Top tips – interview preparation

We use interviews to find out who you are and what motivates you, and we want to see if you understand our business and what the job entails. This is an opportunity to show us what you could bring to the team. Ready to join our team at Impax Asset Management? Here are a few helpful tips on how to prepare for your interview

1. About you – what’s your story?
   Think about how to best tell your story. A good place to start is to ask yourself If you were meeting yourself for the first time, what would you ask?
   
   Prior to your interview, we only know you through what is on your resume. Thus, it’s important that you know your resume – be able to articulate everything you’ve listed without reading or referring to it. Present your diverse background of experiences by highlighting relevant jobs, projects, coursework, and extracurricular activities listed on your resume. Tell us why you’re the right person for the job.
   
   Share with us what you are passionate about – we want to know what excites you!
   Diverse opinions are what we look for, so we encourage you share your fresh perspectives. So, when we ask about you, we really want to know! Telling your story using the above tips will make us want to become a part of it.
   
2. Preparation
   As with any job interview, preparation is key. Prepare yourself on the three areas listed below:
   
   • Technical/skills based assessment – the role itself: Your discussion will depend on what the job requires you to do. Anticipate the questions you might be asked by reading through the application materials and the job description. Have examples prepared and ready of how your professional experience links to the role.
      
   • Competency based assessment – past behaviours are the best predictors of future behaviours and so we’re keen to ask you competency based questions in order to gauge how you can work through scenarios. See our eight core behaviour competencies.
     
   • About us – The more you know about the job and the company, the more comfortable you’ll be, and this will come through during the interview. We want to hear why you want to join us. Remember, this is a two way process so, just as you have to be right for Impax, we have to be right for you – see if your values align with our core values.
     
3. Answering and asking questions
   Answer each question the best you can. We don’t always expect candidates to have the right answer during an interview—we’re just as interested in seeing how you work through a scenario. You may be asked about situations when you have used particular skills or asked to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
   
   Remember, this is an opportunity for you to ask as many questions as you’d like to gain a deeper understanding of the role and Impax – we encourage you to do so.
   
4. Your equipment and environment
   If your interview is virtual, it’s always best to test your technology beforehand:
   
   • Camera – The best camera placement is just above eye level – roughly at the top of your head – pointed slightly downwards. To better approximate actual eye contact, resize and move the screen image as close to your webcam as possible.
     
   • Apps – Download any apps or plug-ins you might need and test your audio, video and internet connection ahead of time. Don’t rely on a WiFi connection from a coffee shop or unfamiliar location, which could result in lag time and dropped feeds. Find a strong connection at home or a familiar setting.
     
   • Your environment – Find a private, tidy, quiet room with a neutral background, preferably with nothing hanging on the wall behind you. Take a look at what is visible in the frame.
     
5. Don’t read from notes
   Preparation is important so you can avoid reading from a script during your interview. Reading not only makes your answers sound rehearsed, but the left-to-right movement of your eyes can distract your interviewer. Speak from memory – if your interview is virtual, write down key words on a sticky note and attach it to the edge of your screen at eye level so that you can glance at it discreetly.
   
6. Dress appropriately
   Whether your interview is virtual or in-person, you should look professional. (“Professional” can vary from industry to industry, so check the corporate website for dress codes or other hints on how employees dress for work). Avoid casual clothing such as hoodies, jeans and trainers.
   
7. And lastly, enjoy the process!
   This is a chance for us to get to know you and vice versa, so do enjoy the process – remember, stay true to your experience and who you are. When you share this in an open and honest way, it’s easier for Impax and yourself to determine if this is the best fit for you.

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