So you have been on your Summer break and now your thoughts might be turning to acting on that feeling which says ‘I need a new challenge’. Who knows, maybe you need that pay rise to upgrade your next holiday or maybe you feel under appreciated. Whatever the reason, Autumn is traditionally a busy time in recruitment markets so these are your tips to shine.
When you have that initial chat with an agency recruiter:
Take it seriously. That call is an interview too! When a recruiter calls, it’s not “just a chat.”
It’s round one of your interview.
From the moment you answer, we’re assessing:
- How you might perform in an actual interview
- How clearly you explain your experience
- Your genuine interest in the role
- Whether your professionalism matches what the client expects
If you don’t impress, you may not make the shortlist. So, treat that first call like any other interview.
Your “chat” could make or break your chances.
Do Your Homework
Before you step into the interview, know who you’re talking to. Check your interviewer’s LinkedIn—see their career path, interests, and tenure. It’s not stalking; it’s preparing conversation starters and showing genuine interest.
Know the company inside out—products, partnerships, recent news. If they just launched a green savings account or a specialist lending product, mention it. It proves you’re not just looking for any job—you want this one.
Understand the Sector
Brush up on the big picture: Bank of England rates, fintech disruption, ESG trends. Then, zoom in on your role—whether that’s credit risk, product governance, or FCA compliance. Show you get the wider market and where your role fits in.
Bring Evidence
Come armed with 2–3 examples of where you’ve made an impact—reducing loan defaults, improving customer service, launching a new product. Ideally something you were not asked to do as well, companies like a solutions-led approach, not just someone who can spot problems. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Clients want people who can evidence delivering results, not just talk about them. And always talk about what YOU did, not we.
DO NOT rely on AI for the answers, especially if doing ‘live’ on a video call. Interviewers can spot pre-rehearsred AI derived answers a mile off. And will run a mile!
Show You Fit
The savings and lending sector is personal—homeownership, financial security, people’s life savings. Show empathy, ethics, and alignment with the company’s values. They’re hiring a teammate, not just a CV.
Ask Smart Questions
Go beyond “What’s the culture like?” Instead:
- “When you launched [Product], what challenges came up?”
- “Where’s the biggest growth opportunity in the next 2–3 years?”
Nail the Practicalities
Rehearse—but stay flexible. Be able to explain technical topics simply. Dress for the culture, double-check travel or tech setups, ask them where is best to park. Treat the interview as a two-way exchange, you are there to assess if they are right for you too.
But if you show you’ve done your research, understand the market, ask intelligent questions, are solution focussed and show that you really want their role in their business, then with some perseverance you will find that perfect next role.