1. rECruITmEnT
Keeping your cool
When it comes to giving good interviews, there
really is no substitute for a spot of homework.
Here are seven tips for success
By Craig Hoyland
Do your research interviewer standing, with a strong, your current or previous employers.
Find out as much as possible firm handshake and a smile. During Focus on the positive aspects
about your prospective employer the interview, sit up and stay of the opportunity that you’re
in advance. Visit the firm’s website focused, giving relevant, brief and interviewing for.
to familiarise yourself with mission to the point answers clearly and
statements, past performance, confidently. If you are faced with hanDling pay Discussions
goals, service offerings and a difficult question, stay calm and Do not raise the subject of pay
transaction history, client list or take a moment to think about in an interview. If the interviewer
investment portfolio. Similarly, your response. asks, be honest about what you
scrutinise the job description earn and how your total package is
and think of ways in which your builD a rapport broken down. Do also mention any
experience will benefit your Engage your interviewer by impending pay reviews, bonuses
potential employer. maintaining a comfortable level or potential promotion. Try to
of eye contact throughout. Avoid focus the conversation on the
Know your cV anD closed yes or no answers to opportunity itself, in particular the
Deal history questions – expand your answers scope for progression.
Be prepared to answer questions with examples of your experience
on your CV and deal history, giving throughout the meeting. always close
specific, concise and relevant Acknowledge comments and At the end of the meeting, ask
examples of your contribution to feedback with nods and show your whether the interviewer has any
an organisation. Don’t exaggerate energy and enthusiasm for the role, reservations regarding your ability
your experience or skills and always even if you have some reservations. to perform in the role. This will
focus on what you’ve achieved give you the opportunity to deal
personally, rather than successes explain your motiVations with any concerns. Thank them for
you’ve simply been part of. When asked why you’re interested their time and follow up with
in a role or are looking for a job, a letter and/or email.
thinK about first don’t be defensive. Explain what
impressions sparked your interest and what Craig Hoyland is a partner at
image: corbis
Dress for the occasion, treating is attractive to you about the Definitive Consulting.
even exploratory meetings as company and the role, and avoid
interviews. You should greet your making negative comments about
30 | CorporATE FInAnCIEr | mArCH 2011