Say the words “finance interview” to yourself while standing in front of a mirror.
If you’re like most of us, your brow will bead with sweat, your pupils will dilate and your muscles in your face will clench.
If none of these things happen, congratulations you’ve been replaced by a robot while you were asleep. Seriously though, a finance interview does not have to be a stress inducing process, particularly if you feel prepared. Here are three things you can do to increase both your comfort level and chances of success.
Research the Company
Researching the company offers you a number of benefits during your finance interview. Firstly, it allows you to confidently address the question, “Why do you want to work here?” To answer effectively, speak to the company’s core values. Address why the role makes sense at this stage of your career. You’ll appear thoughtful, informed and ready to take on the job.
Secondly, your research may reveal an exciting direction or project that the company is undertaking. Reference this initiative and tie your skill set into it. Your prospective employer will see how you can add value and this will differentiate you from your competition.
Prepare Success Stories
Knowing your professional success stories is one of the keys to delivering a great finance interview. Come prepared with stories that show how you exceeded expectations. Examples that demonstrate your problem solving skill set are particularly powerful, especially if they are paired with the benefits that resulted.
Excellent Questions
Questions that reveal an interest in the company’s culture and vision show that you are already invested in the organization. A great question to ask your prospective manager, for example, is, “How would you define success at the 12 month mark?” Listen intently to the answer. It will reveal the manager’s values and priorities – information you can use to deepen rapport and determine if the role is truly a fit for your skill set.
By taking the time to research the company and prepare both success stories and great questions, you demonstrate that you are already invested in your future organization – a quality that can make you the candidate of choice.
