Interview etiquette

Often, it’s the little things that will make or break you in interviews – like turning up on time. Here, banks and recruiters offer some advice on what you should, and shouldn’t, do if you want to impress at interview.

COMMENTS

With regards to bring questions to interview. Show that you are really interested in the role. e.g. what will u b doing on a daily basis, what do the interviewers do and how they go there, what have they got planned for you, etc.

DO

Arrive on time: “It’s absolutely vital that you arrive on time. Lateness is inexcusable; it’s just non-negotiable,” says Victoria Biggs at recruiter Jon Michel. “Punctuality shows that you are both reliable and value the opportunity to be interviewed,” says ANZ Bank’s graduate programme project manager, Linnea Reddie. “You have to, have to, arrive early," says Citigroup’s senior HR generalist, Erika Burmeister.

Research the company and the role before your interview: Paula Knowlen, general manager for Westpac Bank and services business at HR consultant Hudson, says the biggest mistake is not doing your homework. “Candidates need to be clear that they know why they’re applying for that company. They want to know its values and culture and place in the market, and they need to be able to show that knowledge," she says. Terry Mason, executive general manager of talent and development at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), agrees: “There are so many avenues for finding these things out; it is remarkable how many don’t. Many (wrongly) think they’re so good technically that they’ll be in demand.” Read the daily finance press, and see eFinancialCareers' Jargon Buster to brush up on your banking terminology.

Come with at least one question to ask the interviewer: Louise Pope, of recruiter Crimson Consulting, says intelligent questions set you out from the others. Crimson suggests you could ask why the position is available, what sorts of people have done well in it, the company’s growth plans, or what the salary is of successful people there in their third to fifth year – although Citigroup’s Burmeister advises against asking any salary questions. Cathy Knezevic, vice-president communications at Deutsche Bank, says: “Come with a good question to ask, or don’t ask at all. Don’t come with a whole lot of questions just for the sake of asking questions.” At recruiter Michael Page, Jason Hemens suggests specific questions on the role, the programme and the company. “These will also help you make an informed decision if you are offered more than one position.”

Take time to think before you answer a question: Hudson’s Knowlen says banks are also assessing your communications skills, so listen properly, or you’ll find yourself answering the wrong question. ANZ’s Reddie says: “When you are nervous you might respond automatically. But saying the first thing you think of might not be appropriate. A well-considered response is the best and shows you are thoughtful.” But Citigroup’s Burmeister says a certain amount of nervousness is expected. “Don’t be too worried about being nervous. Just ride with your nerves and enjoy the interview. It’s a two-way process.” And Biggs says you can always ask to come back to the question later in the interview when you’ve settled down a little.

Know what’s in your CV: Everything in your CV should be utterly familiar to you, so be prepared for questions on it. If you have gilded the lily, it will be immediately evident and will do you more harm than good. Wasting people’s time in this way, says CBA’s Mason, will leave a very bad impression.

DON'T

Turn up in casual clothes: Even if the bank has a dress-down policy, remember that an interview is a formal situation and you need to dress appropriately. “The visuals as you walk through the door are vital,” says Michel’s Biggs. “Too much jewellery, aftershave, make-up are killers. You want to be remembered for the right things, not the wrong things,” she stresses. “For guys, a suit with a tie; for women, a suit, either with slacks or a skirt,” says Citigroup’s Burmeister. Crimson Consulting's Pope advises: “Dress conservatively, and preferably in dark colours; pay attention to all facets of your dress and grooming.” And don’t forget to polish your shoes, make sure your hair is clean and neat, and your clothes crisp and professional.

Waffle: Michael Page’s Hemens says, “Listen carefully to questions being asked and make sure your responses are concise, yet detailed and positive. Draw from specific practical examples to illustrate your skills, and show how you would suit the company and the role.” Rothschild’s HR manager, Cleo Higgins, warns that candidates who have been to a few interviews often use the same examples repeatedly and their answers begin to look rehearsed and lifeless. Keep your answers fresh and pertinent. But don’t be too concise: “Monosyllabic answers are deadly,” says Burmeister.

Fidget or forget to make eye contact: “Don’t fidget. There are a lot of fidgeters out there,” says Michel’s Biggs. “A firm handshake is crucial and so is making eye contact,” she adds. Kate Abrahams, a director and head of communications at Deutsche Bank, says how you click with people at the interview is very important, and this cannot happen at all if you don’t make eye contact.

Exaggerate (too wildly): Morgan Stanley’s head of recruiting Asia Pacific, Andrew Le Lievre, says there is no point painting yourself as something you’re not. It is soon detected and, if it’s not, might land you in a job you are not fitted for. Burmeister adds that being yourself in an interview also helps you relax and respond more fully to the interview. CBA’s Mason adds: “Don’t say what you think they want to hear. You shouldn’t assume anything: just be yourself and answer directly and truthfully.”

Forget to turn off your mobile phone: ANZ’s Reddie says forgetting to turn off your mobile phone indicates that you are not forward-thinking or respectful towards the interviewer. Bankers and recruiters alike agree that a phone call to you in the middle of an interview is as good as a death sentence for getting a job.
So phones off, shoes polished, CV committed to memory. Next stop the interview. Good luck!

source: http://news.students.efinancialcareers.com.au/NEWS_ITEM/newsItemId-9521