Sample Interview Questions

Your goal during an interview is to convince the employer that you are the best candidate for the job. In order to accomplish this, you must be able to clearly and articulately convey that you have the specific skills and strengths for which the employer is looking. The best way to increase your likelihood of effectively responding to interview questions is through advanced preparation. Before an interview, you should prepare your responses to standard interview questions and practice speaking them out loud. If you can, do a mock interview with a Steinbright staff member or with family or friends. Below are some frequently asked interview questions that you can refer to while preparing for interviews.

Questions that can and cannot be asked during the interview phase of the recruitment process are determined by federal and state laws. The reason these laws are in place is to ensure that the interviewer does not obtain personal background information on the candidate that could be used to bar them from employment. The purpose of an interview is for an employer to assess a candidate based on the skill sets and aptitudes required to sufficiently perform the job, not to obtain personal information unrelated to the job duties and responsibilities. Explore the following sections to learn about illegal interview topics in the United States, examples of illegal questions, and what to do, both in the moment and afterwards, if you are asked questions of a potentially illegal nature.

If you are a Drexel student and feel you have been asked inappropriate questions during an interview, it is important to contact the Steinbright Career Development Center after your interview. Steinbright works closely with Drexel's Office for Institutional Equity and Inclusive Culture and the Counseling Center who provide support to students facing issues relating to harassment, bias, and discrimination.

It is illegal for an employer to ask about the following topics during an interview: age, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, pregnancy status, marital status, or citizenship status.

The following topics are illegal for an employer to ask about during an interview. We've included a few examples for each category.

How do you respond in the moment?

Who can you contact after the interview if you choose?

For more information and resources for managing discrimination in the workplace, please visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Most interviewers will conclude by asking "Do you have any questions for me?" The interviewer will expect you to have questions prepared and will use these questions to gauge your interest in and understanding of the job. Asking thoughtful and specific questions about the job and company will demonstrate to the interviewer that you are serious about the position. Conversely, if you do not ask questions you appear uninterested.

Also keep in mind that the interview is your opportunity to learn more about the position in order to determine if it is a good fit for you. Be sure to ask questions that will enable to you fully understand the scope of the job, so that you can make an informed decision about working for the company.

The following list contains appropriate questions for candidates to ask in the initial job interview. This list is by no means exhaustive; you should develop your own questions during the course of your research on the company. Ask specific questions based on your research of the company: growth plans, competitors, new products, and research, etc.

Avoid asking questions that makes you appear to be more interested in what you can get from the company than what you can offer them. Also avoid questions whose answers you could have easily found for yourself if you had put any effort into researching the company. Some topics to avoid include:

Practice your interview responses using Big Interview, a video interviewing platform complete with video tutorials and practice software.

Can ChatGPT answer your clients’ questions?

AI such as ChatGPT is changing the world as we know it. As a practitioner, can it help you better serve your clients, support your staff, and prepare you and your practice for the future? Let's first take a look at what ChatGPT is as we attempt to answer these questions. We will then provide an example of a conversation between this powerful AI chatbot and a hypothetical client and let you be the judge.

Natural language processing (NLP) researchers have created chatbots and conversational AI systems such as ChatGPT to deliver more "human" responses to human prompts. These tools are based on enormous datasets.

ChatGPT can answer technical tax questions, draft letters and responses, generate contracts, and suggest checklists. It can also answer CPA Exam questions, produce social media posts, and "brainstorm" ideas you can use as a springboard. It can be an amazing time saver. ChatGPT's responses are almost instantaneous. It can also remember previous responses and build off of suggested modifications, enhancing previous replies.

ChatGPT has many potential applications for accountants, like writing Microsoft Power BI formulas, VBA code, and DAX. It can produce invoice, contract, and audit report templates and summarize financial reports. ChatGPT can also help accountants analyze large amounts of financial data to reveal trends, patterns, and anomalies, helping accountants spot risks and opportunities. Based on historical data, ChatGPT can also predict trends and financial outcomes.

Even if you are not currently using ChatGPT, your clients, staff, and colleagues likely are, so you need to understand the potential pros and cons of this powerful and pervasive tool.

ChatGPT has great promise but must be used with caution: Not everything it produces is accurate.

ChatGPT generates responses based on words a user inputs and then uses those words to project a conversational answer using related words that it finds in its dataset. This can lead to some very interesting — and incorrect — responses. For example, one of this article's authors submitted questions from his accounting exam into the tool, and a 46% grade was the result, even though the average score for live test takers was almost 84%. Stack Overflow, a Q&A sharing site for programmers, has gone so far as to ban ChatGPT-generated code because of the potential for errors.

In another example of AI's fallibility, a recent live publicity effort by Alphabet/Google introducing its new Bard AI system went horribly wrong when it gave a wrong answer related to the James Webb space telescope. The company lost 10% in stock valuation (over $100 billion in market value) that day.

This tool also reflects the biases of the datasets it is based on and does not provide the sources of its data. Companies have already filed lawsuits seeking compensation for data they claim belongs to them that was used by the AI platform.

Additionally, the dataset ChatGPT uses is fixed, with the latest information coming from 2021 or prior. As an example, it has no knowledge of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. More significantly for CPAs, it is not familiar with tax law updates (subsequent to 2021) or recent stock market activities.

Some early adopters of ChatGPT assert that it may make certain professions related to content creation, such as programmers, professors, and journalists, obsolete. Are CPAs at risk? How well can ChatGPT answer clients' questions? We ran a small experiment to find out.

An article on key questions clients should ask their CPA was published on TheStreet financial news and financial literacy website. On Feb. 4, 2023, we posed two of those questions to ChatGPT to see how it would do. Let's look at the results.

Q: Should I itemize my deductions or take the standard deduction?

A: The decision on whether to itemize your deductions or take the standard deduction depends on several factors. If the total of your itemized deductions, such as mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, and medical expenses, among others, is greater than the standard deduction for your filing status, then you should itemize your deductions. If the total of your itemized deductions is less than the standard deduction, then it would be more advantageous for you to take the standard deduction.

It's important to note that the standard deduction has increased since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which may make it more beneficial for you to take the standard deduction instead of itemizing your deductions. Additionally, it's recommended to consult a tax professional or use tax preparation software to determine the best option for your specific tax situation.Top of Form

Q: What deductions or credits are available that I may be missing?

A: There are many deductions and credits that you may be eligible for but are missing, as many taxpayers are unaware of all the tax benefits available to them. Some common deductions and credits that you may be missing include:

It's important to keep accurate records and receipts of all your expenses throughout the year to ensure you claim all the deductions and credits you're eligible for. It's also recommended to consult a tax professional or use tax preparation software to determine which deductions and credits you're eligible for.

As can be seen from the above experiment, ChatGPT's responses are often inadequate — rather than being insightful, they are overly superficial and neglect important details. To implement the suggestions, a client would still need professional assistance. Although ChatGPT is an invaluable resource for offering fundamental direction and information, it is not a suitable substitute for the CPA's professional expertise. Clients may think AI chat platforms are all-knowing, but it is your job to help your clients understand their appropriate, and inappropriate, use.

In March, OpenAI released version four of ChatGPT, which reportedly uses 1 trillion parameters, or six times more data than version three, and competitors are not sleeping on their prospects. Alphabet/Google has Bard and two other platforms still in development. Meta/Facebook, along with Amazon and IBM, has its own initiatives, and many private companies beyond the majors have viable offerings.

This is just the beginning. Although OpenAI announced that GPT-5 is not expected in the immediate future, with the abundance of vendors jumping into the space, new challenges and opportunities will not be in short supply. Hang on for the ride.

— Scott Dell, CPA, DBA, is an assistant professor of accounting at Francis Marion University in Florence, S.C. Mfon Akpan, CGMA, DBA, is an assistant professor of accounting at Methodist University in Fayetteville, N.C. To comment on this article or suggest another article, contact joaed@aicpa.org.

How to Sell on Amazon Handmade and Build a Profitable Business: Everything You Need to Know

Amazon Handmade is a powerful platform that can expand your reach and boost your sales.

CONSTELLATION BRANDS, INC.

If you’re making and selling handmade products, having as many revenue streams as possible makes sense. And the more places you have where to sell crafts online, the better your chances for increasing your revenue streams.

You may have started hitting local craft markets and probably have your own website and Facebook page. You may have some items listed for sale on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon.

It’s always a good time to sell your homemade crafts on Amazon Handmade. With just a few clicks, you can begin promoting – and selling – your shop of genuinely handcrafted products.

Amazon Handmade launched in 2015 as an online store within the Amazon Marketplace. Handmade sellers could place their products in the special Amazon Handmade niche.

Through the connection with Amazon, a seller can connect with 95 million Amazon shoppers in the United States, not to mention more than 250 million Amazon shoppers worldwide.

Amazon Handmade is a special store within Amazon for artisans who want to sell their handmade items. But there are some steps you must take on how to get on Amazon Handmade.

First, you must have a professional Amazon Sellers Account.

There’s an application process to get your items into the Handmade store. Through the application, you’ll provide basic information, then answer a series of questions about your products. You’ll also provide photos of your items and describe your production/creation process.

You should hear back from Amazon on the status or approval of applications within 48 hours.

When it comes to selling handmade products online, two prominent platforms emerge: Amazon Handmade and Etsy. Let’s explore their differences and key features to help you make an informed decision.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_ggJWZYkK17j4ulkolb1HAFkQE1Duj0rQ2WcUWkqtJk/edit#gid=0

When researching how to start a handmade business and exploring handmade business ideas, I’m sure you’ve come across Etsy. Besides Etsy, Amazon is one of the best places to sell handmade crafts online. If you’re considering Amazon as your selling platform, it’s important to understand the steps to creating a business with Amazon Handmade.

From setting up your Amazon business account to optimizing product listings and leveraging marketing tools, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to establish and grow your handmade business on Amazon Handmade successfully.

To start selling on Amazon Handmade, you must create a Seller Central account if you don’t already have one. This account will serve as your central hub for managing your Amazon sales and inventory.

To begin, visit the Amazon Seller Central website and click on the “Register Now” button. Provide the required information, including your business, contact, and payment details. It’s essential to enter accurate and up-to-date information to ensure smooth communication and payment processes.

Once your Seller Central account is set up, you’ll have access to various tools and features that will help you manage your Amazon business effectively. These include inventory management, order processing, marketing and advertising options, and detailed sales reports. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the Seller Central dashboard and explore the available resources to optimize your selling experience.

To sell on Amazon Handmade, you need a Professional Selling Account. While an individual account for selling is available, upgrading to a professional selling plan is recommended due to its additional benefits and access to advanced selling features. With a professional account, you can create product listings in bulk, utilize advertising and promotion tools, and participate in programs like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save.

To upgrade your account, navigate to the “Settings” tab in Seller Central and select “Account Info.” From there, click on the “Upgrade Account” button and follow the prompts to complete the upgrade process. Note that a monthly subscription fee applies for a professional account, in addition to referral and other selling fees based on your product categories.

Before proceeding, ensure that your products meet the eligibility criteria for the Handmade category on Amazon. Handmade items must be created entirely by hand, hand-altered, or hand-assembled. While there are some exceptions for tools used in the production process, mass-produced or manufactured goods are not eligible. Review the Amazon Handmade guidelines thoroughly to ensure that your products align with the category’s requirements.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with the specific product types allowed in the Handmade category. Amazon has defined various subcategories, such as Jewelry, Home, Beauty, and more, where you can list your handmade items. Make sure your products fall within the appropriate subcategories to ensure proper visibility and discoverability for potential Amazon customers.

By ensuring your products meet the eligibility requirements, you can save time and avoid potential issues during the application process. It’s crucial to maintain the integrity of the Handmade category by offering truly handmade products.

Once you have a Professional Selling Account and your products meet the eligibility requirements, you can apply to sell on Amazon Handmade. In Seller Central, go to the “Inventory” tab and click on “Add a Product.” From there, select the “Handmade” category and provide all the necessary information about your business and products.

Amazon will review your application to ensure that you meet the Handmade category’s criteria. This review and audit process typically takes several business days, and you will receive an email notifying you of their decision.

It’s essential to provide accurate and detailed information in your application to enhance your chances of approval. If your application is rejected, Amazon will often provide specific reasons for the rejection, allowing you to address any issues and reapply if necessary.

Upon approval to sell on Amazon Handmade, it’s time to set up your Handmade shop. This shop will be your dedicated space within Amazon where customers can explore and purchase your unique handmade products. Customize your shop’s name, banner, logo, and other visual elements to create a distinctive brand identity that reflects the essence of your handmade products. A well-designed and visually appealing shop can attract customers and build trust in your brand.

To set up your Handmade shop, navigate to the “Manage Your Shop” section in Seller Central. Here, you can upload your logo and create a banner that showcases the essence of your brand. Take advantage of the customization options to create a cohesive and professional-looking shop that aligns with your brand image.

Next, create detailed and compelling product listings for your handmade items. Use high-quality images that accurately represent your products and highlight their unique features. Craft engaging and informative descriptions that provide relevant details about materials, dimensions, and any special techniques used. Incorporate relevant keywords to optimize your listings for search visibility within Amazon’s marketplace.

Once your Handmade shop is up and running, it’s crucial to stay on top of your orders and provide exceptional customer service. Regularly monitor your inventory levels to ensure you have sufficient stock to fulfill customer orders promptly. Consider leveraging Amazon’s fulfillment options to streamline the order fulfillment process.

With Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA), you can store your products in Amazon’s fulfillment centers, and they will handle storage, packing, and shipping on your behalf. Alternatively, you can choose Fulfillment by Merchant (FBM) and fulfill orders from your own location.

Timely order fulfillment is key to keeping customers satisfied and maintaining positive reviews. Ensure that you follow Amazon’s guidelines for packaging and shipping to provide a professional and secure delivery experience.

Promptly respond to customer questions and address any concerns or issues with empathy and professionalism. Positive customer interactions can contribute to building a strong reputation for your Handmade shop and encourage repeat purchases.

As you navigate the world of selling on Amazon Handmade, always stay informed about the latest updates and resources available to sellers. Regularly review Amazon’s seller support documentation, participate in forums and seller communities, and stay up to date with industry trends. By continually learning and adapting, you can optimize your selling strategies and maximize your success on Amazon Handmade.

Achieving financial success on Amazon Handmade varies among sellers, with many generating a minimum of $1,000 in monthly sales. Exceptional sellers, known as super-sellers, even reach sales figures exceeding $100,000 per month. Approximately 45% of Amazon sellers fall within the range of $1,000 to $25,000 in monthly sales, translating to potential annual sales between $12,000 and $300,000.

These figures highlight the wide spectrum of earning possibilities on the platform, showcasing the potential for significant revenue streams for those who implement effective strategies and tap into customer demand successfully.

Your Amazon Professional Seller Account requires a $39.99 monthly subscription fee. You have to have an Amazon Professional Seller Account to list your products on Amazon Handmade.

Amazon charges a transaction fee of 12%. There are no listing fees – you can list as many products as you want.

As a person selling on Amazon, you have to weigh the pros and cons. A seller has to calculate how the Amazon costs cut into your profit margin.

Let’s devise an example. You have 10 products that cost $20 each, that you hope to be selling on Amazon, at the handmade store. In one month you sell all 10, making $200.

Your costs are the $39.99 professional seller account monthly fee, plus $24 (the total 12% transaction processing fees). $200 less $64 = $136 for the 10 products, or $13.60 for each.

How does it work on Etsy? Etsy charges .20 as a listing fee for each item. Etsy charges a 3.5% commission and a 3% processing transaction fees, for a total fee of 6.5%. Your costs with Etsy are $2 for 10 listings, and 6.5% of the $200 ($13). Your total would be $200 less $15 = $185, or $18.50 for each. Etsy may also charge a $1 referral fee.

Should you be selling on Amazon or Etsy? Many sellers list on both, as a sure way to calculate which site is performing best. The impact of fees lessens and profit margins improve when the number of sales increases.

When searching for products to sell on Handmade at Amazon, prioritize the creation of genuinely handcrafted goods. Start by researching popular trends and identifying your niche market. Focus on creating unique, high-quality handmade items that align with customer demand.

Conduct market analysis, analyze competitors, and leverage customer feedback to refine your product selection and increase your chances of success. Let’s take a look at four things you could sell on Amazon handmade…

Design and craft unique jewelry pieces that showcase your creativity and craftsmanship. Once you learn how to start a jewelry business, you can offer a variety of styles, materials, and personalized options to cater to different customer preferences. Focus on delivering high-quality, eye-catching designs that stand out in the competitive jewelry market.

Create beautiful and functional home decor items that add a touch of style and uniqueness to living spaces. From hand-painted ceramics to intricately designed textiles, offer a range of products that cater to various interior design themes and customer tastes. Emphasize the quality and attention to detail in your handmade creations.

Craft natural, organic, and artisanal personal care products that prioritize quality ingredients and promote self-care. Learn how to start a soap making business, or focus on other products like bath bombs, skincare, or haircare products. Focus on providing a luxurious and indulgent experience while highlighting the benefits of using natural and handmade alternatives.

Appeal to stationery lovers by creating a range of handmade paper goods. From notebooks and journals to greeting cards and planners, offer unique designs that showcase your artistic flair. Emphasize the use of quality materials, such as recycled paper or sustainable alternatives, to attract environmentally conscious customers.

When comparing Amazon to Amazon Handmade, one key distinction lies in the type of selling account required. While Amazon allows anyone to sell various products through a standard professional selling account, Amazon Handmade focuses exclusively on handmade items. Amazon Handmade provides a dedicated artisan-only community to showcase their unique creations, with a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and individuality.

This specialized marketplace offers a curated experience for customers seeking genuinely handcrafted products. By contrast, Amazon’s broader platform accommodates a wide range of sellers and products, catering to diverse consumer demands.

Another notable difference between Amazon and Amazon Handmade is the availability of additional programs and services. For instance, Amazon Brand Registry is a program designed to help sellers protect and manage their brands on the Amazon platform, providing tools for brand protection and enforcement. On the other hand, Amazon offers the Amazon Subscription Box program, allowing sellers to create subscription-based product offerings and provide customers with a recurring delivery experience.

These programs provide additional opportunities for sellers to enhance their brand presence and explore innovative selling models beyond the traditional marketplace approach. Understanding these differences helps sellers choose the most suitable platform for their specific offerings and target customer base.

Amazon Handmade offers numerous advantages for artisans and craftsmen looking to showcase and sell their unique creations. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, the platform provides opportunities for sellers to reach a wide customer base while enjoying several key benefits, including:

While Amazon Handmade provides several advantages for sellers of handmade goods, it is important to consider potential drawbacks as well. Understanding the challenges can help artisans make informed decisions about their selling strategies. Here are some key cons to consider:

For sellers of handcrafted goods on Amazon Handmade, implementing effective strategies is important for success in the competitive marketplace. By following these Amazon Handmade seller tips, you can maximize your visibility, enhance customer satisfaction, and boost your sales:

Selling on Amazon Handmade can be worthwhile for artisans and craftsmen looking to reach a vast customer base and benefit from the platform’s brand visibility and ease of use. With a large customer base and access to fulfillment services, sellers can tap into global markets and leverage Amazon’s marketing tools.

However, it’s essential to consider factors such as competition, fees, and platform dependency before determining if Amazon Handmade is the best online marketplace that aligns with your business goals.

While having a business license is not explicitly required to sell on Amazon Handmade, it is advisable to comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits for your specific location and type of business.

Operating legally and transparently ensures you can conduct your handmade business smoothly and provides reassurance to customers. It’s essential to research and understand the legal requirements and consult with relevant authorities or professionals to ensure compliance.

The approval process for Amazon Handmade typically takes several business days. After submitting an application, Amazon reviews it to ensure the products meet their criteria for handmade goods. Factors that may affect the approval timeline include the completeness and accuracy of the application, as well as the current volume of applications being processed.

While approval times can vary, sellers are encouraged to provide accurate information and documentation during the application process to expedite approval.

Unlike the main Amazon marketplace, Amazon Handmade does not require Universal Product Codes (UPC) for product listings. Instead, sellers can use the Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) assigned to each product when listing their handmade items.

ASINs help identify specific products within Amazon’s catalog. As a result, sellers can focus on creating and selling their unique, handcrafted goods without the need for UPC codes, simplifying the listing process on Amazon Handmade.

Yes. You’ll set up a professional seller account. You’ll also go through an application process to prove that your products are made entirely by hand, hand altered, or hand assembled.

You must have 20 or fewer employees or be part of a collective (no more than 100).

You can’t sell handmade things that are made by someone else (not made by you), or things that are not made by one of your employees.

No. It is a step-by-step process to apply and you should hear back within 48 hours via email.

You’ll be asked for details about the production of your products and you’ll be asked to submit photos. You may be asked to submit photos both of the production process and of the products as well.

It’s all time-consuming, but it’s a one-time requirement. Once you’ve been accepted, you may make changes such as which products you want to feature, add or remove. But you won’t have to apply again.

There is a 12% processing fee. You will also pay a $39.99 monthly fee to be a professional seller.

Image: Envato Elements