Landing a phone interview for a finance role is a great first step! Now you need to ace it. Here are some tips to help you shine during your finance phone interview:
Before the Call:
- Research, Research, Research: Understand the company’s business, recent performance, key competitors, and any current events related to them. Knowing their financial performance, market position, and strategic goals shows you’re genuinely interested. Tailor your answers to reflect this understanding.
- Know the Role Inside and Out: Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and responsibilities. Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate your proficiency in these areas. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., “Increased sales by 15% in Q2”).
- Practice the STAR Method: The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to structure your answers to behavioral questions. Think of specific situations where you successfully used relevant skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, or teamwork.
- Prepare Questions to Ask: Asking insightful questions demonstrates your engagement and genuine interest in the role. Prepare 3-5 questions related to the company’s challenges, the team dynamics, or opportunities for professional development. Avoid questions easily answered on their website.
- Quiet & Professional Setting: Choose a quiet, well-lit location with a strong phone signal. Inform anyone nearby that you shouldn’t be disturbed. Remove distractions, including notifications on your phone or computer.
- Have Your Resume and Notes Handy: Keep a printed copy of your resume, the job description, and your prepared notes in front of you. This will help you stay organized and focused.
During the Call:
- Enthusiastic & Professional Tone: Speak clearly and enthusiastically. Smile while you talk; it will translate into a more positive and engaging tone. Introduce yourself clearly and thank the interviewer for their time.
- Listen Carefully & Answer Concisely: Pay close attention to the interviewer’s questions. Avoid interrupting and take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. Be concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon or tangents.
- Highlight Relevant Skills & Experience: Connect your skills and experience directly to the requirements of the job. Explain how your background makes you a strong fit for the role and the company.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example, “Reduced operational costs by 10% by implementing a new budgeting process.”
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand a question, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. It’s better to ask than to provide an irrelevant answer.
- Address Weaknesses Honestly & Positively: If asked about your weaknesses, be honest but frame them positively. Focus on what you’re doing to improve in that area. For example, “I’m working on improving my presentation skills by taking a public speaking course.”
After the Call:
- Send a Thank-You Email: Within 24 hours of the interview, send a personalized thank-you email to the interviewer. Reiterate your interest in the role and highlight a key takeaway from the conversation.
By following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of acing your finance phone interview and moving on to the next stage of the hiring process. Good luck!