The Application Process

"Tell me about yourself."

• What they're looking for: A concise overview of your background, relevant experiences, and why you're interested in accounting
• Structure: Brief personal introduction → Academic background → Relevant experiences → Why accounting/this firm
• Keep it to: 1-2 minutes, relevant to the position
• Avoid: Personal details unrelated to career, rambling

"Why are you interested in this position/firm?"

• What they're looking for: Genuine interest, research about the company, understanding of the role
• Include: Specific aspects of the firm that appeal to you, how the role aligns with your goals, what you can contribute
• Show: You've done research and understand the firm's culture and values

"Why did you choose accounting?"

• What they're looking for: Genuine interest, understanding of the field, career commitment
• Include: What drew you to accounting, relevant experiences, long-term career goals
• Show: Passion for the field and understanding of what accounting entails

"What are your strengths?"

• What they're looking for: Self-awareness, strengths relevant to the position, examples
• Structure: Name strength → Provide specific example → Explain how it's relevant to the role
• Focus on: Technical skills, soft skills relevant to accounting (attention to detail, analytical thinking)

"What is your greatest weakness?"

• What they're looking for: Self-awareness, growth mindset, honesty
• Strategy: Choose a real weakness that's not critical to the role → Explain steps you're taking to improve → Show progress
• Avoid: Clichéd answers ("I'm a perfectionist"), weaknesses that raise red flags

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

• What they're looking for: Career goals, ambition, alignment with firm's path
• Include: Career progression goals, interest in pursuing CPA, desire to grow within the firm
• Show: Realistic goals that align with the firm's career development opportunities

"Tell me about a time when..." (Behavioral Questions)

• Common topics: Leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, handling pressure, conflict resolution, time management
• Use STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result
• Prepare: 3-5 strong examples from various experiences (work, school, clubs)

"Do you have any questions for us?"

• Always have questions: Shows interest and engagement
• Good questions: About the role, team dynamics, company culture, training programs, growth opportunities
• Avoid: Questions about salary, benefits, time off in early interviews
• Prepare: 3-5 thoughtful questions to ask

Dress for Success

• Dress professionally from head to toe (even if only top is visible)
• Wear solid colors that look good on camera (avoid bright patterns)
• Business professional attire is expected (suit or business attire)
• Pay attention to grooming - hair, makeup, accessories
• Wear what you would wear to an in-person interview
• Avoid loud colors or distracting jewelry

Communication

• Wait for the interviewer to finish speaking before responding
• Use verbal cues ("I understand," "That's a great question") since body language is limited
• If you need a moment to think, it's okay to pause briefly
• Speak clearly and avoid talking over the interviewer
• If technical issues occur, politely inform the interviewer
• Keep your responses concise and focused

Body Language

• Maintain good posture throughout the interview
• Nod occasionally to show engagement and understanding
• Keep your hands visible but avoid fidgeting
• Use natural, minimal gestures
• Don't slouch or lean too far back
• Project confidence through your body language

• "Can you describe what a typical day or week looks like in this internship role?" - Helps you understand daily responsibilities and workflow
• "What are the main projects or assignments I would be working on?" - Shows interest in the actual work you'll be doing
• "What skills or qualities are most important for success in this position?" - Helps you understand what they're really looking for
• "What are the biggest challenges someone in this role typically faces?" - Demonstrates you're thinking critically about the position
• "How does this internship role interact with other teams or departments?" - Shows understanding of organizational structure
• "What does success look like in this internship, and how is performance evaluated?" - Important for understanding expectations

• "What training or onboarding process can I expect?" - Shows interest in learning and preparation
• "What opportunities are there for professional development and learning?" - Demonstrates long-term thinking
• "How does the firm support interns in pursuing their CPA license?" - Specific to accounting and shows career planning
• "What mentoring or guidance is available for interns?" - Shows you value learning from experienced professionals
• "Are there opportunities to attend training sessions, workshops, or conferences?" - Shows commitment to continuous learning

• "Can you tell me about the team I would be working with?" - Helps you understand the work environment
• "What do you enjoy most about working at this firm?" - Gives insight into company culture and personal perspective
• "How would you describe the firm's culture and values?" - Important for cultural fit
• "How does the team collaborate and communicate?" - Shows interest in working dynamics
• "What makes someone successful in this firm's environment?" - Helps you understand what's valued

• "What opportunities exist for interns who perform well to continue with the firm full-time?" - Shows interest in long-term potential
• "Can you tell me about career progression paths for someone starting in this role?" - Demonstrates career planning
• "How does the firm support interns transitioning to full-time roles?" - Important for understanding conversion opportunities
• "What types of career paths have previous interns taken?" - Gives concrete examples of opportunities
• "Are there opportunities to work in different service lines or departments?" - Shows interest in diverse experiences

• "What sets this firm apart from other accounting firms?" - Shows you're evaluating multiple options
• "What are the firm's goals and priorities for the upcoming year?" - Demonstrates strategic thinking
• "How does the firm stay competitive in the industry?" - Shows business awareness
• "Can you tell me about recent firm initiatives or changes?" - Shows you're keeping up with firm news

• "What are the next steps in the interview process?" - Important practical question
• "What is the timeline for making a decision?" - Helps with planning and follow-up
• "Is there anything else you'd like me to clarify or provide?" - Shows willingness to help

Timing

• Send within 24 hours of the interview
• Email is typically preferred (faster delivery, professional)
• If you have contact information, send individual notes to each interviewer
• If you only have a recruiter's email, ask them to forward to the interviewers

Structure

• Subject Line: "Thank You - [Your Name] - [Position Name] Interview"
• Opening: Thank them for their time and the opportunity to interview
• Body: Reference a specific conversation point or moment from the interview
• Reinforce: Briefly reiterate your interest and why you're a good fit
• Closing: Express willingness to provide additional information if needed

What to Include

• Thank them specifically for their time
• Reference something specific discussed in the interview (shows you were engaged)
• Reiterate your interest in the position and company
• Briefly reinforce a key qualification or fit
• Keep it concise (3-4 paragraphs maximum)

What to Avoid

• Generic, template messages
• Repeating your entire resume
• Apologizing unnecessarily
• Asking about the decision timeline (unless they mentioned one)
• Typos or grammatical errors
• Being too casual or informal