Interviewing tips

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Interviewing tips

Seven tips for acing an interview

Want to make a big impression on your interview? Here are seven tips to help you to prepare and be at your best.

1. Get to know us

Before applying to Deloitte, make sure it’s what you really want for yourself. Spend time browsing Deloitte.com so you can learn more about what Deloitte does and what it has to offer you, as well as familiarizing yourself with the latest news and events.

Not only will this help you know if Deloitte is the place for you, it will also stand you in good stead in your interview.

2. Make a good first impression

Once you are sure that Deloitte is the place for you, it’s time to fill out an application form. First check which vacant positions are available and compare your qualifications with those posted for the position. 

Since the application is usually the first impression we will have of you, take your time to fill it in correctly. Complete all required fields in the application form, taking care to double check your spelling and grammar.

3. Be prepared

Sometime after your application you will receive a request to attend an interview. 

This is your first face to face encounter with Deloitte so creating a good first impression is essential. Make sure you are dressed appropriately and present yourself with composure and confidence. Being nervous is natural but don’t let it get the better of you. 

Remain professional but not cold, and check your posture as body language is also an important means of communication. Remember that this is an interview and not an interrogation. Feel free to ask your own questions if you don’t understand something or if you want to know more about a certain topic. 

Preparing a list of questions you have developed while conducting your prior research is also a good sign. 

Be confident with what you have on your CV and elaborate on any work experience you’ve had or any groups you participated in. Ultimately, think about what Deloitte would want to hear about you as a candidate.

4. Practical things to do before an interview

  • Know where you are going, what time and how you are getting there 
  • Remind yourself of what you put on your application form; 
  • Research the organization and the role, again!; 
  • Know the dress code 
  • Practice interviewing (careers service can help). 

Don’t worry about being nervous, it’s normal. Think about your body language, enter the room with presence. Shake hands warmly and speak clearly. Remember, you’re selling yourself!

5. Get familiar with questioning techniques

There are usually four types of interview questions used. 

The first are closed questions which require a simple yes or no answer. 

Open questions, in contrast, require elaboration from your side; these could be questions that ask you to explain something on your CV in more detail. 

Situational questions place you in a hypothetical situation where a decision has to be made. These types are questions are looking for you to elaborate on why you made the decision and how you reached your conclusion. 

As a result, the thinking process is usually more important to the interviewer than the decision itself. 

Finally, behavioral questions are used to study how you acted in previous situations, and are used to analyze the hindsight you use in assessing your decision and how clearly you are able to explain your answers.

 

6. Sell yourself

Your qualifications got you in the door. Make sure you can speak confidently about any experiences you've had in the workplace and in the classroom. Specific examples of how you've contributed to an organization or learned something exciting are of interest to us. We see potential in you, so be sure to sell yourself by promoting your skills and abilities.

7. Make your voice heard

Making a good impression doesn’t need to end as soon as the interview is over.

Sending an email or letter to the person that interviewed you gives you an opportunity to discuss what you liked or disliked about the experience. Don’t use this as a means to change your answers or elaborate on any of them, but purely to thank the interviewer and provide constructive feedback.

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