As I am off to my first UK interview this afternoon, thought i'd share some interview prep questions given to me:
General discussion points to consider before interview
What do you know about the company and why do they appeal?
What do you know about the role and why does it appeal?
Why do you want a career in your chosen area and what relevant characteristics do you possess?
What steps have you taken to progress your career and what has been the outcome. How have you felt about the positives and how have you over come the negatives?
Where do you see yourself in 2 years and how will you achieve it?
What do you feel are the main issues facing Investment banking over the next couple of years?
Where have you influenced a decision and how?
Sensitive external client/internal client issues dealt with?
Where have you made a difficult decision, how did you arrive at that decision and what was the outcome?
Where have you highlighted a problem, investigated and resolved it?
Where have you taken a risk, decision making process and result?
Objectives you have set yourself and how have you ensured that you have achieved them?
Experience working to deadlines? (Bear in mind that you may be given genuinely unachievable deadlines and you will need to show that you are strong enough to challenge them rather then agree and then not deliver)
What is your experience of working with other connected depts and suggesting change?
What you have learned from each role?
Why have you left each role?
What are your achievements in each role?
Where have you improved internal/external client service?
Read the job specification carefully and match up the transferable areas in your job to the employer’s job specification. Take note of the soft skills that they are looking for and think of examples that you can talk about in your work history where you can show them that you do have those skills.
Also some interview techniques:
Questions you may be asked:
•Reasons for leaving present and past jobs
Never be negative about past employers
•Why did you choose your degree, did you enjoy it? What challenges did you face?
•Why our firm / this company
Use you research and compliment the firm, you can let them know you have looked at their website
•What is your understanding of the department and why do you want to work for the department
•Why do you want this opportunity and why do you think you would be good for it?
•What are your Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths – teamplayer, flexible, reliable, use my own initiative, organised, communicate effectively with staff at all levels, committed, trustworthy
Try to have examples of each one, and use the ones that are going to be more relevant to the role you are going for.
Weaknesses – can take on too much responsibility initially but when I am experienced and I know those around me are well trained I am happy to delegate.
Only speak one language
(Always counterbalance negativity with a positive comment)
•How would your boss / friends describe you
Same as strengths
•Give me an example of where you have used your own initiative
3 point answer – 1 The problem 2 What you did about it 3 Successful conclusion
•Where do you want to be in 5 years time / in the future or what are you short term & long term goals?
3 point answer – 1 Keen to learn everything about your new job/company/environment
2 Eventually take on more responsibility 3 Eventually be promoted from within
You can expand on this if you wish, but never be too specific unless you have to.
What they are looking for: that you are happy with the role you are being interviewed for, you are happy to take on extra responsibility, you will stay with the company long term.
•Please describe your most recent job
•What parts of your job do you like / dislike the most
Likes - Try to tailor your likes to similar things they are looking for on the job spec
Dislikes – Try not to be too negative – Dislike it when it is quiet and time passes slowly however if this happens will see if any of my colleagues need a hand
•Salary
Do not bring this up yourself but if asked be honest – tell them your previous salary and what you are looking for, but say you will be flexible for the right opportunity.
