new bank jobs - Interview Tips : If you're applying for a financial or banking vacancy the interview will be the deciding factor as to whether you get that job or it goes to someone else. At Commercial Finance People we recognise the importance of the interview- both from the point of view of the candidate for the banking or financial vacancies in question and for the employer. Working on behalf of both parties, we feel we are ideally placed to advise on what recruiter and candidate want to get out of the interview to ensure our clients financial vacancies are filled by the best possible candidate for the job. And that our candidates are matched to their dream job in the banking or financial industries.
Interview preparation is critical to success. We will help to prepare you for any interviews we arrange, supplying you with as much information as is available regarding the interview process, the role and the company. You may also find the following tips and finance interview advice helpful. We also have free sample finance CV available.
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.
Practice 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. See our Guide to Competency Based Interviews for further information. (source ; www.commercialfinancepeople.co.uk )
