10 Tips For A Successful Financial Services Job Interview

This is 10 tips and advice to help college and university students and new grads find the Financial Services Job.

1. Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the position forwhich you are applying. Finance positions often have very specificrequirements, both objective and subjective. Make sure you understand therole for which you will be interviewed and present yourself accordingly.
2. Dress appropriately. Most finance companies require their employees towear business attire and you will want to look the part of a bona fideprofessional. Look sharp but modest. Wear a suit, but leave the pinstripesand shiny watch at home – you’ll have plenty of opportunities to show off once you get the job.
3. Bring a resume, and know what’s on it. Go over each item on your resume and be ready to talk about any and all of them.Anyone can fluff a small accomplishment into a massive triumph on paper, but you may be asked to go into detail about someof your achievements.
4. Arrive early, but not too early. The only thing that annoys an interviewer as much as someone who shows up 10 minutes late issomeone who shows up 30 minutes early. Plan conservatively for traveling to your interview. Tack on 15 minutes forcontingencies. If you’re early, take a walk around the block or sit in a café to mentally prepare.
5. Ask the right questions to show that you are serious about your career. Inquiring about company culture and philosophy aswell as the position and tasks at hand will demonstrate that you are diligent, thorough and focused.
6. Be conscious of nonverbal communication on both sides of the desk. Pick up cues from your interviewer by observing facialexpression and body language, such as the direction in which he/she is leaning, if he/she is checking the time, or acting fidgety.Stay poised, confident and relaxed. Never look at your watch or cell phone. 
7. Stay positive, even when asked questions that may invoke unpleasant thoughts. When asked about your last job, neverbadmouth a former supervisor, coworker, or organization. Turn your adverse experiences into positive conversations bydescribing them as challenges that you have successfully overcome. 
8. Hold off on money talk until you’ve been asked or given an offer. If your interview goes well, the compensation talk is bound tohappen at some point. Talk about the job and your qualifications until the interviewer or HR representative brings up salary andbenefits - hastiness can make you appear greedy and/or impatient. 
9. Close with a final pitch that sums up the conversation, highlights your qualifying attributes, and reiterates your interest in theposition. Thank the interviewer for his or her time and the opportunity and close with a firm handshake. 
10. Always follow up with your interviewer by phone, email, or handwritten note. The person who interviewed you may have avery busy schedule or interview many people each day. Always leave with your interviewer’s business card and keep yourself on top of mind with a contact 1-2 days after the interview and again within a week.