Interviewing advice?

Question

I have a very important job interview tomorrow with a prominent bank in my home city of Cleveland, Ohio. The position is a financial analyst in the investment banking department. I have prepared myself by going to the bank's website and knowing as much about them as possible. In addition, I have gone over some potential questions and reviewed how to answer them. One major obstacle that I have is that I was fired from an accounting position that I had for five months because management said that I did not seem interested in my work. I listed this job on my resume because I wanted to show that I had some relevant work experience. How should I field a question about why I left this company? Also, any other advice would be greatly appreciated.


THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Answer 1

Well... I would say something like, "I worked as an accountant for Acme Widget Refurbishing for five months. When I applied for the position, I thought that the job would be xxx but it turned out to be yyy. It didn't take long until I realized the job wasn't a fit for me--I knew it and eventually my boss knew it. I vowed that I would never make that mistake again and that is why I am asking so many questions about the position today."

I am sure you realize that you need to have a good handle on how this position is different than your previous position, or it won't be convincing.

Have confidence and sell yourself. You are not the only person who didn't like one type of job and turned out to be very successful in another. If it doesn't work out here, there WILL be an employer who will love to have you--that's just how it works. Trust me.

Answer 2

Here are a few tips that I got from a cool site:

1) Most interviews follow a specific pattern. Knowing this pattern will allow you to give the right answers at the right time. Here is the pattern:

First, the employer establishes a rapport with you. They might talk about the weather or even last night’s game. They want you to feel at ease and at the same time, they want to gage what kind of person you are.
Second, the employer will start compiling information by asking you questions about yourself. Generally, they will base their questions on your resume so don’t be afraid to repeat stuff that is right in front of them. Be warm and informative.
Note: NEVER discuss salary during an interview. If they bring it up, say that you are willing to work within the salary range of this position.
Third, the end of the interview is a crucial moment where the employer starts talking about the company and the hiring process. If you get here, chances are you did well.

They have more interesting tips on how to pass a job interview.

Check it out at:

http://www.studentsinla.com/student/career/jobinter.html

Answer 3

Good luck with your interview. Quite the field you're in, I'm a college student with accounting major myself. When it comes to saying why you left a company, kind of leave it open ended. Don't voluntarily state you were fired. Just talk about your experience while you were there. Only say you were fired if they specifically ask why you left the company. If they do ask, just be honest, you never know if they might contact the employer, it might also help to let them know that you disagreed with the decision and that you were very interested in the work. Avoid bashing your previous employer if it comes up. They don't like that. Go with your instincts, base questions on experience and be confident in your self and it will show. If you have reviewed common questions then you should be fine. The question I always mess up on is "tell me about yourself" I hate that open ended question. Also no what to say to questions like "what are your strengths and weaknesses," try to veil some strengths as weaknesses" I always say that I am way to meticulous about my work, which of course can be viewed as a good work habit. I hope this helps, and good luck once again!

Answer 4

You left your former employer because the tasks were not challenging enough.

Also be prepared to ask questions about the company and position because they are probably going to base the interview on your questions.

Answer 5

i know the feeling, going for the interview on thurs in a Bank, just bullshit, say you needed a change of profession,remember to ask questions,and point out your strong points, and examples of what important roles you have taken on in your previous job, just pretent your really really interested, and dress smartly.