My first accounts interview!!!!

aaron0121
aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
Hi Everyone,

I have my first accounts interview tomorrow and I'm mixed with both nerves and excitement.
I'm not quite sure on the type questions the interviewer will ask, I just hope that I can make a good
enough first impression as i really want this job :thumbup:

Can anyone offer any quick advice/tips for a first interview?

Thanks

Aaron
AAT

Level 2 - 2010
Level 3 - 2011
Level 4 - 2013

ACCA

F4 - 2015
F5 - 2015

Comments

  • wbauk2002
    wbauk2002 Registered Posts: 110 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    Have water from them if they ask, it's friendly

    Seem enthusiastic

    Have ambition about you future and you want to learn

    And write down 6 questions on paper and take them with you, make them picture you in the role, take a pen and pad and take notes,

    I went on probs 10 interviews and didn't get 1 job, then I didn't a interview technique course through job centre and learnt these tips, and got first 2 jobs I went for and am workin an awesome job
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Cheers for the advice Wbauk2002, how's the accounts assistant role coming along?
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • Folander
    Folander Registered Posts: 50 Epic contributor 🐘
    Hi Aaron,

    Good eye contact, good handshake and good manners. Have clean shoes and clean nails.

    Mention recs experience if you can and state how you see this as a great opportunity to learn and develop in the company. This shows you see the job as long term rather than a short term fix.

    Drop into conversation you studying AAT and due to study ACCA/ACA as soon as (even if you're not) as it shows you are driven and committed.

    Questions to ask.

    - How does the position fit into the current team?
    - What is the most challenging part of the role?

    Do not ask about money or hours. Save that or the 2nd interview or offer.

    Good luck.
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Hi Folander,

    I did mention on my covering letter, I'm currently studying level 4 and will be studying ACCA next year
    but I'll mention again in the interview. The job title is an accounts assistant with general day to day activities
    being; General administration tasks, Purchase Ledger, Bank reconciliations, Payment runs, Petty cash control,
    Working on SAGE Software, Credit control, VAT returns, Ledger updates. So I will definitely have to show
    a lot of enthusiasm for the job, as tbh the job may go to someone who has the experience of working in accounts.
    Even if I don't get the job, it will still be a invaluable experience having my first interview with an accounts
    firm.
    Really appreciate the advice

    Thanks
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • janwal
    janwal Registered Posts: 1,189 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    Hi Aaron

    Congrats on getting an interview, sounds a great job to use all you have learnt so far on the AAT. They obviously see something or they wouldn't have offered you an interview. Brush up on your Sage just incase there may sometimes ask you to sit a small test. We ask all our interviewees to sit a maths test (not wanting to scare you!)

    Be yourself and as already said takes some questions, you will never remember them if you try to commit to memory.

    When is the interview?

    Jan
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Hi Jan,

    A test wasn't mentioned when they offered me a interview but I'll take a calculator just in case :lol:

    The interview is at three o'clock!!!

    Thanks to everyone who have offered there advice and support, I have printed off so will keep going over
    before my interview.
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • Jo Clark
    Jo Clark Registered Posts: 2,525 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    How did it go Aaron, when will they let you know?
    ~ An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest ~
    Benjamin Franklin
  • GemmaS
    GemmaS Registered Posts: 178 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    Hope it went well!!!!
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Hi Jo,

    The interview went ok I think, they will let me know in a couple of days if I've been successful.

    Nothing was discussed about money/hours and I didn't mention anything about salary etc... So hopefully I will
    have the opportunity of maybe a second interview :thumbup1:

    Fingers crossed!!!!
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Thanks Gemma :)
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • mandatory
    mandatory Registered Posts: 59 Epic contributor 🐘
    Good luck! Hope you hear something from them soon, and something good too! :)
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    I hope so Manda, will let you know if i do :)
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • jane
    jane Registered Posts: 165 Dedicated contributor πŸ¦‰
    Good luck Aaron, will be keeping my fingers crossed for you :thumbup:
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Yesssssssssssssss I got the job, I start on the 8th of October!!!!!!!!!

    To all those still looking for a break through in finding accounting work, IMO persistence is key, keep sending the
    c.vs - covering letters and you just never know the dream job may just be around the corner :)
    I completely understand it gets so disheartening when sometimes you don't even receive a reply from employers,
    but you just have to keep at it.....will pay off eventually!!!!!
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • GemmaS
    GemmaS Registered Posts: 178 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    WELL DONE!!!!!!

    You are so right... hard work and persistence is definatley the key.

    I wish you all the best in your new job :D
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Thanks Gemma :)

    All the best with giving up smoking, you can do it :thumbup1:
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • janwal
    janwal Registered Posts: 1,189 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    Hi Aaron

    Congratulations in getting the job.:thumbup:

    All that work has paid off

    Jan
  • GemmaS
    GemmaS Registered Posts: 178 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    Thanks Gemma :)

    All the best with giving up smoking, you can do it :thumbup1:

    Thanks Aaron.... its been hard but I'm glad I've stuck with it so far :001_smile:

    If I can last to January I'm going to treat myself to a new laptop with them money I have saved :thumbup1:
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    Thanks Jan

    There is always that worry of will the hard work actually pay off......as it's really really competitive for jobs and
    stuff and it's only going to get tougher with AAT getting more and more popular. I was even contemplating
    paying an accounts practise, just for voluntary work experience!

    Hope you're finding level 4 ok so far :)

    We're always here if you need any help
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • Jo Clark
    Jo Clark Registered Posts: 2,525 Beyond epic contributor πŸ§™β€β™‚οΈ
    Congratulations Aaron :001_tongue:
    ~ An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest ~
    Benjamin Franklin
  • vickie88
    vickie88 Registered Posts: 58 Epic contributor 🐘
    Well done Aaron and good luck with your new job =)
  • Folander
    Folander Registered Posts: 50 Epic contributor 🐘
    Excellent news Aaron!

    Good luck with it. Hope this drives you on to ACCA/ACA. It’s all falling into place……
  • StuartW
    StuartW Registered Posts: 472 Dedicated contributor πŸ¦‰
    Well done Aaron - great to see hard work and determination paying off! :001_smile:
  • aaron0121
    aaron0121 Registered Posts: 422
    A massive thanks to everyone who have offered there kind words and support :)
    AAT

    Level 2 - 2010
    Level 3 - 2011
    Level 4 - 2013

    ACCA

    F4 - 2015
    F5 - 2015
  • mandatory
    mandatory Registered Posts: 59 Epic contributor 🐘
    Congratulations on the new job Aaron! :)
  • JaffasGirl
    JaffasGirl Registered Posts: 387 Dedicated contributor πŸ¦‰
    Congratulations! I was in your position 5 months ago, and it is an amazing feeling. After two years looking and studying it was such an amazing relief.

    Good luck with it, you'll really enjoy it. In some ways its that much sweeter because you havent had it easy!
  • yummy
    yummy Registered Posts: 6 Regular contributor ⭐
    Congratulations, Aaron!

    i have felt your excitement on the new job. And your hard work has been paid off.
    Thank you for sharing your experience. :thumbup1:
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