| A general mistake made by some interviewees is to use the wrong tone in their answers. For example, a line such as "I want to learn something" is much better than saying "I know something." Imagine that you have worked in the industry for 25 years, you would hardly agree that the interviewee with only 3 years working experience really "knows" the industry.
I was involved in interviewing candidates when working for a private equity firm. Whenever a potential employee claimed he/she 'knew how to make a deal' or 'knew how to succeed in the industry', they would be struck off the list. It is almost always more preferable for a new graduate to directly describe their thinking about the industry and what they want to learn through the job.
When facing different interviewers, it may be necessary to alter your tone. According to my personal experience, here is the rule of thumb:
Interviewers in the finance industry don't usually believe in sales hotshots. You may want to be more humble. Commercial banks and industry companies tend to have similar preferences - humble is best. Investment banks may not want you to be too humble. Most oriental companies are not big fans of 'hotshots'.
When interviewing with someone who has years of experience, it is best not to focus on your own limited working experience. Rather, show that you are a good learner and will grow fast in the company.
Before going for the next interview, be sure to research what type of candidate the company is looking for and adjust your tone accordingly |
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