Im flirting with the idea of finding a new job lately ***UPDATE***

[krunchykrome]

Im on the fence right now with regards to my job. I'm in public accounting, and I think I may want to go back into corporate accounting. I've been flirting with the idea lately, and I actually applied to a few jobs of interest. I have a phone interview scheduled today at 1PM. Im not desperate for a new job, but I am interested in other opportunities in corporate accounting.

I've never had a phone interview before; what should I expect? This interview is with the HR manager, so I dont expect her to ask technical details regarding my experience. How long do these phone interviews take and what exactly is asked? Any tips/suggestions for a phone interview?

***UPDATE***

I spoke with the HR Manager for about 30 minutes. She told me about the position and it is what I expected it to be based upon the job responsibilities posted. What I was more concerned about was salary and benefits. I am content with my current job and salary, so starting a new job would be something I would consider only if the new company would offer me greater salary with benefits.

The salary would be about $10K more than what I am making now, plus an annual bonus. All other benefits are included as well (401k, insurance, tuition reimbursement).

I told her that I am interested and she is in the process of scheduling a face-to-face interview with the hiring manager in DC next week.

The salary and bonus sounds nice and all, but more importantly, I would have to make sure that this new opportunity is a job that I will enjoy. Im going to be very observant as to my surroundingds at the interview.

 

[lokiju]

Phone interviews are a breeze.

They'll more just want to see if you sound like a good candidate and personality before they move forward.

Just be calm cool and relaxed, which shouldn't really be an issue anyways if you're not desperate for it.

That's really the best position you want to be in when you're going into an interview, you don't want to be desperate for it IMO.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Good luck. I have one scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm kind of nervous about it because the job would give me a huge raise, but require me to relocate.

I'm pretty sure the manager of the position will be on the line as well as someone from HR.

One question....when you're applying for a job that's say, 500 miles away do they generally fly you up to the interview or is it up to me to buy the ticket?

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Good luck. I have one scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm kind of nervous about it because the job would give me a huge raise, but require me to relocate.

I'm pretty sure the manager of the position will be on the line as well as someone from HR.

One question....when you're applying for a job that's say, 500 miles away do they generally fly you up to the interview or is it up to me to buy the ticket?

I think that depends on the company. During the phone interview, I think you should ask if they "reimburse" for traveling costs to the interview. I dont think that it out of line.

 

[LegendKiller]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Good luck. I have one scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm kind of nervous about it because the job would give me a huge raise, but require me to relocate.

I'm pretty sure the manager of the position will be on the line as well as someone from HR.

One question....when you're applying for a job that's say, 500 miles away do they generally fly you up to the interview or is it up to me to buy the ticket?

I think that depends on the company. During the phone interview, I think you should ask if they "reimburse" for traveling costs to the interview. I dont think that it out of line.

In the past 6 years I have had 4 major jobs and several interviews. Only 1 job didn't reimburse me for travel, or didn't arrange it on their own. Out of the 10 total trips, 9 reimbursed, 8 arranged on their own.

I guess they don't do that for accountants (I kid!!)

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: LegendKiller

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Good luck. I have one scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm kind of nervous about it because the job would give me a huge raise, but require me to relocate.

I'm pretty sure the manager of the position will be on the line as well as someone from HR.

One question....when you're applying for a job that's say, 500 miles away do they generally fly you up to the interview or is it up to me to buy the ticket?

I think that depends on the company. During the phone interview, I think you should ask if they "reimburse" for traveling costs to the interview. I dont think that it out of line.

In the past 6 years I have had 4 major jobs and several interviews. Only 1 job didn't reimburse me for travel, or didn't arrange it on their own. Out of the 10 total trips, 9 reimbursed, 8 arranged on their own.

I guess they don't do that for accountants (I kid!!)

How can finance people and accounting people ever get along when you crack jokes like that?

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Good luck. I have one scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm kind of nervous about it because the job would give me a huge raise, but require me to relocate.

I'm pretty sure the manager of the position will be on the line as well as someone from HR.

One question....when you're applying for a job that's say, 500 miles away do they generally fly you up to the interview or is it up to me to buy the ticket?

I think that depends on the company. During the phone interview, I think you should ask if they "reimburse" for traveling costs to the interview. I dont think that it out of line.

If a company is not going to talk to you on their dime, they are not worth talking with.

 

[dbot]

Not out of line, just ask if there is any kind of reimbursement for the commute. Don't make a big deal whether they say yes or no.

My phone interview was more detailed with my supervisor. But basically she asked what my goals are, what skills I have to exceed at the position... all the usual.

 

[PClark99]

I might be going on an interview today also. I am just waiting to see if they have the time to meet with me.

 

[Mxylplyx]

If the interview is at home, drink a beer before the call. It'll really help smooth your nerves.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Mxylplyx
If the interview is at home, drink a beer before the call. It'll really help smooth your nerves.

Im going to leave the office and go talk in my car. :laugh:

 

[ATLien247]

If you're secure and comfortable with your current job, then I would approach it as what the company you're applying with has to offer you moreso than what you have to offer them. Since your phone interview is with HR, I would get details on the compensation and benefits package. My guess is that you'll be asked more behavioral questions than technical questions, to see if you're "hireable". Be sure to have your resume in front of you so that you're quick to respond to any questions about your work history, experience, and skill set. They may be looking for inconsistencies between how you answer and what you put on your resume.

 

[thepd7]

Originally posted by: Scarpozzi
Good luck. I have one scheduled for next Tuesday. I'm kind of nervous about it because the job would give me a huge raise, but require me to relocate.

I'm pretty sure the manager of the position will be on the line as well as someone from HR.

One question....when you're applying for a job that's say, 500 miles away do they generally fly you up to the interview or is it up to me to buy the ticket?

Every one I have heard of (all second-hand since I am not willing to relocate) the company made the travel arrangements and paid. If they didn't at the very least reimburse I wouldn't even consider the company, you don't want to be at a company where they are so worried about cutting costs their hiring might suffer since that lends itself to the type of people they might settle for. At a good company, they pay to get who they want. That doesn't mean everyone is awesome but at least they make the extra effort.

 

[chuckywang]

How do you guys find time to go to interviews when you already have a job? Nobody does interviews on weekends.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: chuckywang
How do you guys find time to go to interviews when you already have a job? Nobody does interviews on weekends.

....take off from work that day. Use a sick day or a vacation day.

 

[krunchykrome]

updated

 

[MmmSkyscraper]

Make sure they have a position for that freak you work with who shouts down the phone about needing to take a dump

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: MmmSkyscraper
Make sure they have a position for that freak you work with who shouts down the phone about needing to take a dump

Hahahhaa, you remember that....

That guy was insane!

 

[Eos]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: chuckywang
How do you guys find time to go to interviews when you already have a job? Nobody does interviews on weekends.

....take off from work that day. Use a sick day or a vacation day.

My boss had the balls to ask why I needed an extra hour on my lunch... :|

 

[Dacalo]

Heh, I am the opposite. I am in corp accounting now and I want to go public. I want some challenge and exit opportunity will be nice.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Dacalo
Heh, I am the opposite. I am in corp accounting now and I want to go public. I want some challenge and exit opportunity will be nice.

I was in corporate accounting my senior year of college. Then I went into public, and I really do miss the corporate internal accounting environment.

 

[Dacalo]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Dacalo
Heh, I am the opposite. I am in corp accounting now and I want to go public. I want some challenge and exit opportunity will be nice.

I was in corporate accounting my senior year of college. Then I went into public, and I really do miss the corporate internal accounting environment.

Which firm do you work for? Have you gotten your CPA? I am working on it now, half way done. Time consuming but the reward should be decent.

 

[krunchykrome]

Originally posted by: Dacalo

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

Originally posted by: Dacalo
Heh, I am the opposite. I am in corp accounting now and I want to go public. I want some challenge and exit opportunity will be nice.

I was in corporate accounting my senior year of college. Then I went into public, and I really do miss the corporate internal accounting environment.

Which firm do you work for? Have you gotten your CPA? I am working on it now, half way done. Time consuming but the reward should be decent.

I dont work for a big four. I work for a large regional. I don't have my CPA yet though. I graduated at the end of last year with 120 credits. In Maryland, among other requirements, you need 150 hours to sit for the exam. So I am in grad school now working towards my M.S. in Accounting and Financial Management which is 30 credits. I'll be able to sit for the exam in about two years when I have my masters.

Whats crazy is that I don't care about a master's degree; what I want is an MBA. Unfortunatly, I dont have the experience under my belt to considered for an MBA program. Im doing the masters now, but later down the road, I will go for the MBA.