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If you have made it to the job interview stage then congratulations! There is nothing better as a financial adviser or an IFA seeking employment in the financial services industry than securing an interview.
Please read the following list of tips, designed to help your interview go smoothly. You may think the tips are obvious, but it’s amazing how many people go wrong at this crucial stage.
Preparation, preparation, and more preparation
Good preparation creates confidence. Thoroughly research the company as well as any clients you would be working with. Confirm the time, date, and location as well as the name of the interviewer. Most financial advisers or IFA's will be used to conducting research in any case - its no different to what you would do in your usual employment.
Make sure you arrive early
You never get a second chance to make a first impression, and you wouldn’t believe how many candidates in the industry are late. Don’t be the one in eight who are late! Arrive early and take a walk around the block.
Dress to impress
You should be in professional dress. If in doubt, think formal. For almost all financial advisory, IFA, mortgage advisory or administrative roles within the financial services industry, conservative, smart attire is a pre-requisite.
Be aware of your body language
Smile. Firm handshake. Maintain eye contact. A surprising number of candidates slouch, instead of sitting upright during interview. Good posture can project energy and enthusiasm. A good financial adviser or IFA is ostensibly a sales person as well as a communicator so it is a job very much reliant on good communicative skills.
Try to remain focussed on the positive
Be enthusiastic and positive. Focus on positive achievements and views.
Don’t talk too much
Less is more. Some of your best stories may take time to detail, but keep your initial interview answers brief, then ask if they want you to go on. It is very easy to stray off the subject and ramble about things irrelevant to the job. Be mindful of the amount of time scheduled for the meeting.
Be specific
Interviewers often like to know how you felt about a particular success. Some will ask for specific examples of things you have done that you are particularly proud of; how you solved problems; how you learned - and improved - from difficult situations. Make sure you have a couple of examples up your sleeve. Competency based questions are a staple of the financial services industry interview - if you are going to an interview for a financial adviser, IFA, mortgage broker or admin role - contact your recruitment consultant for assistance.
Be aware of your weaknesses
This is always challenging, but it’s a common question, and your answer should be contextualized against the role. For example, don’t say that you’re not a natural leader when you are going for a manager’s role. Try to demonstrate the weakness as a positive for the prospective employer, and don’t be too radical about your weaknesses! You may be asked to give an example, so prepare well, and trial it with your friends and colleagues. You’re likely to be asked how you are overcoming that weakness, and to give an example.
Be prepared to tell the interviewer about yourself
Make a list of your skills and traits that match the employer's requirements. The closer your skills and traits are to the job description, the better chance you have of landing the job. You should leave the interviewer with a clear picture of what you have to offer, and you should situate your experience against the role in question so don’t be afraid to ask intelligent questions about the role.
Talking about your last employer
“So why did you leave?” - interviewers love this question. Often, the best answer is to explain that you feel there will be more prospects in the new company, and that you’re ready to move on. Again, have some examples up your sleeve as to why you feel this new role will take you to new places and expand your skills. With the current difficulties we are experiencing within the financial services industry, most employers, whether financial advisory organisation, IFA or accountancy practice, will take into consideration redundancies, within reason, so don't worry - again, discuss it with your recruitment consultant.
Should I mention money?
Let them bring up the subject of money. If you are asked what your salary expectations are too early in the process, just say you would rather postpone that discussion until you have more information about the position. You can certainly let them know what your current salary is, as they’ll want to gauge early your expectations.
Great questions to ask
"What are you most hoping to find in the person you hire?"
"What would be my first priorities on the job?"
And if you’re feeling brave: “Do you have any concerns about my ability to do the job?"
If the aim is to secure a 2nd interview, and in most financial services roles, it is - always trial close with - "So, can you see any reason right now, why I wouldn't be asked back for a 2nd interview?"
Thank the interviewer
You have a better chance of making a favourable impression with a note thanking the interviewers. A simple email will often suffice. Thank the interviewers for their time, offer to provide any additional material as required, and say that you enjoyed meeting them.
And remember!
It is OK to be nervous.
It is sensible to exhibit balanced enthusiasm to your employers.
Never assume without knowledge that the role is right for you.
The interview is a two-way process and you should be judging them as much as they are judging you, although being a little humble is usually sensible.
Enjoy!
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