The Biggest Interview Mistake We See: Under-Preparation
Over the years, I’ve seen highly skilled finance professionals miss out on great opportunities, not because they lacked the experience, technical ability, or personality, but because they underestimated the importance of preparation.
One of the most common things I hear ahead of an interview is, “It’s just a general chat.” But let me be clear – there’s no such thing as just a general chat. If you’re speaking to a hiring manager, they’re assessing your suitability for the role, whether it’s positioned as an informal meeting or a structured competency-based interview.
How Under-Preparation Can Cost You the Job
✅ Not researching the company properly – Reading the company website is a start, but top employers expect you to go deeper. You should know about their financial performance, strategy, market position, and recent developments.
✅ Failing to link your skills to the role – You need to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the company’s needs. Read the job spec (if there is one), anticipate the key competencies they’re looking for, and prepare examples that show how you fit.
✅ Missing the chance to address concerns – A great tip: always ask the interviewer: “Do you have any concerns about my suitability for the role?” This gives you the chance to clear up misunderstandings or highlight key skills you may not have covered. Once the interview is over, it’s much harder to correct misconceptions.
✅ Not expressing interest in the role – I’ve seen strong candidates miss out simply because they didn’t clearly state that they wanted the job. Always close the interview by thanking the interviewer and reiterating why you’re excited about the opportunity.
Be the Candidate Who Stands Out
The candidates who secure offers are the ones who prepare properly. They know the company inside out, can confidently connect their experience to the role, and show genuine enthusiasm.
If you’re interviewing soon, take the time to do your research, plan your responses, and approach every conversation as if it’s your final interview.
Good luck!
