You are almost there . Your resume landed you an interview and now its the time to seal the deal. So whats the best way to prepare ?
Given below are few questions which would help you to prepare well before the 'D' day

Pre-interview preparation

1. 1

   Before you start with your interview process, you need to spend time thinking about and researching your chosen career. Based on the perception of your career goals, begin evaluating what you want to do – audit, taxation, investment banking, corporate profile, etc. This helps big time in your interview preparation as well.

   
   
   
2. 2

   Understand the nature of job, nature of company, etc to the extent possible from the recruiter to enable you to confirm your interest for the opening.

   
3. 3

   Understand the documents to be carried for the interview and the nature of interview like HR, technical, etc from the recruiter in advance so that you can prepare accordingly.

   
4. 4

   If you have confirmed your availability for the interview earlier and wish to cancel / reschedule
   the same, make it a point to inform the recruiter and offer an explanation if you wish to cancel or reschedule the interview. Nothing is more frustrating for an interviewer to know that the candidate has not turned up without informing them. It shows a highly unprofessional attitude on part of the candidate. Remember, the Chartered Accountants fraternity is really a close knit one where network and contacts matter a lot in the long run.

   
5. 5

   Make sure that you DO SHOW UP on time for your interview. If you will be late for an interview or for some unavoidable reason cannot make it, call them in advance and let them know.

   

   
6. 6

   Understand the location of the interview place in advance from the recruiter and the best way to reach there in case of doubt.

   

On the day of your interview

7. 7

   First impressions count. Dress for success. Be aware of details such as clean shoes and well-ironed clothes. Have a confident hand-shake.

   

   

   
8. 8

   Present yourself with confidence and enthusiasm. It is too easy for the interview to spot the candidates who are nervous, not prepared and / or who are faking during the interview.

   
9. 9

   Discussion during the interview should build on information presented in your CV, not just repeat it. Your responses should add to the recruiter’s knowledge and opinion of you.

10. 10

    Do not half-listen the question asked. Instead listen carefully to the whole question as it is being asked, then formulate your answer. If you are unsure about the question, seek clarification

11. 11

    Keep to the point and avoid irrelevant detail and commentary. The interviewer should get a clear, focused, and brief reply to each question

12. 12

    The attitude matters. Have the right attitude during the interview. Remember the firm is interested in knowing what you can do for them; not what they can do for you.

    
    
    
13. 13

    The attitude matters. Have the right attitude during the interview. Remember the firm is interested in knowing what you can do for them; not what they can do for you.

    
    
    

    

    

    
14. 14

    Be aware of the current market trends. It is important for Chartered Accountants to have a general awareness of the current affairs.

    
15. 14

    Be ready to answer questions on the hobbies and interests that you have mentioned in your resume. For example, if reading is your hobby, be prepared to answer on what do you like to read? Which is the last book you read? And so on. Avoid silly answers such as I like reading newspapers unless you can answer the follow-up questions (which newspaper, why this newspaper, today's headlines, worlds / India's most read newspaper, etc). If listening to music is your hobby, draft your responses to questions such as which music, difference between hip-hop and jazz, popular music awards, bolly wood playback singers who won this year's film fare awards etc.

16. 15

    Last, but not the least – prepare for the interview. Do some researches on the firm/company Think about certain questions you might be asked during an interview and keep your mental notes ready

Post – selection

17. 16

    The attitude matters. Have the right attitude during the interview. Remember the firm is interested in knowing what you can do for them; not what they can do for you.