Preparation is the key

Previously we ran through the first steps in making a career move. This time our focus will be the interview and the preparation, research, and personal attributes that are needed to guide you successfully to the final stage.You are over the first hurdle – you have been informed that a company would like to meet you to discuss its vacancy and assess how you may fit into the business moving forward. u Time to start your research – Research the firm where you are being interviewed by looking at recent press coverage. You need a comprehensive insight into the business, such as the culture within the team, background of the hiring managers and staff, and also other recent hires – why they were chosen. This is where a good consultant adds value.u Find out who you are meeting – Try a search for them on Google. You may be lucky enough to find a quotation or even a photo of your interviewer. The ideal result would be meeting your interview panel and shaking the boss’s hand first. It’s all part of your first impression.

TOP TIP*** People often hire in their own imageThis can be the physical presence and stance, confidence in communication, or even a similar educational background. You may have studied at the same university or completed the same course. Even if you just play the same sport this is an ideal basis for an initial conversation and will help to relax both parties. You have to be able to differentiate yourself from the other people applying for the job. Ideally you need to be able to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your joining the team. Be prepared to elaborate on your current situation in a personal environment as well, because it is not only the technical business ability you bring, but also your presence in a personal sense that will help you land this new role.

u Strategic fit – illustrating your strengthsMatch your skills to what you know about the role and give examples of how you have achieved similar results in the past. This is a fundamental part of selling yourself successfully; ideally you will have prepared this prior to your interview so that the examples flow naturally.

u Personality and enthusiasm – when to let it outAs actuaries, a lot of humour is thrown around involving personality – or lack thereof! We all have a confident, outgoing side, notwithstanding those who are too confident or lack the common sense needed in situations such as an interview. Picture this: your interview is like a new business sales pitch, so be assertive and take action like a professional would. Have questions prepared, and prepare for what questions could be thrown at you. Sell yourself.

TOP TIP*** Frame of mind – keep it positiveIf you are chosen to go to an interview, it is because the interviewer believes you have the skills they are looking for. They will give you opportunities to demonstrate your suitability; they are not judging you and there are no preconceived ideas, just your CV and the information they have been supplied about you. Approaching the situation with this frame of mind from the outset will help boost your confidence.

u Personal presentation – first impressions are very powerful!It takes you longer to undo the damage done than to put in an extra ten minutes’ thought on how you present yourself. Check your suit/outfit the day before and polish your shoes. A good comedian will use their best joke at the start of the act, and will finish with their second best; you too need to make good first and strong lasting impression.

Next time we shall look at the final stages of a successful move – choosing offers and resigning gracefully.Drew Grosskreutz is in the actuarial team at Hanover Search, heading a panel consulting across all actuarial disciplines and specialising with nearly/newly qualified individuals