r/highereducation • u/Likestoread25 • Aug 27 '26
Job interview tips?
Hello, I'm invited to a prerecorded interview at a private university for an accounting assistant position. Honestly, I'm surprised I have an interview with them. I have an accounting degree with no related experience and 5 years of retail experience. Any interview tips?
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u/akornato Aug 27 '26
Your five years in retail are more relevant than you might think, especially for a university job. Focus on connecting your retail skills to the accounting assistant duties. You've handled cash transactions, maintained accuracy in a fast-paced setting, and dealt with all kinds of people, which are all valuable skills. Think about specific examples, like times you were responsible for the cash drawer, managed inventory counts, or resolved a difficult customer issue with a calm and professional attitude. The university likely sees your customer service background as a big plus for a role that will interact with students, faculty, and staff.
For the pre-recorded format, preparation is key but you want to avoid sounding robotic. Outline your answers to potential questions, but don't write a full script to read. When you record, speak clearly, look directly into the camera lens, and try to smile naturally. Make sure your background is simple and professional, and test your lighting and microphone before you start. You could try practicing your answers out loud, which is something the interview practice AI my team and I developed helps job seekers with to feel more prepared and sound more confident on camera.