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1. Don’t Wait to Interview

Waiting until there is an immediate need may cause hiring managers to overlook some negative qualities they might not normally and hire subpar people. Accounting firms that are consistently interviewing can get a better understanding of the current job market and what types of candidates are out there.
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2. Conduct Multiple Rounds of Interviews

Have candidates meet with three to four employees, and if possible, the CFO or another executive at the company. In order for accounting firms to hire strategically, they need to be sure they are identifying people who will stick around and grow within the company.
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3. Be Unconventional

Ask questions that don’t pertain to the position, the company, or the candidate’s resume. The way a candidate reacts shows how they think on their feet and gives an idea of their personality. Pay attention to how they communicate when they aren’t speaking in technical terms.
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4. Have Someone Interrupt the Interview

This gives you a chance to see how the candidate responds when they are caught off guard. Are they flustered? Do they stand up and introduce themselves to the new person? The way the candidate responds provides clues for how they may react when thrown a curveball in the office or when they are under pressure.
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5. Utilize Assessments

Accounting professionals need to possess critical thinking skills and be detail-oriented. There are different tests designed to determine a candidate’s competency in these areas. This provides another layer of insight into a candidate’s potential.
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6. Evaluate the Candidate’s Questions

If a candidate is asking questions that can easily be found on a company website—such as “When was the company founded?” or “What do you specialize in?”—you know they haven’t put a lot of thought into the interview. The best candidates ask thought-provoking, insightful questions.
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7. Don’t Sugarcoat Anything

You want to make sure a potential employee is the right fit for your unique company culture and if you can’t be upfront with them about the environment and the role, you won’t have much success.
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