The process of entering the job market can be both exciting and challenging. To start off, you need to do two things: make a great resume and get ready for an interview. For those in the finance sector, the stakes can be greater and the questions more technical.
You can portray yourself as the most qualified person in the room with the correct approach. This guide equips you with guidelines to build your resume and prepare for an interview so that you can get your foot in the door.
What To Include On A Resume
Your resume speaks before you even step into the room. Most of the applicants tend to submit a Basic CV that serves as a historical document. In order to secure a high-profile job, you must have a "Professional CV" that serves as a business case for why you should be hired.
|
Feature |
Basic CV |
Professional CV |
|
Focus |
Lists duties and responsibilities. |
Shows your achievements, like "I reduced reporting time by 20%." |
|
Structure |
Generic template used for every application. |
It is tailored to the job and industry. |
|
Professional Summary |
Vague "Objective" statement about what the candidate wants. |
Impactful summary of what the candidate offers the company. |
|
Skills |
Mentions "Leadership" or "Microsoft Excel" |
Showcases specific technical mastery. |
A basic CV informs them of what you did, whereas a professional CV informs them of how you did it well. This difference is a fundamental part of GGC Practical Training Academy's Interview Success Guide course, which focuses on the minute details of interview preparation, right from crafting a CV to preparing for various interview formats and more.
How to Prepare for an Interview
An interview is 90% preparation and 10% performance. To successfully prepare for an interview in the field of finance, you need to go beyond memorising common finance interview questions and begin practising what to say and how to say it. Below are a few interview preparation tips that will help you:
Pre-Interview Essentials
- Read the job description carefully. Think about what skills you need.
- Make sure you have all the documents you need, like your resume.
- Research the company, like what they do and their recent developments.
- Practice answering interview questions, like "Tell me about yourself".
- Revise basic finance questions, ratios, and terms which may come up in the interview.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume.
- Wear business formals.
- Get there 10-15 minutes early.
- Think about what you want to ask the interviewer.
During the Interview: Presence and Poise
- Sit up straight. Make eye contact.
- Speak clearly. Do not ramble.
- Stay calm. Think before you answer.
- Ask questions about the team or the company.
Conclusion
The journey from applicant to employee requires a mindset shift. If you work on your resume and prepare for a finance interview or any other kind of interview, you significantly increase your chances of success.
While these interview guidance tips can help you get started, learning in a structured way is even better. GGC Practical Training Academy’s courses give you the structured preparation and practical tools needed to succeed in finance interviews. With the right preparation and guidance, you can stand out in interviews and move closer to your career goals.