First impressions are crucial, so it's worth taking time and care over the application form. As long as you have the skills and attributes we are looking for, the following tips will help you complete the application form.

1. Do your homework: You must do your research before filling out the application form. Make sure you have a really good understanding of Accenture’s workforces and what you hope to do with us. This research will help you answer the trickier questions at interviews. Also, speak to your friends, career counsellors and mentors to help align your career decisions with what is the best fit for you.
2. Timing: Have your resume ready and set aside 30 minutes to complete your online application.
3. Keep it interesting: Don't just give us the facts. Tell us why you got involved in a particular interest or hobby. It’s also important that you write in your own words, and honesty is absolutely the best policy. Don’t exaggerate your achievements or positions of responsibility you may have held. Your interviewer will want to discuss these with you in detail.
4. Take it seriously: Working here is fun, but we need to know you can act professionally in serious business situations too. Read the questions carefully and fully understand what is being asked. Complete all sections on the form that are relevant to you. The questions we ask are vital to our screening process and if information is missing it will only delay the processing of your application form.
5. Proofread the form: Mistakes will undermine your credibility, but they are easy to avoid. Check your grammar and spelling. It may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to do this and with a spell-check facility on your PC, there really is no excuse! Remember, first impressions do count.

First impressions are also crucial during the interview. Keep in mind a few pointers before, during and after attending your interviews with us.

1. Make sure you know the format of the interview and dress appropriately so that you feel comfortable and confident.
2. Re-read your application, and keep a copy of it with you during the interview. Remember what you said and why you said it.
3. Research Accenture and the particular business area to which you're applying. We won't expect you to be a specialist, but being aware of major trends and commercial issues would be an advantage.
4. Think of recent examples you can give to demonstrate how you meet our criteria. Examples can be from your academic, personal or work life. Think about what we do for clients at Accenture and, more specifically, what you would be doing if you worked for us.
5. Think about questions to ask your interviewer(s). This is a chance to further demonstrate your knowledge of the company.
6. Have answers ready for the most common interview questions:
   1. What are your main strengths/development areas?
   2. What can you tell us about yourself and your achievements?
   3. What interests you about this role?
   4. Where do you expect to be in five years' time?
   5. What do you know about us?
   6. Why should we select you for the role?
7. Give yourself plenty of time to get to our offices—there is nothing worse than arriving late and feeling flustered.

1. Body language is important. Shake hands firmly, smile and sit upright. Show interest in what is being said by nodding.
2. Most interviewers will offer you a drink, so don't be afraid to accept.
3. Don't be too bashful; don't be too bold. Aim to maintain 80 percent eye contact with whoever is talking to you.
4. Speak clearly and concisely, but avoid one-word answers. 'Yes' and 'no' won't tell your interviewer anything and will make it difficult to progress to the next stage.
5. Answer the question you've been asked rather than just talking about everything you know. This means listening carefully to what is being said.
6. If you are unsure about the question, ask for clarification rather than answering incorrectly or appearing flustered.
7. Be enthusiastic, but never babble. Don't be afraid of silences—take time to form your responses. It's far better to think before you speak than to go off on a tangent during your answer.
8. Don’t repeat information from the website word for word.
9. Ask the interviewer(s) to explain anything you don't understand.
10. At the end, you may want to find out when you are likely to hear from us.

If you're successful, there will probably be further steps in the recruitment process. Make sure you understand them and what is required of you.