How to succeed on interview in the City!

Since CassonX was formed in February 2016, we have been really impressed with the way that candidates conduct themselves in interview, especially in what is a competitive Operations and Middle Office recruitment market. Whilst CassonX prides itself on making candidates prepared for interview by meeting all candidates face to face before your first conversation, CassonX thought they would share the most common reasons why sometimes you can run a race and come second in the interview process:

Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm.

A lack of enthusiasm is where a lot of candidates fall down. Especially when you are being considered against someone who does show that they really want the role, and can prove it. Whilst we understand that individual personalities differ from person to person, everyone can still tell the hiring manager why they have learned a lot, and furthered yourself, but (regardless of the situation for leaving) you want to work at their company, in their role, under their stewardship and the reason why! Even saying simple things like, “I’d like to do that”, or “I have really enjoyed doing that in my current role” can go a long way to proving this. “I wasn’t really looking to leave, but the main reason why I am here being because I can learn X with this opportunity and further myself” is another prime example. It also shows you know what you are interviewing for and have genuine interest!

Know your CV!

Believe it or not, some individuals still decide to bend the truth on their CV when applying for a role. Do not do this. One of the key things any hiring manager will want is for you to be able to prove every part of your CV, as this is what you have declared you can do. It is absolutely essential that when asked in an interview that you can, with a work based example, demonstrate anything that is asked from your CV. That way if anything technical arises you will be ready with a relevant answer to prove you can tick that box.

Prove you are the spec.

The job spec is what the company have declared they are looking for, so this is your chance to tell them that you are what appears on the spec, with an example. If there is something that appears on the spec that you don’t know, then make sure you research it prior to the interview - at least you can say that you have no working technical experience but you have taken the time to understand it and prove it, and this will leave the hiring manager thinking that you are willing to learn and showing lots of enthusiasm. Most specs also have a list of character traits affiliated with their current team, so do of course have some examples to prove that you are those character traits from your work experience also. It is essential to show that technically and culturally you can perform as much of the spec as possible.

How do you answer questions on the points you haven’t done before?

It is not a problem that you might not have all the relevant working experience to answer a technical question in an interview, it is expected that most applicants tick about 85% of the job spec as candidates typically look for those roles where they want to learn and develop still. Sometimes a hiring manager will even ask you something deliberately that they know you can’t do. What is important is that you show willingness to learn it so you can achieve the goals of the role, and to show you can further yourself. By giving an example of how you have learnt this before an interview, or at least researched it, will show the manager that you have the right “can do” attitude to be employed in their team.

Have you actually prepared?

There is a famous saying that an Actor doesn’t go on stage unless they have learned their lines… This is the view that any hiring manager will take when presenting yourself. Whether you run through it on your own, standing in front of a mirror, with your recruiter or a with a friend or family, then make sure you have at least run through example questions once. Practise does make perfect. Some candidates will go “blank” in an interview. Don’t worry, we are not robots! The key is how you come out the other side. By saying something like, “I am sorry, I have just lost my way, please can I just have a moment to regather my thoughts so I can give you the best answer” is not necessary a bad thing, as it is showing you are trying to impress as best as possible.

Cultural fit.

This is something that typically you cannot control, as the hiring manager knows their team already and may think that you just won’t fit in. So you should actually respect this decision as you would hate to start in a company and not enjoy working there. However, make sure the decision is just about your ability to fit culturally into their team and not because you lack the typical character traits. For instance, if the spec says you need to be hard working and diligent, then be prepared to show how. However most hiring managers just want you to smile, enjoy the conversation, and show that you are keen for the opportunity, to work in their company and work under the hiring manager’s stewardship. As most hires are made on cultural fit, try to just get on with the hiring manager - that way if you have instant rapport, then the hiring manager is more likely to think of you first when making a decision.

You don’t have a weakness?!

Everyone has weaknesses. And no hiring manager wants to hire a know-it-all who has no weaknesses or can’t see opportunity to improve. By saying that you don’t have any is saying that you are perfect. Make sure that you give something constructive about your experience or characteristics where you can improve or be better, but try not to make it the most essential or vital part of the role requirements. By saying that you realised you weren’t as good as colleagues as X but have now taken the time to improve X and why, is a perfect answer.

Making money the most important part of the interview.

Hiring managers don’t want to you to be making money the most important factor in your search. Whilst CassonX understand that everyone wants to earn as much as possible, by giving a figure in an interview can not only out-price you but it could also undersell you! The only figure you should give is the current make up of your package including your basic salary, previous bonuses and additional benefits. If they push for you to give a figure then our best advice is to say that this opportunity is too good to miss out on and that’s why you’re interviewing, re-sell why you are suitable, and you would like them to be considerate of the risk to move when making an offer.

Overcoming difficult situations.

Sometimes you will be asked how you have dealt with a difficult customer, co-worker or boss. The only reason you will be asked this is to see what your logic is for overcoming the situation. These questions are designed to get all involved back to demonstrating team work and common goals. Try to show how you have diffused the situation, dealt with the problem / issue after reviewing the options and how you overcame the situation. What is very good is to demonstrate what controls or preventative measures have been implemented to stop it from happening again.

Every company needs a team player.

In every business, there is always more to think about than just the role you perform. The wider scope will have longer processes and if you can’t show that you understand the big picture of the company and team, then why would anyone hire someone who couldn’t understand where and how they would fit in. Having a group of individuals working in the same way is more successful than having outstanding individuals trying to work together. Yes, you need to show that you are willing to stay until your work is done, or more appropriately to help a team member out how is struggling with workloads etc., but it essential that you show how you fit into the wider group causes to make the company successful too. Having an understanding of the knock on effects too of good and bad performances in your role is deemed a “good for business hire”, and that you have the company’s interests at heart, and not just your own goals. This will also demonstrate that you can think outside the box, and hiring managers love this where we work in an evolving and demanding Financial Services market.

Over ambitious!

“Where do you see yourself in 5 years”. This is a trick question – the hiring manager doesn’t want to hear you are using this opportunity as a stepping stone, so don’t say you want their job or anything else apart from the role that is on offer as they will feel threatened, even though you’d think it would show progression. Say you want to prove yourself in this opportunity first (this is the role you are interviewing for!) before considering other options later based on recognition, reward and pure hard work. There is no harm in saying that in time you would like to think that you could take on a more senior role or more responsibility within the company and with time, however reiterate that this would be recognised from pure hard work and by following the hiring managers structured internal management and structured career trajectories.

Have you been successful in your career?

People measure success in different ways, however in an interview, what you need to prove is that your relevant experience has been delivered successfully and to the best of your ability. Yes, if you have gained an award or promotion then you need to demonstrate this and the reasons why, including any successful enhancements to save time or cost on your team, but not everyone can receive recognition in certain companies for various reasons. Success can be measured by doing a job well, being a long standing employee or evolving during turbulent times as example. However, the best way that you can show you have been successful is by proving you have done a good job and that you have been receptive to change. As the Financial Services world is ever evolving, by showing you have taken on new responsibilities or even updated your knowledge to perform your current role is a sound business reason to show success.

Have you told them you want the job!

If you are interested in the role, then why not tell them?! At the end of the interview, draw on the questions asked, and say that you have thoroughly enjoyed meeting with them, you were excited before the conversation started and after meeting with them, you would like to be considered further. Highlight the reasons why they should! This is the final chance to sell yourself and you should leave the hiring manager with a positive viewpoint about your application.

At the end of the day, CassonX will only ever tell their candidates interviewing to try their best. Even if it doesn’t work out for the role they are interviewing for, then you will be considered for others where appropriate. The hiring manager only wants to know if you can do the job, want the job, fit into the team and why you should be hired for it. You must learn from your previous interview experiences but fundamentally smile, enjoy yourself and don’t treat it as an interview, treat is as way of you just proving your justification to be hired.