Step one: You’ve used the CPA Alberta Job Board to land your next interview. Congrats!
Step two: Ace the interview! But how?
Do your homework
You may no longer be in school, but that doesn’t mean the need for homework is over. One of the most important things you can do before a job interview is research. Learn as much as you can about the organization, the role, and the people who might be interviewing you. Look up the organization’s website, search for recent news or updates, and scan their corporate social media. Dissect the job posting and consider how your expertise aligns with what they’re looking for. Look up your interviewers and potential new boss on LinkedIn.
Taking these steps will make you more prepared to give more thoughtful and considered answers and also give you a comfort and confidence when creating an initial connection with your interviewers.
Practice your answers…
…but don’t memorize a script! You want to be prepared and confident but not a robot. Think about how you might answer questions using the STAR method:
- Situation: Explain the situation to give your interviewer context
- Task: Describe the related task you took responsibility for
- Actions: Share the actions you took to complete the task
- Results: Highlight the results of your actions
Consider your potential answers to some of the most commonly asked interview questions. Some questions to consider include:
- How does your experience align with this role?
- Why do you want this job?
- When is a time you leveraged [a particular skill needed for the role]?
- What are your greatest strengths and/or weaknesses?
- What are your career goals?
Ask thoughtful questions
Remember—you are interviewing your potential new boss and coworkers too. Near the end of the interview, you will likely be asked if you have any questions. Not only does this give you the chance to know if you want the job, it also can show your curiosity, critical thinking, and interest in the role.
Ask questions about what matters most to you but avoid questions you should’ve already found the answer to when you did your research. Some questions to consider include:
- How does this role contribute to the organization’s goals?
- What are the team’s biggest priorities over the next six months?
- How would the incumbent know they are successful in this role at the one-year mark?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What is your leadership style?
Let your personality shine through
Perhaps most importantly, be yourself. Skills and experience matter, but so does chemistry. Hiring managers want to know you can do the job but also that you’ll fit in with the existing team. And you want to be on a team that you’ll jive with too!
Let your personality show and be authentic—it means more than you might realize!
Interviewing can be nerve-wracking, but it’s a chance to learn more about a role and about yourself. It’s a vital professional step to leveling up your career.
If you’re still on the path to your next job interview, be sure to leverage the CPA Alberta Job Board to find opportunities just for Alberta CPAs, candidates, and students!
