Tips for Nailing a Finance Job Interview

Posted in CategoryCareer and Jobs
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    Iheonu Nkechi Gloria 2 years ago

    Job interviews can be intimidating and nerve-racking for even the most accomplished finance professional. However, being prepared goes a long way in curbing those nerves. Below are a few tips to help you navigate the interview process with poise and confidence. 

    Do Your Research 

    As a finance professional, it is especially important for you to do some research prior to any interview. No matter how busy you are, spend at least 30 minutes learning as much as you can about the company – its financial performance, clients, culture, history, mission statement, values, competitors, etc. Among the first few questions I ask in an interview are, “What do you know about us?” and “What did you do to prepare for the interview today?” Candidates who take a little time to prepare can really set themselves apart from those who don’t.

    Review Your Resume – And Then Have Someone Else Look At It

    Proofread your resume over and over again to make sure there aren’t any mistakes or typos. Be sure to review it both on screen and on paper – different errors may stick out depending on how you’re looking at it. When you’re confident it’s ready to go, have someone else proof it and make sure everything makes sense and nothing is misspelled. A fresh, outside perspective may catch something you missed. Your resume is your opportunity to make a positive first impression, and it is important to demonstrate your attention to detail.  

    Show Off Your Communication Skills

    In a finance position, you’ll need to be able to translate a company’s numbers into a clear and insightful story. Go into the interview with examples of how you’ve done this. If you don’t have that experience yet, still be ready to show off your communication skills by offering thoughtful, articulate responses, and try to avoid overuse of jargon and acronyms.

    Brush Up On Excel

    You need to be able to navigate Excel proficiently if you want to grow your career in finance. Even for entry level positions, you should be able to build models using tools like macros, Vlookups, table arrays, discounted cash flow analysis and pivot tables. Have examples ready of how you’ve used Excel in the past, and don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks you to complete an Excel test. If you’re already an expert, explain how so with confidence (but not arrogance). If not, find ways to develop your skills either in a classroom setting or on the job.

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