Interview Advice | Sewell Wallis

Walk in prepared. Walk out with the offer.

You have the technical skills. The interview is where you prove you are the right fit for the business, the team and the culture. Preparation is what separates a good candidate from the one who gets the job.

We have spent over two decades placing Accountancy and Finance professionals with forward-thinking businesses across Yorkshire, North Derbyshire and North Nottinghamshire. We know what hiring managers in your field look for, and we've put all of this advice in one place here for you. Use it alongside the briefing your Sewell Wallis consultant gives you before every interview to make the best first impression!

Advice for Accounting & Finance interviews Advice for HR & People interviews

The essentials: how to prepare for any interview

Whatever the role, these are the foundations every strong candidate gets right.

Research the business, not just the job

Read the company website, recent news and LinkedIn activity - you're looking to get a deep understanding of their story. If they publish accounts, take a look at them. Know what they do, who their customers are, how they are growing and what challenges they face. Then think about where you fit into that story.

Know the job description inside out

Go through it line by line. For each requirement, have a real example ready that shows you can do it, including the figures that back it up. Where you have a gap, be ready to explain how you would close it quickly, demonstrating your understanding of it.

Prepare your examples using STAR

Competency questions are standard practice these days. Structure your answers around the Situation, the Task, the Action you took and the Result.

The Action and Result sections are the important parts of your answer. Keep the focus on what you did, and quantify the result wherever you can.

Practice the questions you know are coming

Some questions are guaranteed to come up in any interview. Here's the ones we see the most:

Tell me about yourself.
Why are you looking to move?
Why this role, and why this company?
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Where do you see yourself in three to five years?

Rehearse your answers out loud. You're aiming for clear and confident, not scripted.

Have your own questions ready

Prepare three or four thoughtful questions for your interviewer: you can ask questions about the team, the role priorities for the first six months and how success will be measured.

Your questions should show genuine interest and also help you decide whether the role is right for you.

Get the logistics right

Plan your route and aim to arrive ten minutes early. For video interviews, test your camera, microphone and connection beforehand, and choose a quiet, tidy space. Dress a level smarter than the company's everyday dress code. If you have any doubts or questions, ask your consultant.

On the day and after

Make a strong start. A firm handshake, eye contact and a confident introduction set the tone for everything that follows.
Listen to the question. Answer what was asked, keep it concise, and check whether they would like more detail.
Stay positive about your current employer. Focus on what you are moving towards, not what you are leaving behind.
Close with intent. Thank them, confirm your interest in the role and ask about next steps.
Call your consultant straight away. Tell us how it went while it is fresh. We will pass your feedback to the client, get theirs back to you and handle the next stage, including any offer negotiation.

Let us help you land your next role

At Sewell Wallis, we don't just send your CV and wish you luck. Before every interview, your consultant will brief you on the business, the people you are meeting, the interview format and what they are really looking for. After it, we will get you honest feedback and work hard to secure the right offer.

We work with SMEs, plcs, not-for-profits and everything in between, from junior roles through to the C-suite. Whatever your next step in Accountancy and Finance, we will know someone who fits the bill.

Search for a job Reach out to our team