Preparing for an Interview

Preparation is a crucial step in determining your success at the interview.

Do your research on the firm to find out as much as possible in advance. The first question often asked at an interview is ‘what do you know about the company?’. The more, you know the more interested in the role you will appear. The best source of information is the firm’s website. Information you should be aware of includes:

The people
Key office locations
The structure of the firm (service lines, managing partner etc)
Any recent and significant news relating to the firm
Culture and values

You should also prepare by studying the job description in detail.

Refresh your memory about your previous and/or current employer. You are likely to be asked questions in this area including general information about the company and your role within the organisation. You will be expected to be able to answer these questions confidently and proficiently.

Allow plenty of time for the interview; it is possible that the interview may run over the scheduled time.

Ensure that you know the interviewers full name, his/her position in the firm, and how to pronounce his/her name.

What to wear?

You will be expected to dress professionally, and be well groomed. The BDO Spicers dress code is smart casual.

Questions you are likely to be asked?

Today’s modern interviews are typically behaviorally based as past behaviour is often the best predictor of future behaviour. Typical questions that are likely to be asked will often begin with ‘tell me about a time when’, and ‘can you give an example of when’.

Rehearse examples of previous situations and events. You will need to clearly explain what you did in the particular situation, the reason for your approach, and the outcome of your actions.

In addition to behavioural-based questions, be prepared to answer questions such as:

What do you know about the company?
What are your career intentions for the next five years?
What are your personal strengths?

Asking your own Questions

The interview is not only about us interviewing you; this is also your chance to ask any questions you may have. We suggest that you prepare some questions in advance. Questions you may consider asking include?

The reason for the availability of the role?
A description of the role?
The culture of the firm?
The management style?
Growth potential of the firm?
Learning and development opportunities?

During the Interview

This is your chance to sell yourself. Below is a list of Do’s and Don’ts for the interview:

Do

Greet the interviewer by name
Shake the interviewers hand firmly
Maintain eye contact throughout the interview
Ensure that your answers are clear and conscience
Maintain a professional approach
Express yourself confidently
Display enthusiasm and a positive ‘can do’ attitude
Demonstrate maturity
Answer all questions truthfully

Don’t

Answer questions with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no; always elaborate.
Make derogatory comments about past or present employers
Don’t enquire about salary, holidays, bonuses etc at an initial interview.

Closing the Interview

If you are interested in the position, ensure that you communicate this to the interviewer
Thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration
Don't be too discouraged if an offer is not made, or salary discussed. It is likely that the interviewer will want to speak with colleagues or interview other applicants before making a decision.

After the Interview

Relax! The interviewer will be in contact you directly or through the recruitment agency as soon as possible once a decision has been made.

Common Mistakes

Being overly friendly and/or overly enthusiastic
Being poorly prepared
Lack of knowledge about the company
Making derogatory comments about past or present employers
Indicating what the previous organisation/s that you have been employed at have achieved, rather than referring to your personal achievements within the business/s
Not listening to questions and giving poorly or unrelated answers
Giving answers which lack substance

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