We know that the main thing that makes BDO great is its people, so we want to carry this on with the next generation of accountants and advisors. Here are my top tips to be a standout candidate:
- An interviewee who has taken the time to do their research about the employer is always desirable. Being an accountant is more than just ‘doing tax or audits’, we need to have a deep understanding of our clients and the way they work, so it is important that candidates start as they mean to go on. This also applies once a new recruit starts, they will need to be able to talk confidently about the firm so preparation is key!
- It is important for candidates to be able to speak confidently about both their strengths AND their weaknesses. We all have weaknesses but acknowledging them should mean an interviewee is making a commitment to try and build on these. Knowing your strengths is also important, confidence goes a long way.
- Sharing real life experiences is a really great way to demonstrate resilience and how a person is able to overcome challenges. These anecdotes don’t necessarily have to be work-related but consider how it might apply to your career and why it might be of interest to an employer, employers are often looking to recruit people from a diverse range of backgrounds so don’t be afraid to be honest.
- Adopt a willing-to-learn attitude! Trainees have to juggle a work/life/study balance which can be difficult at times. Having a positive outlook and attitude can make a real difference and employers will be looking for trainees with a thirst for knowledge and a keen desire to keep learning.
- Be yourself! This underpins the culture at BDO, and as cliché as it sounds, it is very important. The potential managers of these new recruits will be interviewing them to see if they can work well together, so interviewees should aim to relax and let it flow as a two way conversation.
By Laurie Hannant, audit partner at BDO in the East Midlands