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Interview
tips
We often get asked
about the typical interview process, given that we recruit internationally on
behalf of firms located in offshore locations. In an ideal world all
interviews would be carried out in-person. As you can appreciate, however, this
is not always a realistic option.
Wherever possible, we
will arrange to interview you in person at one of the locations indicated on the registration
page. If this is not possible, we will in the first instance talk to you by
telephone to answer any questions you may have and assess whether we will
be able to assist you further.
When it comes to
interviews with prospective employers, on our recommendation you will normally
have an initial telephone interview with a member of
their Human
Resources department. If this goes well then you will be invited for a second and
usually final interview. This interview will normally be with the manager or
partner to whom you will be reporting.
Your second interview
will preferably be conducted in person (either they will fly over to meet you, you
will fly out to meet them, or they will arrange for you to be interviewed by
somebody at an overseas branch of their firm that is more local to you).
Alternatively, the interview may be done via satellite link or once again
by telephone. We will continue to advise you throughout this process.
It is quite common for
a company to make a decision very quickly (even during the interview
itself on occasion) as to whether you are to be made an offer. This is in part because, even
once an offer has been offered and accepted, a work permit still has to be
applied for and processed, which can take several weeks or longer.
Basic interview technique
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Be
prepared. Interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience. But the
better prepared you are, the more likely you will make a good impression on a
potential employer.
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Do
your research. Every organisation is different so do as much research as
you can beforehand. Many companies have websites so check the Internet as a
starting point. You will also need to find out about the
Island where the company is based.
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First impressions count
and what you wear and how you act are as important as your experience and
skills. It is therefore important to be smart and well-groomed whatever
position you are applying for. Even if most of a company’s staff are ‘smart
casual’, do not assume that this will be acceptable for the preliminary
interview when you will be seeking to make a positive first impression. Wear a
suit in conservative colours – charcoal grey or blue rarely offend.
-
Arrive on time.
Looking the part will count for nothing if you are late for the interview. Aim
to arrive up to an hour early – you can never be sure what might happen on
your journey there. Work out your route beforehand.
-
Stay
in touch. Make sure you have a mobile phone and their contact
number so you can call if there are any problems (but switch it off for the
actual interview).
-
Your body language
can influence the employer’s decision as well. Don’t fidget or make too many
long gestures and always look your interviewer in the eye, without appearing
too confrontational.
-
During the interview,
concentrate on talking about the skills and experience you can bring to the
job and the difference you can make to the organisation. Ask questions about
the role, the company and the Island – and show that you are enthusiastic
and keen to learn new skills. Insightful questions help
both of you determine if your relationship will be mutually rewarding. And the
better you understand the opportunity and life on the Island, the more you
will be able to fully communicate your interest.
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Do not make derogatory remarks about your
current or previous employers. When explaining your reason for leaving, limit
your comments to those necessary to adequately communicate your rationale.
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Avoid talking about your personal life too much
and, whilst it is important to appear confident, do not be arrogant.
Also, exercise caution if you are tempted to crack jokes or make
controversial statements and certainly do not tell the interviewer how to do
their job.
-
Don't enquire about salary, vacations or
bonuses at the first interview stage unless you are very sure that the
company is interested in hiring you. If the interviewer asks what salary you
want, indicate your current salary or expectations (based on Hamilton
Recruitment's advice) but that you're more interested in the opportunity than
in a specific salary.
-
If you are interested in the job, let the
interviewer know! And if during the meeting or telephone interview you
have answered the two questions "Why are you interested in working for us on
this Island?" and "What can you offer?" then you have done all you can.
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A nice touch is to send the interviewer a
Thank You email afterwards. This will be positively received and will keep you
at the forefront of their mind whilst they are assessing all the applicants
for the position.
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Feedback times vary, of course, but note
that some employers may decide to make an offer within just a few days of
the interview if they like you. This is not uncommon and is because of the
forced time delay after the offer has been accepted involved in them
getting you the work permit (i.e. assuming they need staff sooner rather
than later, the employer is looking to minimise the overall recruitment time
cycle).
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And finally...
good luck!
Please also note that any
offer of employment made will, at a minimum, be conditional on approval
from the offshore Immigration authorities, obtaining a work permit and good professional
and personal references.
Note also that, on
occasion, offshore employers may request a passport-style photograph as part of
their standard procedures: it always helps to put a face to a name or a voice on
a telephone interview, and it helps as an aide memoire later on in the
decision-making process.
Introduction to
financial
services
Unless you
are claiming prior financial services experience, your prospective future
employer will not expect you to have expertise in this area. However, it can
only help
to have an insight into the relevant financial services sector so we recommend
you read one of the following primers, as applicable.
>
Insurance terminology
> Funds terminology
> Regulatory environment
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