20 answers
Olivia
Student
Bolingbrook, Illinois
1
Question
Updated
992 views
How do you practice for job or internship interviews?
I'm an incoming college freshman planning on majoring in accounting, and I was wondering what information or sources are used to prepare for interviews for internships or work?
Login to comment
20 answers
B K
Digital Marketing
5
Answers
Singapore
Updated
B’s Answer
Hey Olivia,
I would advice to prepare the following for your interview
- Why the company
- Why you
- 2 to 3 scenarios which showcase that you have the competencies that the company is looking for
- Strength and weakness
The above pointers should be abit different depending on the company and role that you go for.
Lastly practice your answers by speaking them out loud and doing mock interviews with your trusted family and friends
Wishing all the best in your journey!
I would advice to prepare the following for your interview
- Why the company
- Why you
- 2 to 3 scenarios which showcase that you have the competencies that the company is looking for
- Strength and weakness
The above pointers should be abit different depending on the company and role that you go for.
Lastly practice your answers by speaking them out loud and doing mock interviews with your trusted family and friends
Wishing all the best in your journey!
Western Digital Volunteers
33
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Western Digital’s Answer
Understand the fundamentals of business and try to sync it with your area of specialization. Also make sure to know your STAR method stories and be honest!
Atthakorn Chamkring
1
Answer
Bangkok, Thailand
Updated
Atthakorn’s Answer
Managing a business involves more than just studying books and theories. It also requires learning from real-life experiences. Talking with others, sharing stories, or listening to case studies helps connect what you learn in school with real-world situations, giving you a better and more practical understanding.
John Donato
Recruiter
1
Answer
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
John’s Answer
Great question! As others have mentioned, you can practice answering questions with your friends or family. They can even ask tough interview questions and you can think through your answers. Practicing and answering the questions out loud is helpful. You can also practice by recording yourself on your phone or practicing in the mirror. Good luck!
Raj Krishnan
Tax for Investment Banking
7
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Raj’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
I really like using the STAR Method and doing mock interviews for interview prep. For internships, employers want to see that you can learn quickly or are eager to learn. Share examples from your past, but don't act like you know everything because you will learn most things on the job. Also, ask good questions about growth in the company, team dynamics, and other topics that show you are truly interested. Companies want to hire someone genuine and trustworthy who they would like as a co-worker.
Good luck!
I really like using the STAR Method and doing mock interviews for interview prep. For internships, employers want to see that you can learn quickly or are eager to learn. Share examples from your past, but don't act like you know everything because you will learn most things on the job. Also, ask good questions about growth in the company, team dynamics, and other topics that show you are truly interested. Companies want to hire someone genuine and trustworthy who they would like as a co-worker.
Good luck!
Western Digital Volunteers
33
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Western Digital’s Answer
Lots of mock interviews - don’t overlook soft questions when preparing technical ones. Most managers are looking for a person who’ll not just have the skills but would be eager to learn.
Shamitha Chandan
2
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Shamitha’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
My advice is to first understand the basics of accounting and gain some knowledge about the role you’re applying for or interviewing for. Core topics such as the golden rules of accounting and basic accounting concepts are essential.
Additionally, practicing communication skills is very important, as they play a key role during interviews.
My advice is to first understand the basics of accounting and gain some knowledge about the role you’re applying for or interviewing for. Core topics such as the golden rules of accounting and basic accounting concepts are essential.
Additionally, practicing communication skills is very important, as they play a key role during interviews.
Thank you for the advice.
Olivia
Eugenio Franco
Tax Accountant
1
Answer
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Updated
Eugenio’s Answer
Hi Olivia, hope you are doing well! For your question and what help's me a lot was to start first with watching youtube videos and with the use of AI you can make a really good CV and also made a kind of a prompt of the introduction of your self with the thinks you think you are good at and the areas of opportunity you can be better.
Wish you luck!
Wish you luck!
Thank you, Eugenio!
Olivia
Sandra Hoeft
CPA
6
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
Public accounting firms often use behavioral interviews to find examples of specific skills. These questions usually start with "tell me about a time when..." and require a detailed story showing what you did in a situation. Use the STAR method to prepare. Choose four or five stories that best show your skills. Focus on what you did, not your team, using "I did this..." responses. Practice your answers until they sound natural. Once you're confident, you can use these stories for most questions. Visit your university's career services center for mock interviews to get comfortable with the process.
Henley Sullivan
Talent
7
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Henley’s Answer
Understand the company and how your role fits in. Before you start talking, match your experiences with the job description. Use the STAR method and prepare a few stories that cover leadership, conflict, and teamwork. Give clear examples with numbers, like "reduced processing time by 30%," instead of just saying "improved the process." Practice speaking out loud with a friend, in front of a mirror, or by recording your voice. Aim to sound confident and natural, not like you're reciting. Have 2–3 real questions ready for them about the team, success, or challenges. This shows you're already thinking like a team member.
Brian Reynolds
Accountant/Project Manager
13
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Good luck with your first year in college! There are many resources to help you get ready for interviews. Check with your school to see if they offer resume building, mock interviews, or workshops on how to talk about yourself clearly. Most interviews focus on getting to know you, your work, and your school experiences, and they want to see how you handle different situations.
Look for behavioral or mock interview questions, as these are common in most interviews. A question like "Tell me about yourself" can be tricky because it's open-ended, but it's your chance to show why you're a great fit for the job. Practice your answers by speaking in front of a mirror or recording yourself, especially since many interviews are virtual now. Remember, no one knows you better than you do, so preparing with these questions will help you succeed.
Look for behavioral or mock interview questions, as these are common in most interviews. A question like "Tell me about yourself" can be tricky because it's open-ended, but it's your chance to show why you're a great fit for the job. Practice your answers by speaking in front of a mirror or recording yourself, especially since many interviews are virtual now. Remember, no one knows you better than you do, so preparing with these questions will help you succeed.
Dwight Thomas
Consultant
39
Answers
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
I hope all is well! This is a great and important question. The best way to practice for job or internship interviews is to prepare both your story and your fundamentals. Start by reviewing common behavioral questions and practicing how you talk about your experiences such as using clear examples that show your skills, decisions, and impact. You should also understand the basics of your field whether that is accounting or finance, so you can confidently handle any technical or situational questions.
It is also important to practice out loud and get feedback. Do mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career services and work on being clear, confident, and concise in your answers. The more you practice, the more natural it feels, and that confidence often makes the biggest difference during the actual interview.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out if you have any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a great and important question. The best way to practice for job or internship interviews is to prepare both your story and your fundamentals. Start by reviewing common behavioral questions and practicing how you talk about your experiences such as using clear examples that show your skills, decisions, and impact. You should also understand the basics of your field whether that is accounting or finance, so you can confidently handle any technical or situational questions.
It is also important to practice out loud and get feedback. Do mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career services and work on being clear, confident, and concise in your answers. The more you practice, the more natural it feels, and that confidence often makes the biggest difference during the actual interview.
I hope this helps you in your journey. Please reach out if you have any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Ali Allred
Management Consultant
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Ali’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
To get ready for your interview, try reaching out to someone at the company. They'll give you insights into what success means there and what they value in their team. Also, take a look at the company’s website and their values to better understand their goals.
You can do this!
Ali
To get ready for your interview, try reaching out to someone at the company. They'll give you insights into what success means there and what they value in their team. Also, take a look at the company’s website and their values to better understand their goals.
You can do this!
Ali
Wen Xin Chia
Data Analyst
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Wen Xin’s Answer
Hey Olivia,
Interviewers would typically ask behavioural and skillset related questions. One thing I find helpful is to look up commonly asked questions and rehearse your answers. Doing so helps me answer questions more confidently and consistently in the actual setting. Even if the questions you didn't rehearse for come up during the interview, keep calm and answer as truthfully as you can.
All the best for any upcoming interviews!
Interviewers would typically ask behavioural and skillset related questions. One thing I find helpful is to look up commonly asked questions and rehearse your answers. Doing so helps me answer questions more confidently and consistently in the actual setting. Even if the questions you didn't rehearse for come up during the interview, keep calm and answer as truthfully as you can.
All the best for any upcoming interviews!
Thank you so much, Wen Xin!
Olivia
Western Digital Volunteers
33
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Western Digital’s Answer
Practice talking to yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself scenario based questions “what would you do in this scenario”. Explain your projects and experiences clearly - do this at a high level, and pull out key details don’t go super indepth. Make sure to ask questions!!!
Krystal Huynh, CPA
Accountant
3
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Krystal’s Answer
Hi Olivia! Speaking from my public accounting background, interviews with the Big4s are usually behavioral. These are really just a way for managers and up to get a feel of your personality and see how you connect with your team. Behavioral questions are the norm in these interviews so I suggest scrolling reddit for sample questions. Additionally, if you’re in BAP or a similar organization, take advantage of your peers and ask them which questions were asked.
Lewis Rincon Castano
Data Analyst
7
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Lewis’s Answer
Hi Olivia,
I want to add to the advice you've received. Try visiting your college career office. They often offer mock interviews and other helpful tips for students. You might also find out about job openings or campus visits from employers. This can be a great way to learn more about potential employers.
I want to add to the advice you've received. Try visiting your college career office. They often offer mock interviews and other helpful tips for students. You might also find out about job openings or campus visits from employers. This can be a great way to learn more about potential employers.
Shaina S
Consultant
7
Answers
Moga, Punjab, India
Updated
Shaina’s Answer
hey! so honestly the best way to prep is just to practice out loud... like actually saying your answers, not just thinking them in your head. sounds weird but it makes a huge difference
for accounting specifically:
- look up common behavioral questions (tell me about a time when... type stuff) and have a few stories ready
- know the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) for structuring answers
- brush up on basic accounting concepts if it's a technical interview
- check out the company's website/recent news so you can ask smart questions at the end
i usually do mock interviews with friends or even just record myself on my phone and watch it back (cringe but effective lol). your college career center probably does practice interviews too once you get there..
also r/accounting has good threads on this if you wanna search there. and honestly just applying to a bunch of places early on helps...your first few interviews are basically practice even if you bomb them
good luck!
for accounting specifically:
- look up common behavioral questions (tell me about a time when... type stuff) and have a few stories ready
- know the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) for structuring answers
- brush up on basic accounting concepts if it's a technical interview
- check out the company's website/recent news so you can ask smart questions at the end
i usually do mock interviews with friends or even just record myself on my phone and watch it back (cringe but effective lol). your college career center probably does practice interviews too once you get there..
also r/accounting has good threads on this if you wanna search there. and honestly just applying to a bunch of places early on helps...your first few interviews are basically practice even if you bomb them
good luck!
Thank you so much, Shaina!
Olivia
Jumanah Al Asadi
Senior Software Engineer
12
Answers
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Jumanah’s Answer
To get ready for a job interview, think about why you're a good match for both the job and the company. Learn about the company and come up with questions they might ask you, as well as questions you can ask them.
When talking about yourself, which is often the first question, highlight your latest work or school experiences and what you want in the future. Keep your answer short, under a minute.
Use AI chat tools to create a list of questions tailored to the company. Practice these with a friend in a mock interview.
If you're applying as an intern, it's also helpful to know your goals.
When talking about yourself, which is often the first question, highlight your latest work or school experiences and what you want in the future. Keep your answer short, under a minute.
Use AI chat tools to create a list of questions tailored to the company. Practice these with a friend in a mock interview.
If you're applying as an intern, it's also helpful to know your goals.
Levi Ferguson
Accountant
11
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Levi’s Answer
Hi Olivia!
I hope you’re doing well! That’s a very fair and thoughtful question, especially since interviews can often feel nerve-racking. As others have mentioned, practice is key to feeling comfortable and confident during the interview process. One important piece of advice I would offer is to be yourself and speak with confidence. Try to avoid filler words like "um" or "like," as clear and concise communication helps make a strong impression.
While it’s essential to showcase your skills and accomplishments, how you present yourself and your attitude are equally important. Maintaining a positive outlook can demonstrate how you respond to challenges and reflect well on your overall demeanor during the interview.
As Shaina and Dwight mentioned, mock interviews with friends or mentors are a fantastic way to prepare. They can provide valuable feedback on your confidence, the strength of your answers, and any habits you might want to adjust. Treating mock interviews seriously can really help reduce nerves and build your comfort level for the real thing.
I hope you’re doing well! That’s a very fair and thoughtful question, especially since interviews can often feel nerve-racking. As others have mentioned, practice is key to feeling comfortable and confident during the interview process. One important piece of advice I would offer is to be yourself and speak with confidence. Try to avoid filler words like "um" or "like," as clear and concise communication helps make a strong impression.
While it’s essential to showcase your skills and accomplishments, how you present yourself and your attitude are equally important. Maintaining a positive outlook can demonstrate how you respond to challenges and reflect well on your overall demeanor during the interview.
As Shaina and Dwight mentioned, mock interviews with friends or mentors are a fantastic way to prepare. They can provide valuable feedback on your confidence, the strength of your answers, and any habits you might want to adjust. Treating mock interviews seriously can really help reduce nerves and build your comfort level for the real thing.
Thank you!
Olivia