You never get a second chance to make a first impression. WallStreetResume.com specializes in providing outplacement solutions for financial services professionals. Our services include resume writing, career & interview coaching, resume distribution, social media networking and training on front & middle office to update your skills and qualify for new job opportunities.

Preparing for your interview is the first essential step towards conducting a successful meeting with your potential employer. After scheduling the interview, you should:

• Know the exact time, date and location of the interview
• Make sure you have the interviewer's correct full name, title, work telephone and work e-mail
• Familiarize yourself with facts about the company such as its history, financials, competitors, products and services
• Research the company website; other helpful sources Linkedin.com, Bloomberg.com, Hoovers.com
• Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer regarding the position and the company

Interview Technique:

• Have at least three extra resumes
• Be charismatic; it is very important that you demonstrate your interpersonal skills
• Obtain a description of what the position entails at an early stage in the interview
• Make sure that your good points get across to the interviewer in a concise and factual manner
• Never make derogatory remarks about your past or present company, boss, or co-workers
• Do not inquire about the salary, bonuses and benefits in first interview

Be prepared to answer questions such as:

• Why did you choose a career in your company/industry?
• What experience do you have within this field/with this position?
• What do you know about our products/services?
• Why did you move from one company to the next?
• What do you think of specific financial markets that apply to the position/group?
• How would you describe your business strategy?
• How profitable or unprofitable is your group and why?
• What technology, systems, and operations do you utilize for the business?
• Why would you want to work for our group/company?
• When was your last salary/bonus review?

Questions to ask potential employer:

• What will the position entail?
• How does my role fit into the structure of the overall department?
• How is the organization structured and who heads the department?

Closing the interview:

• If you are interested in the position, inquire about setting up the next meeting
• Thank the interviewer for the time he/she spent
• Call your recruiter and review the details of the meeting
   

Follow up:

Within 24-48 hours of your interview, send an email to each interviewer, summarizing the key points of your meeting and thanking them for their time