In the competitive landscape of Accounting and Finance, securing your next career opportunity requires more than showcasing your technical expertise and professional experience. One of the most overlooked yet crucial interview skills is the ability to address unspoken concerns before leaving the room. This proactive approach can make the difference between moving forward in the process and receiving a polite rejection email.
The Power of the Direct Close
As your interview winds down, you have a unique opportunity to demonstrate your interest and professional maturity. Consider this powerful closing sequence:
“I am excited about this opportunity and looking forward to next steps. Before we wrap up, I’d appreciate knowing if you have any concerns that might prevent me from moving forward to the second round.
This approach accomplishes three critical objectives:
- Clearly expresses your interest in the position
- Shows initiative in seeking next steps
- Opens the door for addressing any reservations the interviewer may have
Why This Works
Interviewers often process their concerns after candidates leave, when it’s too late for clarification or context. By inviting feedback during the interview, you create an opportunity to address these concerns in real time. This approach demonstrates several valuable professional qualities:
- Learning agility and openness to feedback
- Confidence in your abilities
- Professional maturity
- Strong communication skills
- Commitment to continuous improvementÂ
Common Concerns and How to Address Them
1. The “Chemistry” Question
If an interviewer suggests concerns about team fit or cultural alignment, use this opportunity to share examples of successful adaptation to different team dynamics in your previous roles. For instance, you might discuss how you successfully integrated into a new team during a merger or system implementation project.
2. Technical Skills Gaps
In Accounting and Finance, technical requirements can be specific and varied. If the interviewer expresses concern about a particular skill gap, highlight your track record of quickly mastering new systems or methodologies. Share specific examples of how you’ve overcome similar learning curves in the past.
3. Resume Gaps or Career Transitions
When questions arise about changing jobs, use this moment to demonstrate thoughtful career planning and strategic decision-making. Be transparent about your career moves while showing that each transition was carefully considered. Rather than simply stating you “left for a better opportunity,” provide specific context about your decision-making process.
For example: “I gained valuable experience at Company Y, particularly in advanced financial modeling. However, after thoroughly exploring internal growth opportunities, I realized the path to advancement was limited. When Company Z approached me, they offered not only a clear promotion track but also the chance to work directly with their CFO, who is known for developing strong finance leaders.”
The key is to demonstrate that your moves weren’t impulsive but rather deliberate steps toward professional growth, and that you exhausted all internal options before making any transitions.
Beyond the Interview
Proactively addressing potential concerns offers benefits that extend beyond the immediate interview:
Relationship Building: Your openness to feedback helps establish a professional rapport with the interviewer.
Information Gathering: Understanding concerns helps you better prepare for subsequent interview rounds.
Professional Development: The feedback received can inform your broader career development strategy.
Making It Work for You
There are four steps to implement this strategy effectively:
- Practice the delivery of your closing question so it feels natural.
- Prepare thoughtful responses to potential concerns based on your self-assessment.
- Listen carefully to the response and address concerns specifically rather than defensively.
- Follow up with relevant examples or clarification in your thank-you note.
The Bottom Line
Accounting and Finance professionals need every advantage they can get in today’s competitive job market. By addressing concerns during the interview, you demonstrate the professional maturity and communication skills employers value. This approach not only helps you navigate the immediate interview more effectively but also showcases the qualities that make for a successful long-term hire.
Considering a career transition or reentering the job market? Alliance can help.
