How to cruise through a job interview

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I'm going to be interviewing for a job in a new career field in the next couple of weeks. I've been studying accounting and seeking entry-level employment. I don't have my degree yet, but I've had enough school to hopefully land a job and finish up in night school.

What I need is some help in answering some questions during interviews. One of the hard ones is: What do you want to do? Having ever held a job in this field before, I really don't know how to answer this one. Going to school and working are two different things.

Another question is: Where do you want to be five years from now? It's hard to answer that one for the same reason. Do they ask that question because they're looking for future managers or supervisors? At this point in time, I'm not sure I want to be in a supervisory position. Do companies wish not to hire someone who is not management material? I'm not sure of my goals at the present time. Should a person put his picture and his age on his resume?

Answer:
The secret of having a successful interview is to put yourself in the drivers seat of the employer. If you were the interviewer, what would you want to know? It's almost like they're buying a used car…

First, they want to check the title to make sure they're being sold authentic, legal merchandise. So, the first thing interviewers want to do is verify your document - you resume.

They will ask you questions about employment dates, why you left former jobs, courses you've taken, the reason you're changing careers, and what you want to do.

Once they're convinced your documents are in order, they will check under the hood and kick your tires. They want to know what you've done in the past that will convince them you'll succeed in the new position. If you haven't been a maintenance free, High-performance machine they won't think you're reliable for the next road trip.

Finally, they will try to determine how you would fit in with peers, clients, the boss or anyone important to your success. If they see you as a Volkswagen trying to join a Cadillac company, you won't make it.

The question, "What do you want to do?" is a question you should answer long before you meet with a potential employer.

Although they don't expect you to have a map of your entire career, they will expect that you'll have some initial destinations identified.

If you haven't done this, I suggest you talk to some to in the field before you interview for a job. Ask them about typical career paths and the various sub-fields within accounting.

Ask your placement office for the names of local recruiters who interview on campus. Call them and ask about the qualifications they require. If they only interview graduates, ask them if they're aware of any internship opportunities. Sometimes employers will "buy" interns after they leased them and taken them for a "test drive."

When employers ask, "Where do you want to be in five years?" they're not necessarily fishing for your desire to speed to a supervisory position.

Because you’re so new to the accounting field, it would be reasonable to respond: "At this point it's hard to say. I do know, However that I intend to build an excellent record so when opportunities open I'll be a strong contender.

Another response could be: "I want to make a strong contribution and I feel confident I'll be rewarded as a result."

If you name a particular position you run the risk of appearing to narrow or unrealistic. "In five years I hope to have your job, the manager of accounting," can sound naive coming from a novice.

As to your last questions about putting your picture and age on the resume: don't. Since characteristics such as race and age can be determined from a picture, employers must remove it so there is less chance for discrimination. Even if a used car was driven by a little old lady to church on Sunday, you won't find that information on an automobile title. The more, Non-job related data you share, the greater the risk of hooking someone's personal bias. Foe example, that little old lady may be perceived as someone who'd forget to change the oil.