Finance Job Interview Tips

Before the Interview

Find out about the company before you attend an interview. Research trade press, company literature, company website and ask questions of colleagues and past and present employees. Use this information to prepare/ask questions about their organisation at the interview.

Write down all the questions you think an interviewer might ask you. Use your experience and that of friends. Then prepare sample answers and write these down as well. It may help to remember the questions and answers by writing them down.

Make a list of points you want to make that will sell you to the company. Articulate the points clearly and check that the interviewer understands you. Be prepared to talk about specific achievements (and/or competencies) rather than talking through your CV.

Practise interviews with a friend and ask them to use some of the questions you have written down. If you are happy with these types of questions, you will be much more relaxed at an interview.

Think about your weaknesses. What would you be prepared to disclose as an area of your experience/skill that is currently lacking? Think of a way of describing this as a positive, e.g. an opportunity to develop.

Plan your journey, check routes, parking, train times etc. Make sure you arrive on time, unhurried and relaxed. Regardless of how genuine the reason, a late arrival is usually viewed as a negative. On the day, make sure you have a contact number for the interviewer - so that if a delay is unavoidable, at least you can give advance warning.

At the Interview

First Impressions. You only get one chance to make a first impression! Make sure you appear professional and are dressed appropriately.

Nerves. Preparation, planning and practice will help with nerves. At the interview try not to rush - take time to think before you answer - an interviewer will like the fact that you are providing considered answers and not pre-prepared 'off the shelf' responses. Remember every interview is good practice and you can learn from them even if you are not offered the job.

Remember it's a two-way process. It is as much an opportunity for you to determine if the company/role is right for you as it is for the company to appraise you.

Be positive. Avoid saying anything negative - about yourself, your current/previous colleagues, current/previous employers and the company you are talking to and don't allow any cynicism to creep in.

Emphasise your strengths. Talk about projects and achievements of which you are proud. Make your points firmly but not aggressively.

Listen carefully, show interest and use what you find out. Feedback to interviewers what they want and try to use the same key words and style of language that they use to demonstrate that you have listened and understood. A positive and genuine observation on the working environment is usually appreciated.

Competency Based Interviews

Competencies are those behaviours that you demonstrate at work that makes you effective. They are a mixture of knowledge, skills, motivation and personal characteristics. In demonstrating your competence you will be showing the skills and the background knowledge necessary for you to perform a particular task effectively, together with the motivation or drive to make things happen.