Recruiter Q&A
 
Tricia Terry US Campus Recruiting Lead at Accenture
Name: Patricia (Tricia) Terry
Position: Accenture US Campus Recruiting Lead
Education: Psychology, Miami University; Masters of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University
Location: Reston, VA

What do you look for in entry-level employees?
There are a number of attributes that we look for in candidates for our entry-level positions. Of course, we want them to have the right skills, experiences and background but we also look for people with demonstrated leadership experience or who are involved in different activities outside of their studies such as clubs and interest groups, or community organizations. Applicable work experience gained through internships and/or volunteer experience is also helpful.

Can you give an example of something a student or other applicant has done that really impressed you during the recruiting process?
It’s always nice when an applicant has done thorough research on our organization and the position, and can translate that knowledge into intelligent questions – this is impressive from a preparatory standpoint and it helps to separate the candidate from the larger pack of interviewees. Follow up is key as well; a simple thank you note via email does the trick.

What “insider tips” do you have for anyone applying to Accenture?
We start our full-time entry-level recruiting in the fall and internship recruiting in January so it is important that students apply early. Check in regularly with the campus career center to find out when campus visits are taking place and when job positions are open for application. When applying, make sure your resume is current and that the objective, skills, and experience highlighted align with the job requirements, and showcase your strengths. For the interview, do your homework. Research the company and the position. Be professional, both in the way you act and in how you present yourself. Take the time to fully listen to the question before answering and provide relevant examples in your responses. Also have some questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer. Preparation, professionalism and enthusiasm make an impression.

What kind of mistakes can a candidate make that will take them out of the running for a position?
Being prepared and professional is key to making a good impression. Doing anything that counteracts this can be harmful: being late, acting and appearing too casual, not understanding who the company is or what the position requires. Also, be sure that the position you are applying for aligns with your education, experiences and interests. Recruiters want the position they hire you into to be a good fit, for both you and the company.

What is the office culture like?
At Accenture we strive to provide our employees with a supportive environment that ensures their success and provides for ongoing professional development and progression. For example, every employee is assigned a career counselor to help guide them along their career path, and our robust training and development curriculums, mentoring and leadership training programs offer employees the experience, learning and coaching to help them develop professionally and grow their expertise. Another great thing about working at Accenture is the diversity of our workforce. Employees work alongside talented colleagues with different backgrounds to bring together their diverse skills and experiences to help our clients achieve high performance.

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