You’ve managed to get an incredible interview thanks to a specialist banking and financial recruitment company.
Hurray! Congrats on this crucial first step, now all you need to do is nail that interview.
You’ll need to be able to present yourself well, and a polished communication style could make all the difference in whether you nail it.
But don’t worry we’re here to help!
So here are some tips to help you master your interview technique:

1. Research the company


You’ll learn a lot about the company during the interview—like whether it’s a good fit for you, but this should not be the time to learn basic information.
Before attending the interview, you’ll want to have done all research possible.
Take some time, in advance, to learn as much as you can.

There you can review their mission statement and history, services, and information about the company culture.
Maybe even read a blog or two to get a feel for their tone of voice.

  • Next, you’ll want check their social media accounts.

This will give you a good sense of how the company likes to be viewed.
Then you can like or follow them to get updates (and whilst you’re at it, maybe give some of our accounts a cheeky like too!).
You could possibly even take a look at your interviewers LinkedIn profile, and get an insight into any common links.

Identify their competitors strengths and weaknesses, as well as any trends in your sector.
This may help you get ahead in many of the questions, or give you an extra leg to stand on.

  • Your recruiter should know their client well.

Our team take pride in knowing our clients incredibly well, and having a keen insight into the financial and banking sectors thanks to our accumulated years of expertise.
Knowing our clients goes both ways, we know the interviewee well, and the interviewer, so are prepared to answer questions from both sides.

2. Prepare well crafted, detailed answers


This truly goes hand in hand with our first section on doing your research.
Giving strong answers is the best way to showcase your communication skills.
This can be incredibly useful, especially when your role requires you talking to clients on behalf of a business.
Preparing yourself to have answers that show your expertise, and backing up the answers you provide through your CV, is an easy way to impress your potential employers.

3. Dress for the job or company


You’ve heard the saying dress to impress, right?
The same goes for the interview; dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
Whether you wear a suit or something less formal depends on the company culture and the position you are seeking.
If you’re unsure what to wear, ask your recruiter for the dress code before the interview.
First impressions are imperative, and whilst casual dress codes are becoming the norm in some workplaces, it doesn’t mean you can’t dress up a bit more for the all important interview.

4. Formulate questions to ask


When asked if you have any questions, what do you normally say?
If you usually say “No”, then you have the wrong answer.
The great thing about an interview is that asking questions goes both ways.
Part of mastering an interview is being ready to ask questions; whether it’s to demonstrate an interest in what goes on in your company, or to find out whether it’s the right place for you.
If all of your prepared questions get answered, think on your feet.
The best questions can come from listening during an interview and asking for more information on what they’ve said.
Expanding on the questions provided, and the conversations had from it.

5. Build a rapport from the very start

Greet your interviewer with a smile.
If they initiate small talk, get involved, but if not, start a conversation.
Polite conversation is always better than silence, and can make you feel more at ease going into the interview.
Most likely, to get the job they have, they’ll have been in your position, so will be able to put themselves in your shoes.
If your interviewer mentions a hobby they have, think about how to ask about it.
You’ll find that when people talk about what they like doing, they often will have a more relaxed body language.
In turn, this will put you more at ease.

Our final notes?

All is not lost if something goes wrong.
Just try to regain your composure, and remember it may have tripped up other people interviewing for the role too.
On the other hand, if you’re still looking for a role, remember you can interview for multiple roles at the same time, or speak to our bespoke banking and financial services team about what role you may be best suited to.