What I Learned from My First Accounting Job Interview (and How You Can Prepare Better)

1. What I Learned from My First Accounting Job Interview (and How You Can Prepare Better) I still remember when I was 22 years old, just a few weeks after graduating. With my diploma in hand and a solid internship under my belt, I thought I was more than ready to face the real world.I had even practiced some answers in my head, especially those common job interview questions and answers for fresh graduates. But the moment I was asked, “Why should we hire you?” I froze. That single question threw me off completely. I realized then that being qualified on paper isn’t enough if you can’t clearly explain your value in person. It was a wake-up call and one I’m grateful for. Many first-time accounting applicants make the same mistake: relying too much on their resume and not enough on their communication skills. An interview is your chance to make your experience relatable and your skills visible. Think beyond titles and grades, how did your OJT help you grow? What accounting tasks did you enjoy or excel at? Practice connecting those stories to what the company is looking for. Confidence Comes From Preparation, Not Just Qualifications

2. After that first interview left me feeling completely unprepared, I had a big realization: confidence isn’t something you magically have, it's something you build, little by little. And one of the most valuable lessons I learned early on was how to sell yourself in an interview, even without years of experience. I didn’t start with anything fancy. I just grabbed my phone and recorded myself answering basic questions like: ● “Why did you choose accounting?” ● “What do you know about our company?” ● “How do you deal with deadlines?” Hearing myself speak helped me catch the awkward pauses, vague answers, and filler words I didn’t even notice before. It also made me more mindful of my tone and how I came across. One mistake I’ll never forget? Mentioning the wrong industry in an interview because I didn’t research the company properly. That taught me that knowing the firm, its services, clients, even the accounting tools they use, is just as important as knowing your resume. Preparation tips that worked for me: ● Do mock interviews with a friend or former classmate in accounting.

3. ● Rehearse how you’d talk about your internship experience and class projects. ● Take time to understand the company before every interview. Showing genuine interest in the role and company helps you stand out. And remember, real confidence doesn’t come from memorized lines, it comes from knowing your value and being ready to share it. Talk About Your Value, Not Just Your Grades In the accounting world, being accurate and dependable is expected, but employers want more than just high grades or a line that says “hardworking.” It’s not enough to say it; you have to show it. Instead of focusing only on your achievements, talk about how you applied what you learned. For example, how did you help during your OJT? Did you organize messy financial files, assist in audits, or help your team meet tight deadlines? Whether you’re applying as a junior accounting clerk, audit assistant, or payroll analyst, what matters most is how well you connect your experience to the company’s needs. How to present your value: ● Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to make your stories clear and relevant.

4. ● Be honest about your learning experiences, talk about a challenge you faced and how you improved from it. ● Bring a printed resume and practice a 30-second summary of who you are, focused on your accounting experience and goals. Whether you’re applying as a junior accounting clerk, audit assistant, or payroll analyst, what matters most is how well you connect your experience to the company’s needs. Even if you’re fresh out of school, there are ways to prove you’re ready for the job. Share specific examples that show you’re hands-on, detail-oriented, and willing to learn. These are practical interview tips for job candidates that can help set you apart from others who only talk about grades and awards. Know the Role You’re Applying For One of the most helpful job interview preparation tips I’ve learned is this: know exactly what the role expects from you. Not all accounting jobs are the same—some deal mostly with data entry, others require you to assist with tax filings or face clients during audits. If you don’t understand the job, you can’t confidently show how you’re a good fit. Start by studying the job description closely. Does it mention tasks like bookkeeping, financial reporting, or BIR compliance? If yes, think about similar responsibilities you’ve handled during

5. your OJT or school projects. When you make that connection clear in your answers, you help the interviewer see your potential more easily. What you can do: ● Research sample job descriptions for roles like audit trainee, accounting assistant, or payroll staff. ● Match your internship or project experience to the tasks listed in the posting—even simple ones like filing receipts or helping with a trial balance. ● Prepare thoughtful questions about the role. It shows that you're serious and engaged. Knowing the job gives you an edge. It not only boosts your confidence but also helps you assess if the position aligns with your long-term goals in the accounting field. Final Advice for First-Time Job Seekers in Accounting Interviews will definitely test your nerves, especially if it’s your first time. But they’re also an opportunity to build confidence and improve how you present yourself. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s clarity, sincerity, and preparation. If you're aiming for accounting jobs in Clark, Pampanga or anywhere in the Philippines, take the time to practice answering key questions, customize your responses to fit the job, and be honest about your career goals. You don’t need to have years of experience to make an impact. You just need to clearly communicate your willingness to grow and contribute.