Interview for Success

A strong interview is the difference between a shortlist and an offer. At Byron Thomas Recruitment we work with finance and accounting candidates every day, from graduate through to C-suite, and the candidates who succeed all do a few things right before they walk in the room.

Preparation starts with the company: know their products, the markets they compete in, recent news, and the pressures their finance function is under. Read the position description line by line and match each responsibility to a concrete example from your own experience. Your stories are what the interviewer will remember, not a generic overview of your CV.

On the day, arrive early, dress one level above the role, and bring a clean printed copy of your CV and a short list of questions for the interviewer. When you answer behavioural questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and quantify impact wherever you can, such as dollars saved, hours returned, systems shipped, or teams grown. See our Behavioural Interviewing guide for worked examples.

Finally, always follow up. A concise, well-written thank-you note within 24 hours reinforces your interest and gives you a final chance to clarify anything you would phrase differently with hindsight. If you would like a one-on-one coaching session before an important interview, call us on 02 8677 3020 or email info@byronthomas.com.au and a senior consultant will be in touch.