2023-2024
Recruitment Handbook
Recruitment Handbook 2023-2024
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Table of Contents
Meet the SoA Staff
1
Connect with the Department of Career Planning and Development
2
What can you do with accounting?
3 3 3 4 4 4
Public Accounting
Corporate Accounting
Government Non-Profit
Education
Getting Ahead Check List
5
Student Organizations
6
Student Resources
7
Handshake
8 9
On-Campus Interviews on Handshake
Preparing for the Career Fair
12 12 13 14 16 17 18
During the Career Fair
After the Career Fair (for In-person and Virtual Interactions)
Preparing your Resume
Resume with Notes
Cover Letter
Cover Letter Example
Developing Your Elevator Speech
19
Dress for Success
20
Preparing for the Interview
21 23 24 25 26 27
Types of Interviews
Example of an answer to a behavioral interview question using the STAR method
Examples of Behavioral Interviewing Questions
Traditional Interviewing
Sample questions for you to ask employer
Thank You Letter
28
Dos and Do NOTs of the Accounting Recruitment Process
29
KSU SoA Corporate Partners
29
Recruitment Handbook 2023-2024
Meet the SoA Staff
Amanda York is the Assistant Director, Strategic Partnerships for the School of Accountancy within the Coles College of Business. In this role, Amanda focuses on building collaborative community and business partnerships that will lead to additional connections for students and enhanced degree programs. Prior to joining KSU, Amanda worked at Central Maine Community College and the University of Maine. Amanda believes that higher education is one of the best avenues for a successful career and enjoys connecting employers with students to promote professional growth.
In her free time, Amanda loves the Red Sox, Atlanta United, and spending time with her pup, Oakley.
Contact info: Email: ayork23@kennesaw.edu | Phone: 470-578-6860 | Office: BB 204
Daniela Schaich is the Strategic Partnership Liaison for the School of Accountancy within Coles College of Business. In this role, Daniela assists with building collaborative community and business partnerships that will lead to professional development and additional career connections for students. Prior to her role in the School of Accountancy, she worked in the College of Professional Education at Kennesaw State University supporting Marketing and Corporate Relations. In her free time, Daniela loves ice skating, baking, reading, traveling, and exploring new places with friends and family. She is passionate about building relationships and helping others succeed.
Schedule an appointment to talk about:
• Tailoring your resume for the accounting industry • How to get engaged with the accounting industry • Employer networking opportunities • Get Certified
Contact Info: Email: dschaich@kennesaw.edu | Phone: 470-578-6084 | Office: BB 234
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Cynthia True is the Associate Director of Graduate Programs within the Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program at the Coles College of Business. In this role, Cynthia coordinates the different administrative facets of the program, plans events and socials, builds relationships with MAcc students, and connects students to important student support services. She will also be working with our MBA program and the new Accounting Concentration. Prior to her role in the School of Accountancy, she has served and supported students in other roles at Kennesaw State University including serving as an Education Abroad Program Manager. In her free time, she loves cooking meals for friends and family, hot yoga, working out, training, and traveling.
Contact Info: Email: ctrue2@kennesaw.edu | Phone: 470-578-7628 | Office: KSU Center Suite 150
Katherine Zhou is the Program Coordinator within the Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program at the Coles College of Business. In this role, Katherine gathers data, has created, and maintains the student database that aids in improving teaching strategies, and she reviews applications for the incoming class. Prior to her role in the School of Accountancy, Katherine worked in the Office of Graduate Admissions where she assisted with developing and troubleshooting the current Customer Relationship Management (CRM) used by KSU. Katherine has been married for 8 years, and the couple has two toddlers: a 3- year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy. In her free time, Katherine enjoys spending time outdoors with her young family, reading, weightlifting, listening to podcasts, and learning Mandarin.
Contact Info: Email: kzhou3@kennesaw.edu | Phone: 470-578-2357 | Office: KSU Center Suite 150
Connect with the Department of Career Planning and Development
Schedule an appointment with your Career and Internship Advisor on Handshake to talk about:
Resume and cover letter assistance
•
• Information about internships for academic credit • Networking, job search, mock interviews, and interviewing tips
Contact info: Email: career_services@kennesaw.edu | Phone: (470) 578-6555 | Office: ALC 3525
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What can you do with accounting?
Public Accounting
▪
▪
Assurance Services Business Valuing External Audition
Financial Accounting
▪
▪
Litigation and Risk Management Consulting
▪
▪
▪
Personal Finance Planning
Management Consulting
▪
▪
Tax
Business Valuing
▪
▪
International Accounting Environmental Accounting
Forensic/Investigative Accounting
▪
Employers: ▪
▪
Public Accounting Firms
Sole Practitioner
Strategies:
▪ Public accounting firms hire candidates who meet the educational requirements for CPA licensure. To be licensed in Georgia, you must have 150 semester hours, including 30 hours of accounting and 24 hours of general business credits. The typical undergraduate degree is 120 hours, so many students pursue a Master of Accounting to get to the 150 hours required for licensure. ▪ In Georgia, students can sit for the CPA exam before obtaining the 150 hours. To sit, students must have an undergraduate degree and 20 hours of upper-level accounting. ▪ Check out the KSU “Get Certified” website for more info and FAQ’s Get Certified
Corporate Accounting
▪
▪
Financial Management Financial Reporting
Tax Planning
▪
▪
Transaction Services
▪
▪
Internal Auditing Cost Accounting
Budget Analysis
▪
▪
Information Technology
Employers: ▪
Companies – of all sizes, in all industries
Strategies:
▪ Some entry-level positions do not require a CPA although many in higher-level positions have both a CPA and a master’s degree. ▪ The Institute of Management Accountants offers the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) to those who have worked in the field for two years, hold a bachelor’s degree, and pass a two -part exam. ▪ Management accountants may move into internal auditing; however, it is less likely to move to public accounting.
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Government
▪
▪
Auditing
Budget Analysis
▪
▪
Financial Reporting Financial Management
Research
▪
Employers: ▪
Federal agencies and departments: o
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Internal Revenue Service Department of Treasury
o
o
▪
State and local agencies o City of Kennesaw o
Georgia Bureau of Investigation
o Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts
Strategies: ▪
Complete an internship in a government agency ▪ Become familiar with the government application process ▪ Some government agencies will help pay back student loans with an employee commitment to service for three years
Non-Profit
▪
▪
Accounting
Budgeting
▪
▪
Internal Auditing Financial Planning
Money Handling Record Keeping
▪
▪
Employers: ▪
▪
Social Services Agencies Non-profit organizations
Universities and colleges Religious organizations Libraries and museums
▪
▪
▪
▪
Hospitals
▪
▪
Public School Systems
Political parties
▪
Labor unions
Strategies: ▪ Volunteer at non-profit organizations and build a network of contacts in the non-profit sector
Education
▪
▪
Teaching Research
Consulting
▪
Employers: ▪
Universities and colleges
Strategies: ▪
A Ph.D. or DBA in Business Administration
***Please note this is a limited list of opportunities in accounting as there are many other options available to students and experienced professionals. ***
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Getting Ahead Check List
✓ Earn good grades. Good grades are an indicator of technical competence in accounting and of a person’s work ethic. ✓ Potential employers place emphasis on interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrate these skills by having well-rounded experiences outside of the classroom. ✓ Actively participate in student organizations to develop leadership skills. Learn to work well within a team.
✓ Develop excellent computer skills. Learn relevant software packages.
✓ Pursue Summer Leadership Programs (SLPs) to gain field experience and build connections. Consider completing internships in the summer semester, in addition to the spring term. ✓ Join Beta Alpha Psi, the honorary student society for accounting, finance and information systems, to gain knowledge about the accounting profession, build professional development, and make connections within the field. ✓ Develop analytical, critical thinking/problem-solving skills, and an understanding of professional ethical standards.
✓ Exhibit accuracy and attention to detail.
✓ Take classes outside of accounting in related fields (data analytics, finance, information systems) to broaden your scope of knowledge.
✓ Stand out by targeting an area of focus during training and make yourself an expert.
✓ Certifications available through the Institute of Internal Auditors or the Institute of Management Accountants may increase job marketability in some areas of accounting. ✓ Accounting is a versatile degree. Students who graduate with a major in accounting may find jobs in many areas of business including banking, financial planning, sales, production management, client management, product development, procurement, and general management.
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Student Organizations
Beta Alpha Psi (BAP)
Founded in 1919, BAP is an international honor organization for financial information students and professionals. There are over 300 chapters on college and university campuses with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi's formation.
The primary objective is to encourage, give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information fields, and provide opportunities for self and professional development.
Beta Alpha Psi at Glance: • Professional meetings with employer guest speakers are held Fridays during the fall and spring semesters. Attendance is required for some events and meetings. • Applicants have completed Major 3100 or the equivalent, have a minimum 3.0 GPA (last 30 hours), and a minimum 3.0 Major GPA. • Committed hours: 6 hours of community service and 8 hours of professional events per semester. • Commit to 2 full semesters.
***Students that have not completed their Major 3100 course, or that are working towards membership into BAP, may join FBIS (the stepping stone to BAP) and attend BAP meetings and events. ***
Learn more about Beta Alpha Psi – Iota Tau Chapter at KSUBAP.com
Questions? Contact Professor Shannon Shumate: sshumat2@kennesaw.edu or Amanda York: ayork23@kennesaw.edu
National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) NABA is an exciting group of students with similar academic and future professional interests in accounting and business. NABA is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for black accounting and finance professionals by providing leadership and technical training, as well as networking and career opportunities.
For more information email Naba.ksuchapter@gmail.com
Questions? Contact Professor Benedikt Quosigk: bquosigk@kennesaw.edu
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Student Resources
Georgia Society of CPAs Enhance your resume with a student membership from the Georgia Society of CPAs. Student members will have access to important local accounting news, continuing education, volunteer opportunities, and much more.
GSCPA Student Membership Benefits
Membership in The Georgia Society of CPAs offers many professional and personal benefits. Whether you are in public practice, industry, government, or education, GSCPA membership means far more than simply receiving reduced rates for CPE programs. It is a critical resource to aid in your success throughout your accounting career. As an accounting student, you may obtain a $25 student membership that will follow you through one year after graduation.
Learn more and become a student member at http://www.gscpa.org
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
This free membership to the AICPA gives students access to tools and resources that will help you make the most of your college years. The AICPA provides technical resources, training, networking opportunities and expert guidance.
As an AICPA Student Member, you will receive:
Exclusive scholarship opportunities
▪
▪ Digital versions of industry news and publications ▪ Exclusive discounts and offers on products and services from partners like Dell, FedEx, and Hertz ▪ Special discounts on not-to-be-missed conferences ▪ Super-valuable deals on the latest industry information
Learn more and become a student member at https://thiswaytocpa.com/
Institute of Internal Auditors This free membership to the IIA gives students access to numerous resources (networking and internship opportunities, leadership programs, and tools) to help navigate internal audit opportunities.
IIA Student Membership Benefits
▪ Connect with a professional global network worldwide. ▪ Develop your leadership skills with volunteer opportunities. ▪ Explore internships, job opportunities, and career resources through the Audit Career Center Learn more and become a student member at https://www.theiia.org/en/membership/us/become-a- member/
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Handshake
The Gateway to Career Opportunities at KSU
Handshake is an online career opportunities platform used by many universities across the country. KSU’s Handshake board is the central way that employers can advertise events and positions directly to students and alumni.
Benefits of Handshake: ▪
Search and apply for open positions including Jobs, Internships, and Co-ops. ▪ Schedule appointments for career coaching, internship advisement, resume & cover letter review, and even mock interviews. ▪ Apply to get academic credit for an upcoming internship. ▪ Learn about events including campus/community employer events, career fairs, and workshops. ▪ Network with other KSU students and alumni and ask questions on community boards. Pro Tips for Students: ▪ Download the Handshake app from your App Store to get information about employers and posted jobs at your fingertips. ▪ Check out On Campus Interviews from the “Jobs” tab, identify employers who have scheduled to conduct interviews at KSU, and be sure to note interview criteria, selected deadlines, and sign-up times for each one. ▪ Although most resume approvals can have a 24 – 48-hour turnaround time, ideally, you should get your resume “approved” at least a week before a career fair . ▪ When uploading transcripts to Handshake be sure to first redact personal/sensitive information from your transcript including age, gender, etc. Transcripts that contain sensitive information will not be approved and this can impact your job search. Do not upload your “official” transcript, as this document is encrypted and will not be viewable by employers. Instead, go to your Owl Express and save a copy of your student-advising guide. ▪ “Favorite” employers and positions to get updates and recommendations from Handshake. ▪ Complete your Handshake profile, set it to “public”, and be sure to k eep it up to date. This is how employers can connect with you if they are looking for applicants to posted positions.
Access your account at http://kennesaw.joinhandshake.com
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On-Campus Interviews on Handshake
If you are looking to apply for On-Campus Interviews, you can go about these two different ways: searching for specific interviews and then applying to the related jobs, or by searching and applying to specific jobs that are connected to interview schedules. ▪ Handshake Pro Tip: Interview Schedules in Handshake must have a job attached to them, so you'll never apply directly to the interview schedule, but to the job itself. In the same way, withdrawing your application from a job will withdraw you from an interview schedule associated with it. Getting Started with On-Campus Interviews You can select On-Campus Interviews from the top menu under the Jobs tab to view interviews that will be taking place on your school's campus. You can type in a keyword directly to search, or you can use a filter or multiple filters to customize your search .
If you select an On-Campus interview that is not yet open for applications, you will see a breakdown of the interview’s timeline. You will also see any related jobs.
If you select an Interview Schedule for a job that you have already applied to, you will receive the following message:
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Once you have been chosen by an employer for an On-Campus Interview, you will receive a notification in Handshake.
• Handshake Pro Tip: Update your notification preferences to receive email messages about on-campus interview scheduling and sign-ups. To make changes to your notification preferences in Handshake, select the drop-down menu next to your name, then “notifications”. Select “Edit Notifications” and scroll down to the interview section. Make sure all notifications are checked. Primary or Alternate Status You can always find jobs, along with any interviews, that you've applied to by selecting Applications from the menu. Along the side of each job or interview title, you can easily view the status of that application. • Handshake Pro Tip: Primary Applicants get first access to sign up for an interview slot. Handshake will send you a notification email as soon as y ou’re able to sign up for a slot if you are a primary applicant. Alternate Applicants get access to sign up for a slot later.
Selecting a Time Slot If you have been selected for an interview, you can click “ Take Slot ” , to reserve your spot.
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Switching Time Slots If there is an open slot available, you can leave the slot that you choose, and take another.
If another applicant has taken the slot you need, you can request to swap slots with them. NOTE: Swaps are not guaranteed .
Here is an example of what your notification would look like if a swap is requested:
The other student will also get a notification in Handshake that someone is requesting to swap slots and will be given directions on how to decline the request or complete the swap.
▪ Handshake Pro Tip: Once the signup period has ended for an interview schedule, the schedule will be locked, and you will not be able to make any other changes on your own. Please reach out to the Department of Career Planning and Development for assistance.
Questions? Contact Career Planning and Development
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Preparing for the Career Fair
Before the Career Fair: •
Create a clear and strong resume o Have your digital resume copy saved in a PDF format and print it to ensure nothing gets cut off doe to the margins • Set up an account in Handshake so that you may sign up for any on-campus interviews that may result from the career fair o Submit your resume to Handshake a week prior to the career fair so it can be approved • Develop and practice your elevator pitch o Compile a list of questions you want to ask employers and be prepared for questions they may ask you o Ask at least one question to all companies, so that you can compare their answers • Obtain a list of employers that will be at the career fair and identify which employers you want to talk to before the event o Register for the virtual fair and plan to attend the in-person fair o Talk to your professor if you have class during the fair o Dress professionally In-person • Arrive early and prepared o Have your list of employers handy so that you can visit all that you identified o Have a few freshly printed copies of your resume to share with employers Do a technology test before the fair o Most problems can be troubleshot by restarting the device or checking your internet connection o Check your sounds and camera before the fair o Use headphones if this will help prevent outside noise o Ensure your background is clear, free of clutter, and free of distractions o Make sure the place you are participating from is quiet o Do not lay in bed during the fair, sit upright o Dress professionally For virtual fairs and interactions •
During the Career Fair
In-Person •
Check in and get available resources o
Take a moment to review where the employers you are interested in are located
• Begin walking through the fair and stop to connect with employers o Introduce yourself o Be confident and begin your elevator pitch o
Make direct eye contact with the employer throughout your conversations o Use the research you’ve done about the company to connect with the employer and ask one or two of your prepared questions o Ask about the next steps, open positions, or the application process o Make sure to write down who you spoke with from each company, as you might not receive a business card
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In addition to the above, here are tips for virtual fairs or interactions • Introduce yourself when you first join o Be confident and begin your elevator pitch • Have your camera on for the whole session •
Sit upright for the session. Do not lay in bed or participate from your car
After the Career Fair (for In-person and Virtual Interactions)
• Take some time after the career fair to organize your notes and make a list of follow ups • Block off time to follow up and complete all action items • Send follow up emails to thank each employer within 24 hours, incorporating the notes you have written after speaking with the employer • Follow the instructions of the employer within 24 hours. For example, if they as for you to send a resume through email or fill out an application for the job • Connect with the company on LinkedIn, not all employees will accept your request, but the company will have a page and connecting with them shows additional interest • Make sure to write down who you spoke with from each company, as you will not receive a business card • Write down any notes about action items the recruiter recommended • Write down any hints of items you discussed in the conversation; you can use this during your follow-up
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Preparing your Resume
Your resume needs to be perfect: no spelling or grammar mistakes reverse chronological order, everything aligned.
Resume features: ▪
Personal Information o At the top of the page and should include: first and last name, address (City, State only), phone number, email, LinkedIn ▪ Objective Line o Should be short and concise, telling the recruiter what position you are looking for o For those seeking an internship, includes the term during which you would like to work and area you want work in ▪ Education o Name of university where you are enrolled: ▪ City and state where university is located ▪ Degree you are obtaining ▪ Expected graduation date (ex. May 2020) ▪ Completed minors, licenses, and certifications ▪ Cumulative GPA ▪ Major GPA if higher than cumulative ▪ Experience o Position title o Full name of company and city and state its located o Dates the position was held o Bullet points emphasizing your skills & accomplishments * List your most relevant achievements or highlights first in your bulleted lists! ▪ Awards & Organizations/ Certifications & Other Skills o These sections are optional but provide a space for you to highlight other accomplishments outside of work experience o List organization affiliations such as Beta Alpha Psi or Georgia Society of CPAs o Honors such as Deans List
TIPS:
▪ Resumes should be printed on "resume paper," a slightly heavier paper that typically has a watermark. This paper is available at stores like, Staples, Office Depot, and Walmart. ▪ Always bring more resumes than you think you will need. You never know how many employers will stop you and introduce themselves or employers that you decide you would like to meet. ▪ If participating virtually, have your resume printed for you to look at during the fair, so you can see what recruiters see at the same time. ▪ Have pen and paper ready to take notes.
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Kenny Kennesaw
www.linkedin.com/in/yourname | 222-222-2222 | YourName@gmail.com
OBJECTIVE To obtain an internship in accounting in Summer 20__; open to tax or audit
EDUCATION Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting,
Expected: May 20--
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA Intend to sit for CPA
GPA: 3._ Major GPA: 3._
ACCOUNTING RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Internship, Company Name, City, ST
Jan 2018-Present
•
Prepared 100+ individual tax returns
• Assisted CPA with 10+ audits of small businesses
Federal Taxation Project , Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw GA
Aug 2017- Dec 2017
▪ Created comprehensive tax return, including Form1040 and schedules A, B, C, D, E
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Server Company Name, City, ST
Jan 2017- Dec 2017
• Managed financial transactions totaling $1000+ daily and balanced drawer • Assisted 20+ team members to ensure efficient service for 50-100 customers on a daily basis • Provided exceptional customer service in a fast-paced, high volume restaurant
AWARDS & ORGANIZATIONS President’s List (4.0) Dean’s List Beta Alpha Psi The Georgia Society of CPAs
CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER SKILLS Internal Auditing Education Partnership (IAEP) Program Experienced in QuickBooks
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Resume with Notes
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Cover Letter Most Public Accounting firms do not ask for a cover letter, but if you plan to go corporate, you may need one! The cover letter shows the employer your writing skills, professional experience, and why you are interested in a particular position.
Cover Letters Should:
▪
Always be typed.
▪ Be individualized and addressed to a specific person whenever possible. ▪ Emphasize achievements, but if you make claims back them up. ▪ Avoid the letter looking like a form letter; tailor it to fit a specific position. ▪ Be brief and concise. Like your resume, the letter will be skimmed. ▪ Your document should be one page with three (3) to five (5) short paragraphs. ▪ Not just regurgitate what your resume says. The employer is about to read that! This should add some depth to their understanding of why you qualify or are a good fit for the position.
Cover Letter Tips:
▪
Address
o Address your cover letter to a specific person o If not possible, use the companies name and “Dear Hiring Manager”
▪
Opening
State why you are writing
o
o Indicate the position and your enthusiasm for it o Express some knowledge of the employer and how you found the position
▪
Body
o Tell the employer why you are a good fit for the position o Highlight your education and experiences as they relate to the position o Connect the requirements of the job to your qualifications o Provide evidence of key skills, experience, and personality traits that match the job description o Use specific examples o Explain why you are interested in their company
▪
Closing
o Re-emphasize your interest in the position o Convey your appreciation for their consideration and time o Indicate the best means to reach you
▪
Signature o
Sign your cover letter, if it is a letter you are mailing. Otherwise, you will simply type your name, or scan a signed copy if appropriate o Possible salutations: Best Regards, or Best, or Regards
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Cover Letter Example
Your Present Address
February 19, 2018 (always write out the date)
Company Name Company Address City, ST 12345
Dear Ms. Smith:
1ST PARAGRAPH GOAL: 1) Indicate why you are writing and 2) demonstrate you have done your research on the company or the position and have deemed it a good fit.
I am excited to submit my application for the (NAME THE POSITION) at (NAME THE COMPANY), which was posted on your company website. I am an excellent candidate for this position based on my professional experience in customer service and marketing and my educational background in writing and communication, which is covered in the attached resume. 2nd SECTION: Identify the Job Responsibilities from the Job Description and provide examples, where you have excelled. If the organization is seeking experience with event coordination, social media, and website design, highlight 2-3 key examples of how or when you have excelled in those specific areas. This section can be 1-2 paragraphs. It should NOT be a narrative of your resume, but should hit the high points of your experience related to this position. The paragraph style used here is a good format to use, depending on your audience. This section can also include any other information pertinent for the hiring manager related to your personal motivation to apply to the position (in case your beliefs align with those of the organization) or if you are relocating or have other items that you might want to explain to the person considering you. 3rd SECTION: I look forward to learning more about this opportunity and to a more in depth discussion of how my experience can contribute to the success of (COMPANY NAME). Please contact me at (YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS) or at 555-555-5555 to further discuss the position and my qualifications.
Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Your Name Typed
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Developing Your Elevator Speech Networking is an important part of the recruitment process. This comes in two types of settings: formal and informal. Formal settings are like the typical information sessions or career fairs, while informal settings are situations where you might find yourself unexpectedly speaking to a potential career resource information, such as at an information table, or when meeting a recruiter. The best way to be prepared and make a positive impression is to have your elevator speech ready. An elevator speech is a clear and concise message about you. It communicates who you are, what you are looking for, and how you can benefit a company or organization. It is important to have your speech memorized and practiced. Rehearse your 30-second elevator speech with a friend or in front of a mirror. The important thing is to say it out loud so that you sound as though you’re in a conversation, instead of robotic. This will make you feel more at ease when meeting new people.
To develop your elevator speech, think about the following:
Who are you? Name, year in school, and field of study “Hi. My name is __________. I’m a third -year Accounting student at Kennesaw State University. ” What is your objective? State specifically what your goals are “ I am interested in building on my experience in accounting with a tax internship. I would like to work for a Public Accounting firm and sit for the CPA exam after I graduate.” What are your strengths? Mention your skills and experiences that help you connect with that employer (for example, a related internship, leadership experience, or a class project). “ I have completed numerous accounting classes, including Advanced Tax. In those classes, I’ve worked in groups, but I am also a member of Beta Alpha Psi and have a good understanding of the importance of working with others to get the job done.
I also participated in XYZ’s Summer Leadership program in June. I have learned a lot about the accounting field and business professionalism as a result and am ready to take on a full-time internship. ”
Wrap it up I was very excited to see that ___ would be here today, and I’d love to learn more about your Spring internships!
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Dress for Success
Business Professional/Formal When attending professional events such as career fairs or interviews, making a first impression is vital. For these events, wearing business professional is the most appropriate form of attire. Men: Professional dress means a dark business suit, conservative dress shirt worn preferably worn with a tie, and shined dress shoes. Women: Professional dress means a dark skirted or trouser suit, conservative dress shirt, and pumps (closed toe with a heel). Keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum.
Business Casual For less formal events, like employer information sessions, students may choose to wear business casual dress. Business casual means neat and appropriate dress that is classic rather than trendy. Men: Business casual means suit pants or khaki type pants, typically a button-down collared or polo shirt (tie is optional and a jacket can be appropriate), and traditional black or brown shoes. Women: Business casual means classic dress pants, a well-pressed dress shirt or blouse (traditional button- down, collared, is often appropriate), and coordinating dress shoes. Also acceptable is a dress or skirt and blouse.
Important at any Level: Your clothes must always be clean, pressed, and in good condition. Proper fit is the key to the look you choose. Tips: o Even at virtual meetings, career fairs, or interviews, you want to dress professionally down to your ankles. Wear pants! o Shoes are optional for virtual interactions o You might feel strange dressed this way inside your home, but turn that around into confidence
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Preparing for the Interview The single most crucial part of the job-hunting process is the formal job interview; the face-to-face meeting with a hiring official when there is a definite job opportunity at stake. During the interview, both parties assess if they like each other and if they satisfy each other’s needs. Not on ly will you be letting the employer know about your best qualities, but you will be attempting to gain a clearer impression of the employer and the position. All the time and effort you have spent preparing to make an oral presentation of what you have learned come together at this point. The secret of good interviewing is good presentation, which requires preparation and skilled communication. Making a formal, personal presentation of your knowledge, attitudes and skills, as related to the job you are seeking, means preparing by researching and practicing, just as you would as if you were making a presentation to a class. A good recruiter will attempt to evaluate those qualities you have that are not revealed in your resume: your behavior, what motivates you, your personality, your values, whether you are a leader or a follower, your ambitions, how well you communicate, and how much career planning you have really done. The interview will be a test of the preparation you have done and your ability to market yourself.
Be Prepared Know Yourself Know the Company
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Assess yourself ▪ Know your strengths and weaknesses before you walk in the door. Never expect an employer to tell you where you might fit in an organization – you should already know. ▪ How has your past education or work experience prepared you for this job? Be prepared to relate your experiences to the position you are interviewing for. ▪ Practice interview questions. Interviewing is a skill that needs practice and preparation. There are different types of interviews, be prepared for any of them. Have well thought out answers ready. Practice interviewing with a friend or in front of the mirror. Pay close attention to behavior or scenario-based questions.
2. Research the Company ▪
You should have some knowledge of company policies, employment opportunities, products and services. Look for a chance in the interview to communicate what you know and relate to the company. ▪ Have a copy of the complete job description and make sure you know all the responsibilities and details listed.
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3. Verify the particulars ▪ Find out the exact time and place of the interview. Arrive at least fifteen minutes early. There is no excuse for being late. ▪ Learn the interviewer’s name (including its proper pronunciati on) and their title. ▪ Have copies of your resume and cover letter with you, along with a pen and notepad for notes. ▪ For virtual meetings: o Do a technology check and practice logging into the platform o Have your camera on and ensure your background is clean, free of clutter and distractions o Use headphones to avoid external sound interference and quality
DURING THE INTERVIEW
1. Sell yourself ▪
Don’t just answer the questions. Communicate your personal qualities and strongest abilities with examples from your past. Try to address any underlying questions you think the employer might have about your suitability for the job. This is not the time to be modest. 2. Dwell on the positive ▪ Should the recruiter ask about past failures or shortcomings, try to explain circumstances rather than give excuses or blame others. You will create a better impression by being honest. 3. Non-verbal communication ▪ Body language is critical. Your body language will leave both positive and negative messages. Ensure that yours is positive. o Sit up straight o Have a firm handshake. o Make good eye contact and smile. o Practice active listening. 4. Always have your own questions to ask ▪ Have meaningful questions prepared. o Find out how training is provided, what advancement opportunities are available, how much travel is involved, what other individuals or departments you would work with most, how job performance is measured, etc.
5. How to close to close the interview ▪
Express your interest in the position.
▪ Ask when you should be hearing back from the employer and next steps in the interview process. ▪ Thank the interviewers for their time and consideration.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
1. Follow-up ▪
Write a thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview. You will want to write a thank you letter of appreciation for the interview opportunity. ▪ Provide whatever credentials, references, or transcripts that were requested by the prospective employer as soon as possible. ▪ Personalize each thank you email to each employer and job that you applied for.
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Types of Interviews There are two common interview types you should be prepared for - behavioral interviewing and traditional interviewing. Review both types below and make sure you are prepared.
Behavioral Interviewing:
The behavioral Interviewing method assumes that past performance is the best way to analyze the interviewee. The applicant is asked to describe past behavior in order to determine whether she is suitable for a position. For example, an interviewer may ask, "Tell me about a time when you dealt with a disruptive customer". Employers predetermine which skills are necessary for the job opening and then ask very pointed questions to determine if the candidate possesses those skills. Past behavior is a good indicator of future performance; the behavioral interview method provides great analytical value. In the interview, your response needs to be specific and detailed. Tell them about a particular situation that relates to the question, not a general one. Tell them briefly the situation, what you did specifically and the positive result or outcome. Frame it in a four-step process:
STAR Method:
▪
Situation
▪
Task
▪
Action
▪
Result/Outcome
The interviewee tells a story for a few minutes. The interviewer may probe further for more depth or detail such as “What were you thinking at that point?” or “Tell me more about your meeting with that person,” or “Lead me through your decision process.” ▪ Always listen carefully to the question, ask for clarification if necessary and make sure you answer the question completely. ▪ Your interview preparation should include identifying examples of situations where you have demonstrated the behaviors sought by a company. ▪ Your resume will serve as a good guide when answering these questions. Refresh your memory regarding your achievements in the past couple of years. Demonstration of the desired behaviors may be proven in many ways.
Use examples from internships, classes, activities, team involvement, community service and work experience.
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Example of an answer to a behavioral interview question using the STAR method
Question: Tell me about a time when you successfully led a group or team.
Situation: Recently, I was part of a group project in my Organizational Communication class. We had an assignment to design an effective public relations campaign for a fictitious company. Task: We chose to market a bank that is opening a new office in a small community. We had to come up with a marketing plan and media kit designed to introduce the company to its new community and to solicit new bank customers. Action: As the project team leader, I set up an appointment with the director of marketing at XYZ Bank and got her insight on the project. After the opening, I came up with a creative marketing plan, which was enthusiastically received by the other group members. I then assigned each group member a particular task based on his or her area of expertise. For example, one member of our group was responsible for designing the bank’s logo and another member was responsible for writing a press release. I monitored the group’s progress to make sure we were meeting our deadlines and put together a strong oral presentation to make to the class. Result: The project was lots of fun and allowed me to develop the management skills necessary to lead a diverse group of 6 people. The most rewarding part was that our group received the highest marks in the class and the professor currently uses our project materials as an example to his classes.
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Examples of Behavioral Interviewing Questions
▪ Give an example of a time when you had to deal with a particularly difficult person/client. If you had a similar situation now, would you handle it differently? Why?
▪ Tell us about a big project you had to plan for school or work. What steps were involved? What was the outcome?
▪ Describe a time when you had to explain a project to a group and realized that you had been misinterpreted. How did you finally get your point across?
▪ Tell me how you plan and organize your schedule to ensure that everything gets done.
▪ Give me an example of a time when you failed to meet a deadline. When did you realize that you would miss the deadline? What did you do? What did you learn?
▪ Give a specific example of a particular problem you have had at work, at home or at school. Go through the process you used to analyze the problem and arrive at your decision.
▪ Tell me about a time when you had several things to do with a limited amount of time. How did you handle that?
▪ Tell me about a time you had to apply a newly learned skill or knowledge. What was the skill? How did you apply it? What was the result?
▪ Tell me about a tough decision you made. What steps, thought processes, and considerations did you take to make that decision? Were you satisfied with your decision?
▪ Tell me about a time when you had to present complex information. How did you ensure that the other person understood?
▪ Describe a situation in which you were able to overcome a “personality conflict” to achieve a positive outcome.
▪ Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.
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Traditional Interviewing
The traditional interviewing method is a more straightforward method that consists of questions about your personality, skills, and hypothetical situations. Traditional interview questions are more straightforward and are typically easier to prepare for. The interviewer will ask questions to evaluate you based on your resume, references, education, and job experience.
Sample Traditional Interview Question:
▪
Tell me about yourself.
▪ What are your strengths and weaknesses?
▪ What do you consider your greatest accomplishments to date?
▪ Do you prefer to be directly supervised or to work independently?
▪ How do you feel you work in a team setting?
▪ What qualifications do you have that make you feel that you would be successful in this position?
▪ How would a former supervisor describe you?
▪ How do you determine priorities in scheduling your time? Give me an example.
▪ Give me an example of how you achieved an important goal you set for yourself.
▪ How has your college experience prepared you for your career?
▪ How do you work under pressure? Under stress?
▪
How do you prioritize tasks?
▪ In what type of setting do you feel you work best?
▪
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
▪ What do you know about our services or products?
▪ Why are you interested in our organization?
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Sample questions for you to ask employer
▪ What are typical career paths for new employees?
▪ Why did you choose to work for this company and why do you stay?
▪ How is an employee evaluated and promoted?
▪ Describe the typical workday for this position and first year assignments.
▪ Tell me about your initial and future training programs.
▪ What are the challenging facets of the job?
▪ What are the company’s plans for future growth?
▪ What makes your firm different from its competitors?
▪ Describe the work culture and environment.
▪ How would you describe your corporation’s personality and management style?
▪ What are your expectations for new hires? What qualities are you looking for?
▪ What is the overall structure of the department where the position is located?
▪ What characteristics does a successful person have at your company?
▪ What skills do top performers in this job have?
▪ What is the next step in the interview process? When can I expect to hear from you?
Reminders:
▪ Do not give life story or real personal information during the interview. Keep it professional!
▪ Be aware of your nonverbal cues: posture, smiling, firm handshake, eye contact.
▪
Dress professionally.
▪ Make sure you have the interviewers’ name, title, and contact information.
▪ Ask for next steps in interview process, and when you should be hearing from employer.
▪ Follow up with a thank you email within 24 hours of interview!
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Thank You Letter
Thank you letters after an interview are essential. It is a common courtesy, and another opportunity for you to show your interest in the position and highlight why you would be the best fit.
Common guidelines for writing a thank you letter are:
▪ Address your thank you letter to the individual(s) with whom you interviewed. ▪ Restate anything you liked about the organization and how you feel you could meet their needs. ▪ Provide additional information or clarification. ▪ If you really want this job, now is the time to let them know. ▪ If you decide this is not the job for you, now is the time to politely tell them. ▪ Close by saying you are looking forward to the next step.
Sample Thank You Letter:
Dear Ms._____________:
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me and talk about the position of Tax Associate with ABC Inc. yesterday. It was a pleasure to learn more about your approach to growing organic traffic. After researching many corporations, I am convinced that ABC, Inc. offers the best opportunity for utilizing my accounting experience. I am convinced that this place is where I would like to put my energy and skills to work. If you need any additional information from me, please feel free to contact me. Looking forward to hearing back from you next Friday, as discussed.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Kenny Kennesaw
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