As a newly qualified accountant, securing your next role can be both exciting and challenging. In our recent article, we covered the best career paths after completing your contract, and we hope you’ve found helpful insights or are on your way to finding the right opportunity.
Preparing for the interview
Securing your first role after qualifying as an accountant is an exciting milestone, but interviews can be a challenge. It’s essential to focus on your skills, experience, and potential. Remember, you’ve been shortlisted because the company sees value in what you bring.
To succeed, prepare thoroughly by reviewing your achievements, reflecting on how your expertise aligns with the role, and practicing clear, confident communication. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity, dress professionally, arrive on time, and prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer. With preparation and confidence, you’ll make a strong, lasting impression.
What to expect in the interview
Introduce yourself. The interview will typically start with a brief introduction. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to talk about your background and make a positive first impression. They could ask an open question such as “what brings you here today”. Do some research into the company and have a statement prepared about your interest in the role and company.
CV experience. Be ready to walk through your CV in chronological order and highlight the key experiences that are most relevant to the role. This is your chance to showcase how your previous positions and skills directly relate to what they’re looking for.
Types of Questions Asked
1.Competency questions:
Expect competency-based questions that ask you to describe situations where you’ve demonstrated your problem-solving abilities. These questions often take the form of prompts like, “Tell me about a time when…” and focus on situations where you’ve demonstrated critical competencies. The goal is to highlight the actions you took in these scenarios and the STAR method is a great tool you can use to structure those answers.
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- Describe a specific event or a situation that you were in. The who, what, where and when etc.
- Explain the task you had to complete, highlighting any specific challenges or constraints e.g. deadlines, issues or costs.
- Describe the specific actions that you took to complete the task. These should highlight desirable traits the interviewer is looking for.
- Close with the result of your efforts. Include figures to quantify the result if possible.
2.Technical Questions
Be prepared to demonstrate your technical expertise by discussing systems, processes, and the specific skills you’ve developed in your previous roles. If you have experience with specialised tools or software, such as accounting systems, be sure to highlight these to showcase your technical proficiency.
Questions from the interviewee. At the end of the interview, you’ll have the chance to ask your own questions. This is your moment to take control of the conversation and determine if the role is the right fit for you as well!
Common Questions to Consider
Thoroughly reviewing the job description is key to tailoring your responses and showcasing your fit for the role. Be ready for questions such as: What does a typical day look like? What is the team structure? What are the opportunities for progression? How does this role align with the company’s objectives?
If transitioning industries (e.g., auditing to banking), articulate your motivations and how your skills can effectively transfer to add value in the new environment.
Advice to Candidates
- Be prepared and Enthusiastic:
Research the company thoroughly, understand the role, and be ready to explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. Enthusiasm is a key factor in demonstrating your motivation for the role. - Ask Smart Questions:
When it’s your turn, ask insightful questions about the role’s responsibilities, team dynamics, and career growth. This shows your genuine interest and long-term thinking. - Salary and Flexibility:
It’s best to avoid discussing salary unless prompted. If you’re working with a recruiter, there’s no need to ask about salary flexibility at this stage. Focus on the role and responsibilities first. - Show Good Communication Skills:
Demonstrate confidence in your abilities through clear, concise answers, good eye contact, and active engagement. Repeating the interviewer’s name shows attentiveness and helps build rapport. - Professionalism Matters:
Dress professionally, arrive on time, and bring a notebook and pen. Simple touches like a firm handshake and showing enthusiasm can set you apart.
With the right preparation and mindset, you’ll confidently navigate the interview and leave a lasting impression.
If you need more help with interview prep or would like personalised advice, feel free to reach out to Ellen Conlon directly at ellen.conlon@coopman.ie or +353 83 203 7496.
