Create a lasting impression at your interview

No matter whether you're preparing for an in-person or video interview, it's imperative you make an impact in the first few moments; this will dictate the rest of the meeting.

It starts the moment you arrive on site

Interviews usually start well before you greet your interviewer, so get into interview mode early. Interviewers often ask the front-of-house receptionist for their first impressions. Being friendly and confident from the get-go is key!

It might sound outdated, but companies will often go to the trouble of checking your social media channels such as LinkedIn or Instagram. It’s beneficial to check if you have any inappropriate photographs or mismatching information on your CV compared to your LinkedIn profile. It’s important to note that arriving early will give you a great opportunity to have a pause before the interview and break the ice with the receptionist – you never know, you may learn something to discuss during your meeting.

Brush up on your video interviewing techniques

Before the pandemic hit, in-person interviews were almost always preferred over video. All of that changed when we were faced with the limitations of social distancing. While video might have seemed like a short-term solution, 41% of hiring leaders reveal they plan to use a combination of both interview types. This news will be welcomed by candidates who need some flexibility during the job-seeking process, but should also be met with some caution. Video interviews are distinctly different and so you need to approach them in a different way.

Here are some top video interview tips:

• Find a quiet place that is free of distractions
• Test your connection, camera and sound quality
• Dress just as you would for an in-person interview
• Make sure your background is clear

Make a lasting impression

First impressions count, make sure you smile and interact in a confident manner. Linguistic mirroring can also be something to bear in mind and can really help you build rapport with your interviewers!

It’s always good to remember to demonstrate a positive attitude. When you have a positive attitude and mindset during an interview, you can create a good atmosphere between you and the interviewer. Positive thinking can even boost your self confidence because it involves looking at your strengths and abilities in a positive light.  

Dress appropriately

The dress code is something many people take for granted in an interview. Speak to your consultant who deals with the client to get advice on how you should dress to suit the business. You can also view the company website to get an idea of the culture and people who work there. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to be overdressed than underdressed.

Build rapport

Avoid talking politics or anything sensitive, unless you are prompted to discuss it. As part of your interview preparation, think of the likely topics that might come up. Find the people who you’re going to meet on LinkedIn and you may just find you went to the same university, have mutual connections, or share a passion for a certain topic.

You can also prepare by researching whether the company has been in the news and have a few questions ready for them around this. This will put you ahead of the interviewees who will only come prepared with standard interview questions. You want to be memorable for the right reasons!

Deliver your mission statement

It’s a good idea to have a few key messages that you want to leave interviewers with:

• ‘I’m ready for the chance to head up an Interim FP&A team’
• ‘I combine solid technical experience from my days in practice with robust commercial finance expertise in industry, in both permanent and interim management roles’

These types of statements stick in the minds of the interviewers and hopefully leave a lasting impression.

Things to avoid on your interview day

• Arriving late
• Cramming in last-minute information
• Talking poorly about past employers or colleagues
• Acting in a rude or arrogant manner
• Leaving your mobile phone turned on
• Chewing gum
• Displaying irritating mannerisms or portraying closed off body language
• Turning up wearing casual clothes such as jeans and a t-shirt
• Talking in length about non-work related topics
• Voicing your own opinion on recent matters in the press (your opinion may not be the same as the people you are meeting)
• Not having an answer ready as to why you want the job
• Not being clued up on the business and what it does

Let Marks Sattin help you land your next interview

Now that you know how to create a lasting impression at your next in-person or virtual interview, the next step is to start the search. Browse our latest financial services roles, technology jobs, or check out our other markets.

Alternatively, why not get in touch with us today and we can talk you through your next career move.

We have a national presence with plenty of useful market information to share, along with more career advice to help you put your best foot forward throughout your job search.