Interviewing

Whilst every interview should be viewed individually, there are a few simple rules that can be applied in every situation. We can help and prepare you as best as possible prior to going into a prospective employer, but once you're in there, you're on your own!

These are in no particular order of importance, but unless you address all of them, you wont be giving yourself the best chance of getting the job you want.


Appearance

Particularly if you're going for an interview for a sales position, appearance is vital. That means wearing smart business wear and does not in any way allow for cartoon socks or ties.

If you're wearing shoes, polish them. If you're wearing a tie, do it up. If you're wearing a hooded anorak, don't bother going.

Resist the temptation for a last minute cigarette before your interview or worse still a nerve steadying drink.


Punctuality

Plan your journey, be sure of exactly where you are going and don't leave it to chance ( see multimap on links page ). If your not sure, ask.

Leave plenty of time for your journey, and allow for delays on public transport or busy routes such as motorways.

Getting there late is never the best of starts, and means you'll be making apologies even before you introduce yourself properly.

If for whatever reason, you are running late, call us or call the interviewer.

Try not to make interview arrangements when you know you've got to be somewhere else straight afterwards. Rushing your answers could lose you the job.

Get there early and compose yourself completely before going in. That'll give you time to focus on the meeting and what you want out of it.


Attitude

Positive and constructive. Don't spend the interview moaning about your current employer or for that matter your past employers. It is a very easy thing to fall into, and a very common reason for candidates to be declined.

Take the opportunity to sell yourself and explain why you would be an asset to the company. A ‘can do' approach could possibly win you the job, whereas a ‘can't do' approach will definitely fail you.


Research

If you're interested in a role, research the company prior to interview.

Virtually every company nowadays has a website and we'll give you as much background as possible to help you, so there's really no reason not to have some information to hand.

Showing an interest and making the effort to find out more information tells the interviewer that you're serious about your job search and also shows initiative.

The research you do prior to interview will also give you some questions to ask when the opportunity arises.


Information

Two points here.

First, information on your career. For starters, your hard copy CV. Any sales figures you may have accumulated over your career should be shown and breakdowns given of your commission or bonus payments. Everybody should know exactly what they're earning, if they don't, then financial services is probably the wrong career. So be precise on your income and evidence it. The more information you have about your achievements, the more likely you are to impress your prospective employer.

Secondly, there are some items that are now essential in financial services referencing. Please put together some of the following items : passport, driving licence, proof of address, P60 or payslips, N I number, 3 months bank statements, birth & marriage certificate. You may not be asked to produce these things at interview, but if you're successful, you will need them.


Confidence

Be confident, we wouldn't put you forward for any role that we didn't think you could get!

……and at the end of the interview, don't be afraid to ask the interviewer how you did.


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