about yourself but also...
  • Be honest
  • Give complete answers without telling your life history
  • Have a professional attitude
     

After the Interview

• Send a thank-you note - a detail that can make the difference between you & someone else
• Review your impressions - is Harding Martin the firm for you?
   

The Offer

• Read it carefully
• Follow up with the Harding Martin recruiter
• Communicate your decision process to the recruiter
• Think it out
   

The Big Decision

• Only you can make this decision
• Look at the big picture
• Think about:
  • Office culture
  • Firm culture
  • Personalities
  • Travel
  • Career path
  • Office growth
  • Firm growth
  • Your overall expectations & Harding Martin's expectations
     

Good Luck!