Guide to a successful job interview

Job interviews are crucial moments of any selection process. After the Recruitment phase, which includes a first evaluation of the CVs, the candidates may be subject to several methodologies that will help recruiters to choose the best candidates for the available positions. The job interview is one of the ways used to get to know the professionals, their skills and motivations. Please note that, depending on the phase of the selection process in question, the position available and the very culture of the company, different types of interviews may be held: Face-to-face, Distance (using technologies such as Skype), Individual or Group interviews. Also according to the competences that recruiters intend to analyze, different methodologies may be used, such as Behavioral Interviews, Case Studies, Technical Interviews or Stress Interviews.

Whatever the case, preparation for the interview moment is very important to get through this stage successfully. Pay attention to our tips:

Study the company

Before going for an interview, it is crucial to know who the company that is hosting you is. What are its values, what is its mission, who are its clients and how is it structured. This will help you to fine-tune your speech and presentation according to your interlocutor. To do this, do your research online, either on the company's website or social networks. Any information will be important and will make you boost your confidence impacting on your performance.

Study the vacancy

When applying for a vacancy we should consider the roles that are expected of us. Try to explore what skills are required for those roles. Even if these were not heavily scrutinized at the time of recruitment, review your CV and try to highlight the skills and experience that could be an asset to the roles you will perform if you get the position.

Give importance to soft skills

In addition to the technical skills that are so necessary to perform a certain job with quality, companies are giving more and more importance to the so-called soft skills, which are nothing more than personal skills. We are often concerned with highlighting our training in certain areas, but it is essential to highlight other types of behavioral, emotional, and social characteristics that make us unique as workers.

For example, if you are applying for a position related to Finance and Accounting, we know that skills such as good communication skills, leadership, organization, autonomy, and teamwork are fundamental. Learn to value them during your interview.

Take care of your image

The first image we leave on someone is always the most striking. And when we talk in the context of a job interview, the way we present ourselves is essential to make a good first impression on the other side. Make sure you have a good image and present yourself according to the company's culture. It is therefore important, as we mentioned at the beginning, to research the organization in all its aspects beforehand.

Prepare yourself for the most frequent questions

Regardless of the types of interviews and the methodologies used in each, there are questions you are sure to encounter in most of them. "Tell us about yourself", "Why do you want to work with us", "Why should we choose you for this position", "What are your strengths and weaknesses". These are some of them.

Think about them for a while and prepare yourself to answer them, trying to find meeting points between your skills and what are your added values as a professional with the company's values and mission.

Ask questions about the company and the vacancy

At the end of the interview it is very normal that the recruiter will be available to answer any doubts or questions you may have about the company, the position or the recruitment process. In this case, do not hesitate to ask questions showing proactivity - a very valued soft skill.

You can, for example, ask about the work teams or the career progression policies within the company. You can also take the opportunity to reinforce your availability for any additional clarification at that moment, or for the near future. 

As a specialist recruitment and candidate selection company, Fed Finance has left you with just a few tips that can make the difference in a job interview. However, never forget to be authentic. This will always be your best asset. Don't try to be what you're not or sell what you don't have. If you believe that that job is for you, do your homework by researching the company as much as possible, go in confident and try to demonstrate why you are the right person for those roles. If you are looking for a job in Finance and Accounting count on Fed Finance to support you throughout the process. You can also apply for the Job Offers we have available on our website.