Are you an accountant looking to progress your career in practice?
If you’ve been working with us to help propel your career to the next level, then it’s likely that you have some interviews on the horizon and now is certainly the time to get prepped to blow potential new employers away with your range of skills, qualifications and experience. You’ll find masses of support in our Candidates’ Hub.
But today we wanted to highlight a few really important words and phrases that we strongly suggest you think about throwing in to your interview answers whenever it feels appropriate. On the whole these buzzwords relate to transferable skills that we anticipate will set you apart from the competition.
Here’s our top 5 brilliant buzzwords or phrases to drop into your accountancy interview….
1. Initiative
Regardless of what level role you’re applying for in practice, nobody wants to be babysitting you more than necessary and it’s with this in mind that your employer needs to know that you possess the initiative to get stuck in post induction and get the job done.
And examples you can throw into interview about times when you’ve been faced with a new challenge and found creative ways to get the job done, even if it was all new to you, will showcase that you’re not a ‘computer says no’ kind of candidate.
2. Problem Solver
No-one likes a problem! And no hiring manager likes to be constantly presented with problems! Solutions however; they make employers happy!
So, if you can make sure your interviewing panel know that you’re a problem solver and one step better, offer them examples of when you’ve solved headaches for your employers, you’ll leave a positive lasting impression in their minds.
Being solutions focused is a great skill.
3. Flexible/Agile
If the last few years have taught us anything it’s that change is inevitable and employers will have learned first-hand, who amongst their workforce can handle change, be flexible or agile and learn to adapt to a new set of circumstances.
A positive mental attitude goes a long way in an accountancy team so showcasing times where you’ve given something a try or been prepared to change your way of working for the benefit of your employer will be impressive at interview.
4. Loyal/Committed
Recruitment is time consuming and expensive. The best firms get really focused on talent retention and on providing a great employee value benefit to their team. But loyalty goes both ways and if you can demonstrate that you’re looking to make a move for the longer term (even if you’re not 100% sure that that’s the case) you’ll be more likely to land the job.
Show the interviewers the reasons why you want to work with their firm in particular. Let them know if you admire their values and demonstrate a commitment to them over other firms or employers.
5. Team Player
A recruitment programme, particularly in a smaller firm, can be unsettling for all and it will likely be really important to your interviewers that you have the potential to be the right fit for the team they already have in place.
With this in mind it’s really important that you can showcase that you are a team player and that you’re not just in it for the opportunity to shine as an individual. They will want to see that you care about the people you work with and that you possess the emotional intelligence not to rock the boat but instead to strengthen its crew.
‘There’s so much to think about in advance of your interview for a role in practice. But our advice is not to depend upon your accountancy credentials alone. Your interviewers will want to get a glimpse of your personal attributes and how you interact with others as well as your technical ability. ‘
Garry Howling, MD
Winning your dream job in accountancy is easy when you have the help of a team like ours cheering you on! We’re always delighted to hear that one of our candidates has impressed at interview and we’re here to support you to make that happen.
To benefit from our extensive experience and career counselling services, reach out for a call, upload your CV or browse our recently added jobs board today.
