Contact the Career and Counseling Service Center with any questions or for more information. Do not limit yourself to what is said below and use it to your discretion.

  Pre-Interview

• It is strongly recommended that you attend Meet the Firms/BBQ because:   

  • It is beneficial to demonstrate your communication skills and personality before the interview as they do not show on a resume.

  • It may relax you by having met the interviewer before your interview.

  • It is a chance to make a unique impression on the firm so they can put a face to a name come interviews.

  • You can get a feel for the culture and people of the firm and decide who you want to interview with.

  • It is an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the firms the accounting.

  How to sign up for interviews

• Register for [Gaucho-Link], sign-in, and make a profile.

• Upload unique resumes and cover letters tailored to each firm.

  • Bring resumes and cover letters to drop-in hours at the Career and Counseling Service Center for a free review and help on both documents.

• Click on "Search for a Job or Internship."

• Fill out form (look for accounting, in California, for full-time and keyword search for the firm of your choice).

• Click on the appropriate link for which you would like to apply (NOTE THE DIFFERENT LINKS FOR ASSURANCE AND TAX).

• Read the qualifications and ALL the information.

• Go to bottom of page and click on "Submit your resume to be considered for an interview."
   

  • If there is an error message then make sure the graduation date on your profile matches the graduation requirements set by firm.  (i.e., might say you need to graduate by May not June in which case you will change your profile to May.)  Otherwise it is probably minor discrepancy in your profile and contact the Career and Counseling Service Center for further help if you cannot find the problem.

  • Make sure you submit the correct resume and cover letter corresponding to the firm to which you apply.  Also, spell the recruiter's and firm name correctly in your cover letter.  Failure to do so will most likely disqualify you!!
     

• Make sure your contact information is correct.

  • A recruiter will get in touch with you to tell you if you received a first-round interview.  Gaucho-link will let you know if your application was processed so wait for the recruiter to contact you first.  Always contact the recruiter in the same way they contacted you (ie if a recruiter calls you and you missed his/her call, call them back instead of using e-mail.)
     

• If you received a first-round interview then sign up for a time slot using GauchoLink.

  • Remember to bring your portfolio with extra copies of your resume, blank paper, nice pen, and questions.

  • The dress attire is business formal.  Suggested that you shine your shoes, shave, get a hair cut, cut your nails, etc.  You may want to stay on the conservative side and save your flashy accessories and clothing for later.  It is recommended that you do not use perfume or cologne as your interview may be sensitive to those smells.  Your appearance will show the recruiter how serious you are about the position as well as your professionalism.  In addition, first impressions last forever.

  Suggestions on how to prepare for interviews

• Research firm (size, locations, industries, awards, etc).

• Create a list of questions to ask throughout the interview.  The best interviews are a dialogue between the interviewer and interviewee.  Don't be afraid to have them written down in your portfolio before coming to the interview.  Just remember to use them as a reference and not read off the list.

• Create an outline of stories that can be used for a variety of questions demonstrating your qualities, characteristics, how you handle situations, etc.  Do not over practice your stories because the interviewer will notice.

• Research common interview questions and practice them with your friend or in front of a mirror.  The key is to practice out loud and simulate an environment that will be similar to the actual interview so you will become more comfortable when the time comes.

  During the interview

• Always look at the interviewer when you speak.

• Give a firm handshake and smile.  Have good posture, but sit comfortably.

• Do not fidget or shake your foot.

• Do not put anything on the desk because the interviewer might feel like you are intruding on their space.  Place it in your lap or on the floor.

• Don't be afraid ask for a question to be repeated or take a few seconds to figure out what you are going to say.

• Listen carefully to the question, evaluate what your interviewer is trying to figure out, and answer appropriately.  Make sure you answer the question and refrain from telling a story that does not show what they wanted to know!

• Based on the interviewer's facial expressions, judge if he/she wants you to talk longer or shorter about the current subject.

• Remember to thank your interviewer at the end, get a business card, and find out what happens next.

• Hand written thank you letters tailored to the conversation during the interview is the best.  You may want to go home and bring the letter back before the interviewer leaves.  Otherwise you should e-mail or call thanking them for their time, etc.  Recommended to write notes on the back of the interviewer's business card about your conversation so you don't forget.