Final stage, what to expect?

[youwhut]

Now then,

I am on the cusp of landing that dream contract. I have been through telephone, face to face and technical test. Now it is a final stage with a very senior person and HR type. The company is a bigg'n in the finance sector in London.

I am only asking these questions because I have never been through this process before. All of my previous contracts have been sorted over the phone.

What should I expect? What do I need to prepare for?

Thanks.

[northernladuk]

Done deal and out of your hands by this phase IMO. The only thing you can do is F it up by staring at the HR ladies t1ts... or not doing...

It is a face fits situation now. Be polite and professional is the best you can do.

[malvolio]

Now then,

I am on the cusp of landing that dream contract. I have been through telephone, face to face and technical test. Now it is a final stage with a very senior person and HR type. The company is a bigg'n in the finance sector in London.

I am only asking these questions because I have never been through this process before. All of my previous contracts have been sorted over the phone.

What should I expect? What do I need to prepare for?

Thanks.

Be smart, be yourself, be confident. If they didn't think you were any good you wouldn't be there. You're a professional who knows their trade, so don't be overawed, they still put their trousers on one leg at a time. HR will ask stupid questions that are nothing to do with freelancing, but don't take the bait. Management will probably have made his mind up in the first 20 seconds (seriously!) so how you walk in the door is important.

As for questions, the management will be looking at how you fit into a team, how you treat deadlines and changing priorities, how you are going to make his life easier. Don't be afraid to ask questions or suggest alternate approaches since he'll expect you to defend your position. He's not your boss (yet) and he has to sell the job to you every bit as much as you have to sell yourself to him. Make sure you've read up on the company and their website, the role, the job description, anything that puts the whole thing into context.

It's an interview, not the end of the world. Don't get keyed up about how big it is, that will only make you nervous and that's not where you want to be. Don't be late, even if you're sat on a park bench for 30 minutes, or you'll only wind yourself up and underperform. And don't have a coffee beforehand, stick to water.

And smile and relax. It's easy. It's what you do.

[youwhut]

@northernladuk

I had a feeling it was like that but did not want to be too relaxed about the whole thing. I will still do a bit a good amount of prep.

Must admit, I am buzzing about the whole thing. Worked my arse off the past few years to get this kind of work.

Nice one.

[youwhut]

@malvolio

Yep, thank you for all of that. You have reminded me to prepare a few decent questions so I will get on to that.

[malvolio]

@malvolio

Yep, thank you for all of that. You have reminded me to prepare a few decent questions so I will get on to that.

Forgot to mention, be prepared for a question about your best success and your worst failure...

[Antman]

I honestly wouldn't know what to advise. Sometimes I feel going through the whole selection process is a bit like pulling birds (in a previous life now). Mixing my metaphors now, if you get a bite, you don't really know what it is they like about you as opposed to the others.

Best advice, is get there on time, firm handshake and a big smile, I reckon they'll have made up their minds by that point.

HTH

[Scrag Meister]

Best advice, is get there on time, firm handshake and a big smile, I reckon they'll have made up their minds by that point.

HTH

WAMS

Smart.
Punctual.
Firm handshake, limp wristed just doesn't cut it.
Confidence.
Know your stuff.
Know their stuff.


GL

[nomadd]

Now it is a final stage with a very senior person and HR type. The company is a bigg'n in the finance sector in London.

I'd say half my contracts in the last 20-odd years have been with "bigg'n's in the finance sector in London". Never once had an HR interview.

I be prepared for the "Now, let's talk about your transition to permanent..." talk. And the rejection when you say, "Well, I'd prefer to stay contract for the foreseeable future.."

Then again, might just be a formality.

Nomadd

[Jeebo72]

I'd say half my contracts in the last 20-odd years have been with "bigg'n's in the finance sector in London". Never once had an HR interview.

I be prepared for the "Now, let's talk about your transition to permanent..." talk. And the rejection when you say, "Well, I'd prefer to stay contract for the foreseeable future.."

Then again, might just be a formality.

Nomadd

Yip, and never seen an HR person either. The only time I did this was as a graduate. Hiring manager said I was in, HR said no way. And he had no choice in the matter! Was at IBM. Beware of HR I say!