Please give me your best interview tips

[loveawineloveacrisp]

I'm interviewing for a fairly senior role in financial services next week. I haven't worked in over 3 months, as I was made redundant from my previous role last year. I'm spending this week trying to prepare but feeling stressed that I'm going to forget everything I've delivered in my career, having had this break from work. I'm more than qualified for the job, and on paper my experience ticks all their boxes.

Please give me your best tips so that I don't self sabotage!

I've had 5 interviews in the past couple of months.

The first one I got what the job involved slightly wrong. The second one I talked and waffled too much. Third was a lot better all round (got an offer). Then had a very tough second interview. For that one there were questions on influencing internal stakeholders, using negotiation skills.

Also had initiative, self management, adaptability, developing/coaching others, leadership, influence, relationship building, strategic thinking, conflict management , integrity.

Thankyou @podthedog, that's useful.

Any more for any more?

Make a list of everything you have achieved. Read it just before the interview.
make a list of STAR examples of every competency they ask for.
drop the job ad into chatgpt and ask it for interview questions ( and answers)
Look up Amy Cuddy on YouTube- presence.
good luck!

I have always had competency based interview questions, which I have to prepare for, as can't think on my feet. Google these and you will get loads of suggested questions for your sector. Then practice answering them using scenarios from your previous roles.

At that level I would think about:

• how you use data to inform strategy
• how you have implemented changes successfully
• what projects you have worked on and what impact they have had
• managing a team of leaders
• resilience
• strategic experience

Use STAR but specifically focus on action + result

Build a rapport right from the start, smile, good eye contact and think of a couple of things to say immediately upon meeting them
Research into the company to competently be able to answer questions on why they're a good fit
Answer every question using the STAR technique
Prepare 3-5 unique questions to ask at the end, or things like: "what does success look like in this role", "what development and support do you foresee me needing"
Answer all questions about your accomplishments with "I", not "we"
Ask for feedback at the end of the interview

Good luck!

Thankyou.

Feedback at end of interview? Really? I've never done that.

Show your personality.
They might work directly with you so show that you are a great person to work with, not too serious, not to informal, but just the right amount of personality.

Be super polite to the receptionist. You'd be surprised at how much sway a receptionist has and how much gets back to the hiring team.

Learn everything you can about the company and that division or department. What systems they use. Google everything you can before the meeting.
If you show your knowledge of what they do, or the direction they want to go in, they will be impressed and have the impression that you are very interested.

My last tip is to say at least once in the meeting that you want the job. You'd be surprised at how many interviewees don't really say how interested they are. Some may be box ticking and doing interviews without really wanting it. If you say it with sincerity, they will know that offering you the job or next stage interview won't be a waste of time. Say it close to end of the interview, so that you will also have a better idea if you actually do want it or not.

I can safely say after 20 years in recruitment, during my client meetings post candidate interview, they always comment on it favourably if a candidate has had the balls to ask this! Some are comfortable asking and some aren't, but I always stress during interview preparation with candidates that it doesn't have to be you putting them on the spot, just a lighthearted "do you mind if I ask for feedback on your initial impressions from my interview with you", it goes a long way and shows the ability to manage upwards. Totally depends on whether it's right for you or not though!

don't forget you are also interviewing them, you've got the skills, experience do they deserve you, thinking like that should help with confidence

Thanks everyone, this is all solid gold advice and I appreciate it.