Interview Tips

The most important tip - BE PREPARED!

Other Tips

Prepare a killer resume

1. It should be neat and concise
2. Highlight extra skills you've gained through experience
3. Proof it - clerical errors can be costly

Attend pre-interview functions - career fairs and socials

1. Introduce yourself
2. Ask questions
3. Share interest

Prepare for the interview

1. Learn about MC&E
1. Visit the MC&E website
2. Talk to faculty and your placement office
3. Talk to interns and MC&E employees
2. Prepare for questions by MC&E
1. Review examples of questions you will likely be asked
1. Why public accounting?
2. Why Lansing and MC&E?
3. What courses did you enjoy most & least?
4. Grades and achievements
5. Other college activities
6. Work experience
7. Long-term goals
2. Practice answering those questions
3. Be prepared with questions for MC&E
1. Will I receive a variety of experience?
2. What is the average promotion time?
3. Work atmosphere
4. Firm growth
5. Don't ask about salary in initial interview rounds

Sharpen your interview skills

1. Interview with other public firms and private companies
2. You can always learn something from an interviewer
3. It can widen your view of things

Interviewing with Maner, Costerisan & Ellis, P.C.

1. The recruiter is looking for:
1. Degree of interest in MC&E
2. Verbal and non-verbal skills
3. Your appearance
2. Appear professional
1. Dress professionally - neat, pressed and pulled together
2. Maintain good eye contact and have a firm handshake
3. Get a good night sleep (yawning can put people off)
4. Leave gum, cell phones and pagers at home
3. Ask questions
4. Maintain a professional attitude - at lunch, happy hour and dinner
5. Be positive about yourself
1. Be honest
2. Share your accomplishments
3. Give complete answers, but don't tell your life history
4. Keep in mind this is your opportunity to size up MC&E

Post Interview

1. Send a thank you to all interviewers immediately following the interview. (This can make a difference)

The Offer and Decision

1. Read the offer carefully
1. Follow up with the MC&E recruiter
2. Communicate your decision to the recruiter
2. Only you can make the decision
1. Think it out
2. Look at the big picture, things that are important to you
1. Office culture
2. Personalities
3. Travel
4. CPA exam
5. Career path
6. Firm growth