Congratulations! Getting a first interview is an excellent step. It means that your CV has convinced the recruiters, who don't take the time to interview a candidate with no interest in the job. This appointment may have been obtained following an application via a site such as Jobup.ch, through a recruitment agency like ISFB, or through your professional network. Either way, it's a good sign. Now it's crucial to be well prepared. Our 9 recommendations will help you do just that.

1. Don't modify your CV before the interview

The CV you send must remain identical to the one the recruiter has in his hands. Any inconsistencies could cast doubt on your credibility.

2. Identify your contacts

Who will you be meeting? An HR manager or an operational manager? The HR manager will be looking to see if you fit in with the company culture, and will often not go into the technical details of the job, while the manager will be wondering if you can work effectively with him and his team. Understanding their role will help you to better orient your answers.

3. Analyze the job offer

Reread the advertisement carefully and stabilize the skills and experience that best match your profile. For weaker points, prepare counter-arguments to justify them and demonstrate your ability to adapt if the subject comes up.

4. Understanding the recruiter's expectations

The recruiter has a need to fill. Your objective is to understand what he's looking for: a specific skill, a complementarity with the team? He wants to confirm that your profile corresponds to what he has seen in your CV, and to make sure that you can fit in. Your profile will be compared with others who are conducting the same interviews as you. Sometimes, the recruiter will prefer one candidate to another on technical grounds or because of complementary roles, and other times on the basis of shared impressions between the recruiter and the manager as to your suitability for the team's expectations and organizational culture.

5. Prepare for technical and linguistic assessments

Some interviewers may test you on your technical skills. Don't be afraid of this: if your experience matches what you've listed on your CV, this shouldn't be a problem. However, if your CV has been embellished, you're taking a risk. What's more, if a foreign language is indicated as a requirement, expect the interview to tip over into that language.

6. Find out about the company

It's important to know your company inside out:

• What are its main activities?

• What is its mission?

• What are its differentiating factors in the marketplace? You don't need to read the whole annual report, but you do need to be able to show that you understand its positioning and challenges. If it's a small company, knowing the names of the directors and the history of the organization can be appreciated.

7. Understand the challenges of the job

Try to project yourself: what are the challenges and expectations associated with this position? Highlight your experience and skills that meet these needs. But don't forget one thing: this is a two-way interview, in the sense that you need to be able to come away from it as much as your recruiter, with a clear impression: do I see myself working in this organization or with this person on a daily basis? Do I really have the skills required, or will I succeed in getting the job but find myself struggling to meet expectations afterwards?

8. Structure your sales pitch

Ask yourself: if my interviewer had to remember three things about me, what would they be? Structure your speech around these strengths, so that they stand out clearly.

9. Adopt the right posture

During the interview, be pragmatic and efficient. The person in front of you needs to form an opinion quickly:

• A manager wants to know if he can work with you.

• HR wants to assess your compatibility with the company culture. Be a good listener, answer concisely and show your motivation without exaggeration.

By following these tips, you'll maximize your chances of turning that interview into a job opportunity. Good luck!

Since 1987, ISFB has been helping financial institutions and banking professionals to develop their skills and careers. Building on this expertise, we have developed a specialized recruitment service dedicated to the banking and finance professions.

Thanks to our in-depth knowledge of the sector and our extensive talent network, we identify the profiles best suited to the specific needs of financial institutions, whether for temporary or permanent positions, from junior to senior management level.

Our HR skills consultants, with backgrounds in banking and finance, have a strategic vision of the market and can support you throughout the recruitment process, ensuring a rigorous selection process and optimum alignment between company expectations and candidates' skills.