Your mileage may vary, but just some general points that have held me in good stead so far in my own search:
- As a general preparation technique have found it helpful to always print out my applications before an interview and go through it sentence by sentence with a highlighter and a pen and in make a note of any points I have raised where the interview might challenge me / ask for more information. Then I can brainstorm potential discussion topics / questions.
- E.G. I once mentioned my interest in the transport sector in an app, and made a note of a couple of developments in the sector since I'd submitted my app. I was then asked at interview about what I thought some key issues in the sector were and why I was interested in the sector. Not everything will be so black and white but you get the gist.
- I would generally always have a recent news story to talk about, with some bullet points on how it would affect the firm's clients and the firm itself. The important thing is to find something interesting to you, which you can talk about confidently.
- I also try and write down all the key skills that the particular firm is looking for, then match them to my work experience / answers, just so I can quickly link any competency questions to my experience. Added bonus - in doing so, I remind myself of why I was selected for interview. It might sound stupid, but it really does help me with my confidence going into the interview.
I try and write it out as explicitly as possible to commit it to memory, as I find that it really helps me prepare for competency questions, e.g.:
Skill: Activity # 1 that links to it; E.G. of using that skill in that activity.
- SH interview is a healthy mix of commercial awareness / competency / and motivation. I didn't think any of the questions were super out of the ordinary, it very much felt like they were trying to give me the best chance possible to show my best side. The whole Grad Rec team were very friendly and actively try to make you feel comfortable. If you have any general questions about SH shoot me a PM.
If you are getting to this stage you have definitely got the skills to go forward. Grad Rec read tons of apps and can tell a good app when they see one. If you are there, its because you deserve to be! Hope this helps and wishing you great luck in your interview!
and no, haven't had an update yet! (But only completed it yesterday)
