A recruitment expert’s top tips for preparing for a job interview

So you’ve decided you’re ready for a change. The great news for professionals in the financial services area is that overall employment in this vital sector is projected to grow on a global scale over the next decade. That means the jobs are there awaiting talented candidates like you, but you’ll also face talented competition for every role. This means you’ll likely need some help preparing your CV and with preparing for an interview!

Preparing for an interview is crucial to moving forward in the process

One crucial task you need to undertake is preparing for an interview with your prospective employer. Our Savvi Recruitment team has come up with some strategies to help you prepare for your upcoming interviews.

Our goal is to share a set of tools that help you feel confident, allowing the interview to feel more like a mutual get-to-know-you session, rather than something that fills you with stress and dread.

Let's see what you can do to prepare for a successful, engaging and mutually enlightening interview every time.

1. Research the organisation

Researching the organisation before the interview gives you a substantial head start for success. First and foremost, performing your due diligence ensures that you understand what the business does, its mission and vision, and how you might fit into it all. Conducting intensive research into the company will fill you with confidence and reveal your natural curiosity and sincere interest in the organisation.

According to John Ennis, the Director of Savvi Recruitment, "Preparation is key. You need to do your research. You need to learn a lot about the role and the company. It's important to show that you've done some research. That helps let them know you are interested in the company. And our recruiters can help you with the reasons and research strategies you might use."

Therese Cadell, Savvi Recruitment Partner and Co-Founder expands on John's research thoughts, recommending that you search Google for recent company updates and events to show that you remain engaged with the latest news about the company and the latest industry trends.

Think about how important it is for the interviewer to have read through your CV and any accompanying information you sent. They want to see and feel that you have the same enthusiasm for their organisation.

2. Determine the type of interview

There are several interview types you might face, so let's explore a few you might encounter and should know before you start:

• Screening or telephone. These interviews are typically exploratory sessions to touch base and determine mutual interest and are typically conducted by an internal or external recruiter. At the end of this interview, the recruiter is likely to invite you to participate in an individual video interview to become more acquainted.
• First interview. This interview gives you and the hiring or financial services manager the chance to dig deeper and learn more about each other.
• Second interview. Once the hiring team determines that you are a good potential fit, you will receive an invitation to interview with more members of the team, typically 1 or 2 people, whether via video or on-site. Questions may be competency-based, behavioural or technical.  Either way, you’ll be able to find out in advance of the interview and prepare accordingly.
• Presentation or project.  Some interview processes will include a specific project or presentation.  This could be instead of or in addition to the second interview.  For example, you may be asked to prepare a presentation on what you’ll do on your first 90 days in the role.  Usually, you’ll have some time to prepare for a project like this.
• Final interview. Once the organisational leaders have made their decision, they will likely want to extend an offer in person for a final interview. Here, you can discuss the hiring terms, including compensation and benefits.

John Ennis elaborates on the nature of any type of interview, reinforcing the idea that it is a mutual endeavour, meant to help you and one or two of the company's representatives get to know each other. Regardless of the type or stage of the interview, "Ensure your questions are also answered at interview, specific to role or company. It's a two way process. Asking good questions is as important as giving good answers."

3. Prepare answers to questions

Consider the possible questions your interviewer might ask, and prepare thoughtful answers to avoid coming across as unprepared or uncertain.

Consider and develop answers to standard interview questions, like the following:

• Why do you want to work for our company?
• Tell us a little about yourself - You can be prepared for this question - make it relevant to the role. Think of it as an elevator pitch.
• What are you most proud of, or what are your achievements?
• Why are you looking to make a move at the moment?
• Why should we hire you?

4. Go into the interview fully focused

Remember to turn off your phone or other electronic devices that could pose an interruption or distraction during this crucial meeting, whether you are conducting a video or in-office interview. You don't want to have to pause your thoughts, much less reach for your device.

When it comes to an online interview, Therese has made several recommendations for a smooth interview, with a focus on treating it like a face to-face one:

• Turn off your devices and fully focus on the interview for several minutes before the session begins. It will help put you in the mindset of becoming and remaining fully engaged throughout the interview.
• Some people can get confused about dress code - a good rule of thumb is to dress for the job you want, not the one you have.
• Make sure your family or whoever is in the house with you knows what’s going on - you don’t want someone coming in to ask you for a coffee in the middle of an interview, as it wouldn’t happen in a face-to-face one.
• Give yourself time to get your laptop set up - log in 5 minutes early, as though you’re waiting in a lobby.  That way if there are any technical glitches, you’ll have time to iron them out.
• Make sure you have the right lighting
• Ensure your camera is at the right level so you can make eye contact
• If you can’t have a clear background, then adjust settings to blur out your background

Lisa Scollan, our Savvi Recruitment Operations Manager suggests taking steps to ensure you are calm: "If you are travelling to a face-to-face interview, give yourself plenty of time to get there. That way, you can head into the meeting calm and focused."

5. Deal with the "tell me about yourself" question

This question is a good one to prepare because it almost always comes up at an interview.  Think of it like an elevator pitch that you can keep practising until you’re comfortable with it.

Share a little about your past and present work, trying to keep a focus on experience that relates to the role you’re applying for. Discuss why you decided to pursue education and work in the financial services industry, your previous and current positions, and where you see yourself moving in your profession.

We'll help you prepare for a winning interview

Our team is here to help you determine the best roles to match your skills and education, connect with the employer, and prepare for a stellar interview session that ensures that you advance to the next step in the hiring process. Let Savvi Recruitment help you stand out during each interview and avoid common mistakes. Rise above the rest and define your own limits.