Phone interviews are scary! Many of us present well in person but we may not be given a chance!
Here is a question I received this week from a Bean Counter reader:
Hi Andrew, do you have any tips for a phone interview?
I don’t recall if you have written an article on that on your blog I recently emailed the recruiters using your setup Grant Thornton reply and said someone is gonna contact me soon.
I just want to make sure I am ready when she call me.
Here are three phone interview tips I would use stand out.
- Research the public accounting firm or company before the call
- Prepare no less than three questions to ask them about the company or position
- Most importantly, when you are on the phone, remember to smile. This helps keep an upbeat tone to your voice!
I walk through each of these in this new video as part of #AskTBC.
#AskTBC is a new video blog series where YOU ask questions, and I’ll answer them! Ask me a question on twitter or email me at andrew@thebeancounter.com.
I would also remember to prepare for ANY question they could ask you:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why do you want to work at “X” company?
- Why is “X” firm your first choice?
- Describe a situation where you felt challenged and had to overcome it.
- Do you have any questions for me?
- Who else are you interviewing with?
- Do you have any other offers?
- Describe a time when you had to work exceptionally hard to provide great service to a customer or client. What did you do and what was the outcome?
- What accomplishment are you most proud of?
- Give me an example of how you successfully dealt with someone who was difficult.
- Why are you interested in this particular area of the firm?
- Give me an example of a time you failed.
- Give me an example of a time you succeeded.
- What’s the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to do?
- Give me examples of how well you work under pressure.
- What are you looking to get out of a job/internship with a public accounting firm?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- What city do you want to live in?
- What are your strengths?
See more interview questions…