Interview Tips
Online Application Form
- Make sure you read the question fully and answer everything that you are asked.
- Take your time when drafting your answers to the questions; really think about what you are being asked and what point you want to get across. One big mistake people make is to cut and paste answers from previously completed application forms its rare that the questions are the same or that the answers would still be relevant.
- Write your answers in a word document first so you can do a spell check and then paste it into the form. This will ensure you dont make any spelling mistakes.
- Ask a friend or family member to read through your form; they may spot something youve missed or have some advice on how to improve your application.
On-line Numerical and Verbal Reasoning Tests (only for the UK Programme)
Please note: Only candidates applying for the UK programme need to complete the numerical and verbal reasoning tests.
These are timed multiple choice tests, designed to measure your numerical and verbal ability.
Verbal reasoning tests: Reading newspapers, manuals, technical reports or academic business journals may help. Practice extracting and summarising the main points from passages of information. There are a few sample questions at the beginning to help you get a feel for the test.
Numerical reasoning tests: If you have not looked at numbers since school, it will be worth brushing up on your numerical skills. Playing with mathematical teasers and diagrammatic puzzles may help you feel more confident with numbers. There will also be a few example questions at the beginning. Take your time with these and if you get them wrong just try to figure out what the right answer is. Dont forget you can use a calculator for this!
The main piece of advice is to read the instructions and questions carefully, keep an eye on the time and work as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Interviews and Assessment Centres
- Make sure you do your research on the Bank, the role and the industry that you are applying for.
- Bring a copy of your application form to the interview so that you can read it through before your interview. Some of the questions may be around what you have written on the form.
- Be prepared for the obvious questions (Why do you want to work here? what are your strengths/weaknesses?). Also, prepare for the interview by thinking about examples of situations that you have been in (when you were challenged, when you dealt with a difficult situation, when you achieved something of particular merit, etc). It may also be a good idea to prepare some questions of your own to ask the interviewers. You should try to get someone to do a mock interview with you.
- When you're asked interview questions you might find it useful to use the Situation, Objective, Action, Result (SOAR) model. Explain what situation you were in, what objective you were trying to achieve, what action you took to achieve your objective and what the result was.
- The assessment centre will include various activities, including group exercise. It is important in a group exercise to be yourself and to act as you would normally. Dont try to be what you think the Bank is looking for just be yourself.
- The most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy yourself. This is your opportunity to show us how great you are and for you to decide if Anglo Irish Bank is the place for you.