Interview tips

We often get asked about the typical interview process, given that we recruit internationally on behalf of firms located in Caribbean or other overseas 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 job 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 job 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 from Bermuda, the BVI or Cayman 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 of employment has been offered and accepted, a work permit still has to be obtained and this can take up to two months to be processed.

Basic interview technique for offshore jobs

Be prepared. Job 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.
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 they are based. When you walk into an interview knowledgeable about the company, the role and recent news in that industry, you show the hiring manager that you value their time and also that you are ready to be part of their organisation.
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.
Be positive. 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.
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.
Practice makes perfect. Unwelcome nerves can rear their head in a job interview so help calm them ahead of time by practising.
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.
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.
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).
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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