How consumers and SMEs are adopting Fintech

We lean heavily on a type of interviewing called behavioral interviewing. It’s based on the premise that past behavior predicts future behavior, and it focuses on knowledge, skills and abilities, backed by specific examples. The questions are open-ended and typically start with phrases like “Give an example of” or “Describe a situation when.” Your answers will be measured against these criteria:

• Did you provide a relevant experience that answers the question?
• Did you explain what action you took?
• Did you describe what your action led to?

With that in mind, here are some specific steps to take to prepare:

• Practice articulating why you want to work here and what interests you most about the position. Ensure that you fully understand the position and how you’ll fit into our organization, and if you’ve worked in a different type of role or industry previously, think of your transferable skills and how they relate to the position. Also, consider how the job could evolve in the future.
• Take advantage of the interview as an opportunity to tell your story. In a diverse marketplace, the EY organization values diverse perspectives — all the things that make you, you. Share experiences you are most proud of, relating them to the job, and practice some “go-to” stories out loud. For example, you should prepare 10 to 15 examples you can adjust on the fly to suit a question. Determine your strengths that you want the interviewer to take away from the discussion.
• Research whom you’ll be interviewing with. Look at professional networking and social media channels to view his or her experience or publications so that you’ll make a connection and discuss relevant topics.
• Demonstrate interest with the appropriate conversational eye contact or body language. It’s not just your words that count — it’s your confidence, expressions, posture and more.
• Come in with questions. It’s an exciting, dynamic time in professional services, and in all the industries we serve, driven by new technologies and new ways of working. If you’re engaged, then you should also be curious and inquisitive. If you really can’t think of a question, you can always ask the interviewer about his or her personal experience at our organization.

Build a career as unique as you are. We’ll provide the global scale, personal support, inclusive culture and technology you need to become the best version of you.

After the interview

Lastly, do what you can to thank those you’ve met and reinforce your narrative:

• Send a follow-up note. This further indicates your interest and provides closure to the process. Or make a call, if you have developed relationships with your recruiters. Remember that one thing that you want them to remember about yourself and make sure you communicate that effectively. Don’t let too much time pass without making that connection and be sure to use the person’s name in your communications.
• Work all the angles. If you know others from your network or university who work with a desired employer, use them to connect with decision-makers. If you’re a student, consider faculty who can give a good reference, or individuals whom you may have met through on-campus organizations — Beta Alpha Psi or local chapters of NABA, ALPFA, other diversity or campus community groups.
  
• Stay professional. While creativity is desirable, it’s best to remain straightforward and to-the-point in your post-interview communications. And don’t call in two days asking about a decision if we said we would be back in touch in, say, two weeks.