Preparation
Preparation is everything. A well prepared candidate will always outperform a more experienced one who has not done their homework. Here is how to give yourself the best chance.
Before the interview
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their proposition, their target market and any recent news. Review the job specification carefully and think about how your experience maps to what they are looking for. Know the practicalities — where you are going, who you are meeting and how long it will take to get there. Aim to arrive ten minutes early. Being late is simply not an option.
During the interview
First impressions matter enormously in financial services. Dress professionally, be confident and make eye contact. Use the STAR method when answering competency questions. Describe the Situation, the Task, what Action you took and the Result you achieved. Be concise. Long, rambling answers lose the interviewer’s attention. Ask good questions. An interview is a two way conversation, and thoughtful questions show genuine interest and preparation.
What to avoid
Do not speak negatively about your current or former employer. Do not discuss salary expectations unless the interviewer raises it. Do not exaggerate your experience or qualifications.
After the interview
Call us as soon as possible after the interview. We want to know how it went, what questions came up and how you felt about the opportunity. Timely feedback helps us manage the process effectively on your behalf.
Second interviews
Treat a second interview with the same level of preparation as the first. You may be meeting different people with different agendas. Make sure you go in knowing exactly what you need to hear to say yes to an offer