Post Published: Oct 12
Firm Name: RSM
Date: October 2, 2018
Professionals:
Jeff Altshuler– Audit Partner
Robert Eyler – Audit Manager
Ayaz Kermalli – Audit Associate
Kasey Noble – Campus Recruiter
RSM Overview:
Largest firm world-wide focused on serving the middle market.
5th largest audit firm – Audit, Tax, and Consulting
1. Prep work before interview
- Research
o Really know the position
- Specific job responsibilities
- What are you interviewing for?
o Know the employer
- What are their mission, vision, and values?
- What are they known for?
- What services or products do they offer?
- What new productions did they launch recently?
- What do they serve?
o Know the industry?
- What is the employer place in the market?
- What are the latest trends in this industry?
o Know yourself
- Spend time reflecting on what makes you unique
- Be prepared to discuss your skills, interests, strengths, weaknesses, values, and career goals.
- “Focus more on being interested instead of interesting.”
o Tell me about yourself
- The basics
- Current role/unique educational or work experiences
- The pitch as it relates to the position:
- A summary of your relevant skills and experiences
- Why you want this job and/or why you are a good fit?
- What value you would bring to the organization?
- “Don’t discount your experiences.” – Kasey
o Other questions
- Why do you want this position? Why this firm?
- What are your greatest strengths? Weaknesses?
- Weaknesses question: do not say you do not have a weakness -- are you self-
aware of your areas that need improvements. Tell us how you’re actively improving. Finding yourself working on those weaknesses.
- “Understanding your weaknesses will lead to growth.” - Rob
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Behavioral questions
- Get a sense of how you might respond in similar circumstances in the future.
- STAR Format
- Situation
o Describe the situation. Provide just enough info to give context.
- Task
o Describe specific problem or challenged you faced
- Action
o Describe actions you took. Be sure to describe your role in the story, not
what your group or team did as a team. Use “I”, not “we.”
- Result
o Explain the positive outcome of the situation.
- Conversational Interviews
- What to expect
o Feel free to lean into that type of conversation if the interviewer takes the
lead.
o “Really trying to envision this person being in front of clients”
o How do I prepare?
- But I didn’t even talk about my classes and accounting knowledge
o Day of the interview
- First impressions matter
o Dress to impress
o Arrive 15 min early
o Turn off your cell phone
o Treat everyone with respect
- Bring the energy!
o Enthusiasm and positivity go along way
- Be yourself
o Authentic but still professional
o The interviewer wants to get a sense of who you are… show them!
- Body Language
- Strong handshake
- Eye contact
- Smile!
- Posture
o Asking the right questions.
o The interview is a two-way conversation
- Good examples:
- How would you describe culture?
- If, what would you want me to focus on the first month?
- What have past done to stand out?
- What do you like most about working for this company?
- What are the next steps in the hiring process? (Hiring managers)
- Bad examples:
- What does the typical day look like?
- What would my salary be?
- What would my benefits look like? How many vacations days?
- How quickly will I be promoted?
- What exactly does your company do?
o What has been your favorite engagement?
o What does the month look like?
- After the interview
o Send a thank you letter:
- Email or card
- 24 hours
- Each interviewer
- Don’t be offended if people don’t respond
- Personalize it
- “Do not mail merge.”