Deloitte's interview mantras

Mantra #1: Time is of the essence

There is no excuse for arriving late for an interview. Can you imagine rushing into the interview room with disheveled hair and having your interviewers checking their watches and waiting for you.

Always aim to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to settle down. Arriving a bit early also offers you the opportunity to study the dynamics of our firm.

Mantra #2: Dress for success

Remember you are not dressing for a party or date - be appropriate! Plan ahead an outfit that is as professional-looking as possible. Doing so ensures that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute about what to wear (and always have a backup outfit ready just in case!).

Don’t try a new haircut or style, but do get a trim about a week prior to your interview. Makeup, perfume and jewelry should be moderate. Being clean and neat is most important.

Remember to wear clothing that fits and is clean and pressed. Try not to smoke or eat right before the interview - and if possible, brush your teeth or use mouthwash.

Mantra #3: You never get a second chance to make a first impression

Be polite and greet everyone you meet. Shake hands firmly and then wait to be told when to sit. We may take the opportunity to observe the way you treat the people around you. Be prudent, courteous, sincere and knowledgeable about our firm and what you have to offer to us.

Maintain a positive attitude and express enthusiasm for the job. Remember good body language. Poor body language can become a distraction or in extreme cases can put the interviewer off hiring you.

Mantra #4: Eyes are the window to the soul

Don’t underestimate the power of eye contact! When greeting your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.

Ensure you look at your interviewer while conversing – this will show that you’re paying full attention and confident of your answers! Looking away or being preoccupied will come across as rude or lacking confidence.

Mantra #5: By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail

Be prepared ahead of time and do some research online. You do not want to end up stumbling over your words or getting stuck on questions, so do your homework first!

Plan the research necessary to prepare yourself for an interview as success begins with a solid foundation of knowledge. With research, you’ll gain a better understanding of Deloitte and possess the ability to better answer the interview questions. Review common interview questions and prepare your responses. Take extra copies of your CV and reference list. If you have a portfolio or samples of your work, bring those along too. Finally, remember to bring a pen and a notebook to jot notes.

Mantra #6: Practice makes perfect

Practise answering the interview questions most employers ask. Prepare your key points that will help you respond succinctly.

Rehearse with friends, family or a career advisor who can help check your eye contact and body language and review your performance. Then practise, practise, practise!

Mantra #7: Silence is golden

In this social media driven society, most individuals are perpetually on their phones. Remember to switch off your phone prior to the interview! This is a sign of respect for the interviewers and will eliminate any unnecessary distractions in the process.

Mantra #8: Be a zen master

Answer clearly and completely with enough information – take a moment to think before responding to tough questions. Remember to organize your thoughts so you don’t get off the topic. And whatever happens: remain calm!

Mantra #9: Passionate curiosity rarely loses

The smart interviewee prepares questions to ask days before, adding any additional queries that might arise from the interview. The Q&A session towards the end of the interview is a good opportunity to allow your interviewer to know more about yourself while clarifying any concerns/getting answers to questions that you may have.

For example: “I am interested in community work and have volunteered at the Children’s Cancer Foundation before. Will I have similar opportunities to do so as an employee of Deloitte?”

Mantra #10: Courtesy is a virtue

Common courtesy and politeness go far in an interview. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewers with a handshake for their time. Follow up by sending a short email within 24 hours, thanking the interviewers for their time and reiterating any key points mentioned during the interview. Remember to keep it short and sweet!

D.cisions is our quarterly magazine which provides undergraduates with tips, advice and success stories to help them take their first crucial step in making the right choice for themselves, in terms of choosing their employer - one where they will fit in and aligned to their values, interests and priorities.

Click here to download this issue: D.cisions issue 1