February 15, 2025

Congratulations! Getting a first interview is a great step forward. It means that your resume has impressed recruiters, who don't waste time interviewing candidates who aren't suitable for the position. You may have secured this interview by applying via a job platform, through the ISFB or a recruitment agency, or thanks to your professional network. In any case, it's a good sign. Now it's crucial to prepare well. Our nine recommendations can help you do just that.

1. Don't modify your CV before the interview

The CV you send must remain identical to the one the recruiter has in his hands. Any inconsistencies could cast doubt on your credibility.

2. Identify your contacts

Who will you be meeting? An HR manager or an operational manager? The HR manager will primarily seek to assess your suitability for the company culture and will not go into much detail about the technical aspects of the position, while the manager will consider whether you can work effectively with them and their team. Understanding their roles will help you tailor your responses.

3. Analyze the job offer

Carefully reread the job posting and identify the skills and experience that best match your profile. For areas for improvement, prepare counterarguments to justify them and demonstrate your ability to adapt if the subject comes up.

4. Understanding the recruiter's expectations

The recruiter is looking to fill an identified need. Your goal is to understand what they are looking for: a specific skill, someone who will complement the team? They want to confirm that your profile matches what they saw in your resume and ensure that you will fit in well. Your profile will be compared to other people who are also being interviewed. The recruiter may sometimes prefer one candidate over another for technical reasons or because of complementary roles, and other times based on shared impressions between the recruiter and the manager regarding your suitability for the team's expectations and organizational culture.

5. Prepare for technical and linguistic assessments

Some interviewers may test you on your technical skills. Don't be afraid of this: if your experience matches what you've listed on your CV, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if your CV has been embellished, you're taking a risk. What's more, if a foreign language is indicated as a requirement, expect the interview to tip over into that language.

6. Find out about the company

It's important to know your company inside out:

• What are its main activities?
• What is its mission?
• What are its differentiating factors in the marketplace? You don't need to read the whole annual report, but you do need to be able to show that you understand its positioning and challenges. If it's a small company, knowing the names of the directors and the history of the organization can be appreciated.

7. Understand the challenges of the job

Try to imagine yourself in the role: what are the challenges and expectations associated with this position? Highlight your experiences and skills that meet these needs. But don't forget one thing: this is a two-way interview, in the sense that you should be able to leave the interview with the same clear impression as your recruiter: can I see myself working in this organization or with this person on a daily basis? Do I really have the required skills, or will I succeed in getting the job but find myself struggling to meet expectations afterwards?

8. Structure your sales pitch

Ask yourself: if my interviewer had to remember three things about me, what would they be? Structure your speech around these strengths, so that they stand out clearly.

9. Adopt the right posture

During the interview, be pragmatic and efficient. The person in front of you needs to form an opinion quickly:

• A manager wants to know if they can work with you and trust you.
• HR wants to assess your compatibility with the company culture. Be a good listener, answer concisely and show your motivation without exaggeration.

By following these tips, you'll maximize your chances of turning that interview into a job opportunity. Good luck!

Since 1987, ISFB has been helping financial institutions and banking professionals to develop their skills and careers. Building on this expertise, we have developed a specialized recruitment service dedicated to the banking and finance professions.

Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the sector and our extensive talent network, we identify the profiles best suited to the specific needs of financial institutions, whether for temporary or permanent positions, from junior to senior management level.

Our HR skills consultants, with backgrounds in banking and finance, have a strategic vision of the market and can support you throughout the recruitment process, ensuring a rigorous selection process and optimum alignment between company expectations and candidates' skills.