Finance Job Interview Tips (3/3) -5 Things to Avoid in an Interview | How to Subtly Show Off?

In this series, we are going through these topics about how to excel in an interview.

• Introduce yourself

• Why do you apply?

• Case scenario/ behavorial questions

• What was the most difficult situation you faced at work and how did you tackle it?

• Do you have any questions for us?

• How to impress your interviewers by showing your financial skills and experience in a subtle and humble manner? (Now we’re here!)

• What should you avoid doing in an interview? (Now we’re here!)

5 things to avoid in an interview

During a finance job interview, it’s important to make a positive impression and avoid any behaviors or actions that could hurt your chances of getting the job.

1. Don’t be late. Arrive 10–15 minutes earlier to fine tune yourself before the interview.

2. While you want to be personable and friendly, don’t use inappropriate language, make off-color jokes, or use slang which can be seen as unprofessional and disrespectful. Use professional language and be respectful to the interviewer as you are in a business setting.

3. Never criticize past employers, as this will only make people feel you are not a team player and can create a negative impression. Instead, focus on what you learned from past experiences and how you can apply that knowledge to the new role.

4. Don’t focus too much on salary. While salary is an important consideration, focusing too much on it during the interview can suggest that you are more interested in money than the job itself. Wait for the appropriate time to discuss salary after you passed the intereview and HR negotiates the package with you.

5. Don’t talk non-stop as this can suggest that you are not a good listener and can also make it difficult for the interviewer to get a word in. Be concise and to the point in your responses, and remember to listen actively to the interviewer.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure that you put your best foot forward and increase your chances of getting the job.

How to humbly and subtly show your skills?

When you’re in a finance job interview, it’s important to demonstrate your financial skills and knowledge without coming across as arrogant or too hard-selling.

1. Be ready to discuss your previous roles and tasks you’ve handled. Give examples of the specific tasks you’ve worked on and the results you’ve achieved.

2. Ask intelligent questions that demonstrate your financial knowledge and understanding of the industry. This can help show the interviewer that you are knowledgeable and interested in the field.

3. Use specific financial terms in your answers to show that you are familiar with the terminology and can speak confidently about financial topics.

4. Mention your certifications such as a CFA or CPA. This can help demonstrate your expertise and dedication to the field.

5. If you have experience with financial software or tools (Excel VBA, regression software, Python), offer recommendations on how they could be utilized to help the company’s financial performance.

Strike a balance between demonstrating your expertise and not coming across as too self-promoting. Be humble and genuine in your responses, and focus on how your skills can help the company succeed.

Good luck with your interview!