Job Search- 2nd Interview

[rjpatt]

I am a graduate student looking for my first full-time position. I was just offered my first 2nd round interview with a national accounting firm at their office. The 2nd interview consists of a presentation, interview, and dinner. Any tips or suggestions? Should the actual "interview" be approached any different that the first round interview? Thanks

[Bestwifeever]

Congratulations--getting the second interview must mean you did something good at the first one!

Follow the leader (the main interviewer) when ordering drinks and dinner. That's all I have to offer. Let us know how it goes.

[freebird5825]

If you haven't done so already, try to get a copy of the company's SEC filings or their latest stockholder report. The opening sections will contain a lot of info about their recent business ventures, stability and plans at a top level. Their web site should have a link for Investors where you can request that.

If they are not a public company, go through their entire website, especially press releases, so you have an idea of what they have been up to lately. Don't memorize or sweat the details, just get a general knowledge of recent company news. Mentally "tuck away" any negative items for your decision making if a job offer comes through.

Good luck

[bizlady]

You likely will meet with more people. The entire dinner should be considered part of the interview. Employers often look to see how you treat wait staff, table manners, decisions etc. As the "guest" you are likely to be asked first what beverage you want, what meal etc. Be decisive, modest, and personable. Be ready to chat about out of office matters, could be anything.

If you are interviewing with the same people (or some of them) be as formal or informal as the first time.

And by all means, have some questions that you did not ask the first time. A second interview is a good time for that.

For your presentation, practice, practice, practice. Be prepared for questions. Know your material.

Good luck!

[Milton]

It sounds like they have already assessed you as having the basic skills for the position, and the second interview process is likely more about 'fit'. They want you to meet more people in the office and ensure (as best can be done in the limited time available) that you will be able to get along with everyone and generally work well together.

Obviously you want to make a good impression, but I wouldn't worry about this unduly. Essentially, be yourself. Remember that it is a two-way street and you also have an interest in assessing the 'fit'. You can easily wear a mask for a couple of hours, but you won't be able to comfortably do so for the next few years.

P.S. Notwithstanding the above I recommend not wearing a kilt to the second interview unless (a) you are a female, or (b) the accounting firm is located in Edinburgh.

[msbearkeley]

Congrats on the interview. Office interviews generally cover behavioral aspects not covered during your initial interview. You can easily google videos (including those posted by the national firms like KPMG) on what they cover on interviews and how to prepare. Because you did well on round 1, this is easy for you.

I'm assuming you're applying for an audit / tax position -- if you're applying for a consulting role, plan on a case interview (again, you can google videos on it easily)

The presentation they will give you covers the same thing you would get when you go to an info meeting on-campus -- general info about the firm and the group. Take down a few good notes so you can ask a follow-up question during your interview or dinner.

The dinner is the one thing that will make/break your interview. If you don't know basic etiquette (ie., break up your bread, don't slice it open; breadplate on left, drink on right) then you might want to research it a little so you won't feel akward. The most important thing, however, is that you get along with those interviewing you. Public accounting requires a lot of group interaction with your peers and supervisors who are only 2 or 3 years older than you. Often times, you guys will get stuck together for months auditing a client in a small town with nothing to do -- they want to make sure they can get along with you. Just be yourself but be on your best behavior.

Good luck!

[rjpatt]

Update:

I did not get the job that I was referring to in the first post, but I did get a very similar position at another firm. Starting salary is 45k plus signing bonus but lots of room to grow. I am thankful to have gotten a job in this environment. I have one more second interview and am waiting to hear back from a few others but at least I have one offer in the bag.

[Bestwifeever]

Congrats on a bird in the hand and it sounds like a few still to come in! A signing bonus today is awesome and the salary will only go in one direction.

Thanks for keeping us posted!

[Milton]

Good for you!

If you are still pursuing the other possibilities, make sure that you don't accept the existing offer: going back on an acceptance is really tacky.

Thank the firm for their offer and tell them that you would like a few days to consider it. Then follow up with the others and let them know, in a low-key manner, that you have received another offer but you'd really like to hear from them before you accept it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever A signing bonus today is awesome

True.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bestwifeever the salary will only go in one direction.

Not true (as many unhappy employees are finding out, salary cuts are sometimes the only alternative to layoffs).