4) What are your weaknesses?
The critical point with this question is that you identify one weakness that can be turned into a positive – ensuring you are self analytical and looking to improve

The Interview

The importance of making a good first impression cannot be over stated.
Attitude is also very important. Even if you have reservations about attending the interview, BE POSITIVE, the position may turn out to be exactly what you are looking for and you can always turn down a position, but you cannot retrieve an interview after suddenly discovering you want the job.
Bear in mind if this isn’t the right opportunity, if you make a good impression this could open other doors within the business.
Most of all, try to enjoy the interview. If you do, the interviewer will enjoy it too and you stand a better chance of getting the job.
Never sit back and expect your qualifications and experience alone to get you the job. Your personality is at least as important. Be positive and confident and you will stand out and be taken seriously.
If you are asked technical questions, listen carefully and use your common sense if you are not sure of the answer. An intelligent reply, if not strictly correct, will satisfy on most occasions. However, avoid the temptation to ramble. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so.
The chance to ask questions is your chance to impress, therefore, prepare in advance. Also use this time to clear up any areas of concern you may have.
Always have some questions prepared on a professional looking notepad and don’t be afraid to use it.
DO NOT ask about salary and benefits at first interview as these are usually discussed at a later stage.

End of the interview

Thank the interviewer for their time, again a smile and a firm handshake will help.
Close the interview
Last impressions are nearly as important as first, as the way you leave may be the way you are remembered.
Above all, be yourself.

Additional advice

DO NOT criticise your current firm or appear unnecessarily confrontational.
Be prepared to be asked about you as an individual and not only in relation to your experience.
Be prepared to discuss your reasons for leaving
There may also be technical questions or questions of an economic nature. Read up on recent developments.

Focus on the job in hand

The old question of "Where do you see yourself in three years' time?" is a predictable one, but it's how you're going to get there from accepting the job on offer which is especially relevant. The oft-repeated response of "In your seat" is not recommended, but "Working with talented people and progressing my career" is.

Research the company you're interviewing for

Airily complimenting the reputation of a bank's credit team tends to be rather less than impressive if they've all defected en masse to a competitor the previous week. Recent deals and hires (easily researched on the web or in print) will demonstrate genuine interest and effort.

Justify your reasons for wanting to move

"My mate says that the breakfasts are good here" doesn't necessarily distinguish your current employer from your prospective one, but being able to name a particular senior individual there who inspires you, does.

Structure your answers

An industry-specific question is not an invitation to waffle about what newspapers you read, nor to wander off on tangents. Keep it relevant and concise.

Dress appropriately

An obvious one, this, you may have thought. But it's not solely the more junior end of the market that proves to be less than efficient in the art of properly knotting a tie.

Mind your body language

We really all should, by now, be abundantly aware of the fact that sitting with one's arms and legs crossed doesn't really 'send out the right signals'. Likewise regarding eye contact – but it's a thin line between paying attention and plain staring.

Demonstrate conflict resolution

A perennial favourite, whereby the candidate is encouraged to display exceptional skills of diplomacy, tact and maturity when describing how they might (or have) addressed a personality clash at work. Keep the voice level and fists unclenched where possible on this one.

Have a passion for the industry

Perhaps more relevant to the more junior candidate, who must be able to explain why working for a bank is more breathlessly attractive than a career in the media, law, engineering or any other pointless pursuit. Using the justification "My Dad says it pays well" rarely impresses, as does the all too frequent, "Ever since I was a child, I've always wanted to be an Investment Banker," but being able to rhapsodise over the structure, progression and rewards (intellectual and otherwise) often will.

Be a team player

It's not enough these days to be able to illustrate how you stayed behind for an hour for three days in a row to get a report finished. And no-one likes anyone who willingly and knowingly uses the word 'maverick' in any conversation outside of a pub. You are, rather, reliable, calm and dependable. And you bring in doughnuts on Fridays.

Be confident, but not arrogant

(even though there are banks which positively encourage boorishness in their staff). Speaking clearly and concisely is key, as distinct from mumbling or shouting dismissively. Keep laughter to a minimum as well, as tension and/or nerves can induce involuntary shrillness. And, above all and under no circumstances whatsoever, should you interrupt or speak over the interviewer – this is extremely rude and is only ever acceptable in Banking if you are at VP level or above.

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Interview Techniques & Advice

Pre-interview