Interview Tips by Credit Suisse
Interview Tips
We want to help you prepare as best you can for an interview with us. So we’ve brought together some tips and advice that will help you navigate the interview process, present yourself in the best possible way and hopefully leave an impression that lasts.
Before the Interview
Preparation
The key to a good interview is preparation. You need to show that you’ve done your research and understand what we do and how we work. Here are a few pointers on where you can find out more about us.
* About Credit Suisse
* Business Areas
* Corporate Social Responsibility
* Employee Profiles
You should also keep up-to-date with what’s happening in the industry reading newspapers and using other news media. Our Recommended Reading(opens in new popup window) list will get you started.
Practice Makes Perfect
It’s a good idea to practice mock interviews if possible, and talk to other candidates who’ve gone through the interview process. And if you know anyone in the investment banking industry, it would be useful to speak to them, hear about the experiences they’ve had in their careers and ask if they have any advice.
Know Your CV
Review your CV and know its contents. You should be prepared to speak about anything on it. Get ready to talk openly about your achievements, how you achieved them and how you would improve things next time.
At the Interview
When it comes to interviews, everyone wants to make a good impression. Here are a few simple tips to help you on your way.
The Basics
* Be on time. Ensure that you leave plenty of time for travel delays, and if you are early take some time preparing yourself.
* Bring our contact details with you, so if you are delayed you can then contact the relevant people.
* Switch off your mobile phone before the interview starts.
Communicate
Of course it’s important to look smart and present yourself in a professional way, but you should also think about the way you present yourself and how you communicate.
Communication skills are important in every part of our business, and an interview setting is a good time to show how well you can communicate and get your opinion across, even when under pressure.
Think about what you’re going to say before answering a question, and try to ensure that your responses don’t sound over rehearsed. We want to hear what you really think, so be yourself and give honest answers to questions.
Give concrete examples of what you’ve done and the skills you’ve demonstrated. But be honest about your skill set. While you obviously want to demonstrate your excellence, don’t exaggerate your accomplishments.
Come prepared with questions you want to ask us, because as much as the interview is about us getting to know you, it’s also an opportunity for you to get to know us better. Just make sure your questions are relevant and well-thought out.
How You Say It
When you’re speaking, take it slow. It’ll help you convey more clearly what you’re trying to say. It’ll also help you organise your thoughts as you speak and give more concise and relevant responses.
Be sure of yourself and what you say. Try to avoid responding to questions with a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The interview is your opportunity to present and promote yourself, so try to convey as much relevant information as possible.
And don’t forget to smile. An interview is serious business, but it’s important to come across as friendly and personable. Smile when you speak - it’ll help you feel more comfortable and will also put your interviewer at ease.
Body Language
Your body language can convey a great deal of information without you realizing. But there are a few simple things you can do to check that the subtle cues you give off are interpreted in a positive way.
To show that you’re responsive to the person you’re speaking to, make sure you keep your posture open, (so avoid crossing your arms or legs), and lean forward slightly. To build rapport with someone, a good technique is to mirror the behaviour of the person you’re speaking with.
Relax
However senior you are and however much experience you might have had, interviews can still be a daunting process. But the important thing to remember is to be yourself, try to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible.
Subyek: Interview Tips 
Sun May 30, 2010 8:05 pm