Senior Tax Officer Interview Preparation Guide

We recommend basing your answer around three or four key skills. You will probably be asked for examples of how you have demonstrated them, so try and prepare a few in advance of the meeting. If your job description contains key competencies for the position you are interviewing for, you should look to these for examples of skill areas you could discuss.

Select an achievement that is work-related and fairly recent. Identify the skills you used in the achievement and quantify the benefit it had to the company. For example, 'my greatest achievement has been to design and implement a new sales ledger system, bringing it in ahead of time and improving our debtors' position significantly, saving the company £50,000 a month in interest'.

Be cautious with this answer. Do not be too specific as you may draw attention to weaknesses that will leave you open to further problems. One approach is to choose a characteristic of your present company, such as its size or slow decision-making processes etc. Give your answer with the air of someone who takes problems and frustrations in your stride as part of the job.

Multi-tasking is an important part of most jobs. You want to show that you're good at it but not overwhelmed with it. So discuss just a few things you can multi-task well on - for example: "I'm good at multi tasking between work email and working on projects and the reason it because I'm good at prioritizing my work emails.

Describe the attributes you liked about your favorite manager, typically attributes discussed are: Great at coaching, inspiring, motivating, empowering, trusting, delegating, leading, etc.

Be prepared to share your salary history and also the documentation to back it up. This is a common request from companies, especially if you're trying to negotiate a higher salary than what they're offering.

☛ 1. Understand their goals
☛ 2. Understand what they're good / not good at
☛ 3. Align their personal goals to the company goals and then utilize their strengths to achieve it
☛ 4. Inspire them through coaching and pep talks

Employers use this question to try to gauge what you view as a ‘difficult situation’ and if you are able to show a logical approach in how you go about solving problems. Always aim toshow yourself in a positive light. We would normally advise that you choose a difficult situation that was not caused by you, remembering to:
☛ 1. Define the problem
☛ 2. Discuss the options available
☛ 3. Give your final decision and reasons for your choice
☛ 4. The final outcome, always try to end on a positive note

I pursued a Bachelor's degree in X at [X university] and upon graduation I worked as an Intern for [X company] where I was responsible for [X tax management duties ]. Since this internship, I have gained considerable tax management experience working for [X company] where I managed [X tax management duties] and for [X company] where I was responsible for [X tax management duties]. These are some of the reasons I believe I am a perfect fit for your position.

This question is really about your self-esteem, confidence and career aspirations. The answer must be 'yes', followed by a brief explanation as to what it is about your career so far that's made you happy. If you have hit a career plateau, or you feel you are moving too slowly, then you must qualify your answer.