Victus Search, Multi-jurisdictional Recruitment Partner for Financial Services 1200 627

Date

26 February 2024

Category

Excelling in your current role doesn’t always translate directly into interview success when you want to make a move. Navigating an in-person interview successfully is a skill in itself, and you should invest time in preparing, especially if it’s your first career move in a while.

This doesn’t mean rehearsing every sentence to the point of sounding robotic. It’s important to be yourself, as building a good rapport and connection with the interviewer(s) is just as important as showcasing your experience and achievements.

However, having worked with hundreds of candidates within the Professional Services industry, we know that preparation is a major differentiator at the interview stage. Here are our top tips on actions you should take to prepare effectively.

  • Study the job description — if there is one. Analyse the job requirements and responsibilities one by one, and build a compelling story based on your prior experience that aligns with the employer’s needs.
  • Research the employer and interviewer(s) — the markets they operate in, client profiles, and recent successes. Taking a deep dive into the company blog or LinkedIn is a good starting point, as is reviewing what their senior people are sharing on their individual LinkedIn accounts.
  • Research the industry – especially important if it’s a new sector for you. Inform yourself about industry trends and challenges, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of the broader context in which the company operates.
  • Prepare intelligent questions — based on what you’ve learned, come up with a few relevant and thoughtful questions that show your understanding of the employer and role, and the challenges in their industry, so you’re able to demonstrate curiosity and insight.
  • Define your personal brand — it’s how you differentiate yourself from other candidates. Prepare talking points on your personal goals, ambitions, aspirations, and your long-term career aims. 
  • Practice handling difficult questions — being able to demonstrate your approach and thought process is vital, showing how you would think through a question you don’t have a precise answer for.
  • Show your motivation — take the time to prepare your reasons for joining the employer’s firm in particular, and building a long-term career there, making it clear that you’re a committed and motivated candidate.

Of course, there are also a few potential pitfalls you should also be aware of — in our experience, these have been the downfall of many candidates, even when they were an excellent skills match on paper.

Poor communication skills can set you back — if you’re unable to articulate your thoughts, experience or skills it’s hard for your interviewer(s) to see the value you’ll bring. Be aware of timing — it’s not good to answer questions too briefly, nor is it good to ramble on or deviate from the point of the question.

Neglecting to address cultural fit is another common issue. It’s easy to get carried away listing skills, achievements and successes — but remember that the interview is also to assess how you’ll fit into the wider organisation, so you need to communicate your values, personality, and working style.

Finally, avoid speaking negatively about your current or previous employer — whatever your reasons for leaving. It never shows candidates in a good light. Keep it professional, focusing on the positive aspects of previous roles, and discussing any drawbacks neutrally — such as a lack of opportunities for advancement, or a sector focus that doesn’t align with your long-term goals.

Every interview is different — and the right approach can vary according to the specific role, company or sector you’re applying to. Expert support and guidance through the process can make a big difference to your chance of securing the desired position.

At Victus, we provide just that — we’re by your side at each stage, offering tailored advice and the benefit of our extensive industry experience and global network. If you’re considering your next move, or are actively seeking an opening within an institutional or private client firm, feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your options.

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Whether you’re looking to fill a specialist role, or seeking the right position to deploy your unique skills and experience, the first step is to get in touch with one of our expert consultants.

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