Interviewing at RSM

Yourself

• Spend time reflecting on what makes you unique!
• Be prepared to discuss your skills related to the position, interests, strengths, weaknesses, values and career goals.

The position

• What are the specific job responsibilities?
• Why are you qualified? 

Prior to day of interview

• Practice a mock interview with friends or family members.
• Make sure you know where your interview is taking place at and directions on how to get there.

Day of interview

• Dress professionally.
• Be on time. Arrive between 10-15 minutes early.
• Know the interviewers’ names and who to ask for when you arrive.
• Your professional image helps make a critical first impression with employers. Prepare your wardrobe in a way that projects professionalism and reflects your personality. Remember that along with your preparation, how you present yourself during the interview is an essential part of landing the job!

Prior to day of interview

• Practice a mock interview with friends or family members.
• Make sure you understand the technology platform being used for your interview and test out audio and video ahead of time.

Day of interview

• Find a quiet place with limited disruptions and natural lighting.
• Dress professionally.
• Your professional image helps make a critical first impression with employers. Make sure you prepare your wardrobe in a way that projects professionalism and reflects your personality. Remember that along with your preparation, how you present yourself during the interview is an essential part of landing the job!

This is generally the first question in an interview. Consider it an "elevator pitch" for yourself. Be sure to connect your qualities to the position and company.

Include

• Education and relevant experience and skills (What value would you bring to the organization?)
• Something that sets you apart (What is unique about you?)
• Why you want this job and/or why you are a good fit?

Sample

• "I am a second-year accounting student at the University of Iowa, majoring in accounting. In my role as vice president for our NABA chapter, I presented five proposals for funding, resulting in two $300 grants. I am interested in this position because..."

Why do you want this job? Why this company?

• Let your research shine!

What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses? Areas of growth?

• Strengths: What are they? Be confident. Provide examples of instances where you have used your strengths and how this has helped you succeed. Be sure to tailor this to the position.
• Weaknesses: Show that you have identified these areas of growth and provide examples to show how you are working to improve them.
  • Example: I believe my Excel skills could be stronger. I am currently tracking all of my spending in an Excel spreadsheet and using auto-generating formulas in order to become more familiar with Excel’s capabilities.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

• It does not have to be a detailed plan; simply show you have put some thought into your future goals and ambitions.

What characteristics will make you successful in this position?

• Be your authentic self. Why should they choose you over other candidates?

• Interviewing is a two-way street. Not only are you getting something out of this, so are your interviewers. Develop a relationship with the interviewers.
• Use appropriate eye contact.
• Smile and present a warm demeanour.
• Be aware of posture.
• If you are having a hard time answering a question, take a moment to gather your thoughts and ask clarifying questions.
• Be engaged. Look at the screen and use non-verbal cues (e.g., head nods) to show you’re listening. Most importantly, be yourself!
• Remember you are also “interviewing” the RSM interviewer to determine if it’s mutually a good fit. Be sure to ask them good questions at the end of the interview.

General guidelines to remember:

• While you will probably be given the opportunity to ask questions during the last 8–10 minutes of the interview, you can ask a question at any time if it relates to the discussion you are having.

Sample questions (use this time to ask things you can’t find out online)

• What skills and personal qualities are you looking for in your ideal candidate?
• Could you describe what a typical week/day/month on the job would be like?
• Was there anything about your job that came as a surprise when you transitioned from university to a corporation?
• What do you see in the future for this industry?

Follow up! Ask the interviewer how they prefer you to follow up (email, LinkedIn, etc.)

• Upon completion of your interview, it is important to send a thank you email within 24 hours of your interview to make a good impression.
• In the thank you note:
  • Thank the interviewer for their time.
  • Recap some of the topics that were discussed.
  • Summarize and restate some of the reasons why you are the best candidate for the position.
  • At the end, ask any follow-up questions that you might have regarding the position, job responsibilities or company culture.