For many, the thought of a job interview is downright terrifying. Trying to find a balance between being professional and personable is challenging, to say the least. It is particularly difficult when you are already nervous and are worried about saying the wrong thing.

Jobs in the financial sector tend to be highly competitive. In many cases, employers rely on interviews to guide them when making a hiring decision. That means that how you perform during your interview can affect whether or not you get hired for the job.

Knowing what companies in the financial sector are looking for when they interview clients can help ensure that you are prepared. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Use The Information In The Job Listing To Your Advantage

Everything you need to know about what an employer is looking for is usually spelled out in black and white in the job listing. You can use this to your advantage during your interview.

When someone in the HR departments sits down to write a job description, they clearly outline exactly what they are looking for in terms of qualifications and skills. You can use this information to practice answering questions that you may be asked during the interview. Make sure that your answers are a good fit for what the company is looking for.

Having said that, however, it is also important to avoid spending too much time preparing for your interview. Your answers shouldn’t seem overly practiced. However, having a few answers already in mind can be beneficial and can make the process less stressful.

Ask About The Format Of The Interview

When scheduling an interview, don’t hesitate to ask what format it will take. This will help you know how best to prepare for what lies ahead. The majority of companies will be happy to provide this information. This can be particularly important for finance-based jobs since they often require applicants to take a test during the interview process. Knowing this ahead of time can help you properly prepare.

You should also find out if there are any tools that you need to bring along with you to your interview such as a calculator or a pen.

Prepare Paperwork Ahead Of Time

Putting together a folder or binder that contains important paperwork before your interview can help ensure that you have everything that you need to show the interviewer exactly why they should hire you.

Your folder should contain duplicate copies of your resume. One of these copies is for you to refer to and the other is for your interviewer. If the job description asked for any special documents, you should also include them in the folder. Additionally, if you have written a cover letter, add that to it as well.

Other documents that you include in the folder should back up your credentials and should showcase that you are the right candidate for the job. For instance, if you have reference letters that could help sway the interviewer, feel free to add them to your folder.

Preparing For The Questions

Although it can be difficult to know exactly what an interviewer will ask, there are usually hints in the job description. Most listings for openings will state exactly what the company is looking for. You can use these key points to determine some of the questions that you may be asked during the interview.

Don’t hesitate to make up a list of questions of your own. Being able to show the interviewer that you are interested in learning more about their company can put you in a good light.

A good example of this would be to ask the interviewer what their favorite things are about working for the company. You can also ask questions about opportunities for advancement, common career paths within the company, and steps that you need to take to move to the next higher level. This shows the interviewer that you aren’t just looking for a temporary gig. Instead, you are thinking about a long-term career.

After an interview, it can sometimes feel like the company takes an eternity to get back to you. On your way out of the interview, don’t forget to ask approximately when you will be hearing from them. That way, you won’t have to sit around wondering what is happening. If you’re wondering if it’s all worth it, this piece from IFDS may convince you.

Don’t Forget To Follow Up

You can make a lasting impression on your interviewer by following up after your interview. Be sure to let them know how much you appreciate them giving you the time for an interview. Don’t forget to mention that you are extremely interested in the position.

Many roles within the financial sector involve dealing directly with customers. When you treat your interviewer with respect, it shows that you are the type of person who knows how to interact with others in a way that is professional.