Interviewing Tips

Build a Killer Resume

• Organize your information
• Highlight your strengths and 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 BBRS from:
  • Our web site and brochure
  • Your placement office
  • Faculty
  • Interns, students and BBRS employees

• Get psyched!
  • Check out books and videos on interviewing skills and appearance
  • Review examples of questions likely to be asked of you
    • Why public accounting
    • Why BBRS
    • What courses did you enjoy most, least
    • Grades and achievements
    • Other college activities
    • Work experience - how has it prepared you
    • Long-term career goals
  • Practice answering those questions
  • Be prepared with questions you should ask of BBRS
    • Firm growth
    • Industry trends
    • Variety of experience
    • Average promotion time
    • Turnover percentage
    • Work atmosphere
  • Organize your thoughts
  • Attend pre-interview functions:  career fairs and socials
    • Introduce yourself
    • Ask questions
    • Show interest
  • Gain experience
    • Interview with other public firms and private companies
    • Improves your skills
    • Widens your perspective

The BBRS Interview

• What the interviewer is looking at:
  • Enthusiasm
  • Verbal and nonverbal skills
  • Study and work habits
  • Degree of interest in firm
  • Your appearance
• Look professional
  • Dress professionally - that means a suit
  • Look neat, clean & pulled together
  • Stay away from fads
  • 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
  • Leave gum, cell phones & pagers at home
• Your role
  • Ask questions
  • Try to decide if this is the type of firm you want to work for
• Have a professional attitude, especially in social situations such as lunch, happy hour or dinner
• 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
  • Remember this is your opportunity to size up BBRS while we're putting our best foot forward

After the Interview

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

The Offer

• Read it carefully
• 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
  • CPA exam
  • Career path
  • Office growth
  • Firm growth
  • Your overall expectations & BBRS's expectations

Good Luck!