June 2024

The interviewing landscape has changed considerably in recent years with organisations becoming more rigorous with their recruitment strategies. Candidates are placed under the microscope through a multi-staged hiring process that includes screening, testing and multiple interviews. With companies using alternate technologies and techniques, no two interviews are the same. No one nails every interview every time but the target is to walk through that door and be the best version of yourself that you can be. By following a few basic principles, this can easily be achieved.

Be Prepared

Preparation puts you in a position to provide a strong answer so be sure to do your homework.

• Research: Nearly half of job applicants fail due to their lack of knowledge about the company or job description. Exploring financial reports, social media profiles and the company website is a good start.
• Answer difficult questions: Sometimes you will be asked about your weaknesses. Nobody is perfect but the best way to answer this is to mention something small and then explain how you are improving in this area to make it a strength.
• Skills and experience: Look carefully at the job description and make note of any experience and skills you have that relate directly to it. When asked, use specific examples of how prior roles have prepared you for the role and link them to the job description.

On the Day

First impressions really are important, and a job interview begins long before you walk into the building.

You should:

• Dress appropriately
• Know the time, location, transport and any parking options
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early
• Assume you are being interviewed from the moment you step out of your home
• Make clear eye contact, begin with a firm handshake and display positive body language

What to Do

Outside of the obvious such as paying attention, highlighting your strengths and incorporating your experience into the conversion, the following can help you stand out from other candidates.

• Display industry knowledge: Talk confidently about the industry and how it continues to evolve. Mention the increasing role of technology in the finance industry and how you are utilising it to gain a competitive advantage.
• Ask questions: Collate a list of intelligent questions to ask the interviewer. These could relate to the organisation, team environment or things that have not been covered while discussing the role such as performance metrics.
• Engage with the interviewer: Don’t be shy to venture outside the financial field as finding common ground in personal interests could give you a significant edge. If you know who will be conducting the interview, cast an eye over their LinkedIn profile. Information on previous employers, university details or hobbies will provide opportunities to build rapport.

What Not to Do

There are a number of specific things that will harm a candidate’s chances of being hired.

• Don’t be critical: Bad mouthing former employers, managers or colleagues will do you no favours as you may be viewed as someone who doesn’t work well with others.
• Avoid Fidgeting: This includes playing with your fingers, biting nails and bouncing your feet. A useful way to control this is by keeping your empty hands on the table.
• Distractions: Mobile phones have become an essential part of our lives but they should be in silent mode and out of sight during any interview. Moreover, don’t take a coffee with you as drinking from a coffee cup will prevent you from giving the interviewer 100% of your attention.

After you’ve had your first interview, send a thank you email to your main point of contact within a day or two. This reinforces your interest in the role, demonstrates good manners and can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager.