Avoid These 5 Common Interview Mistakes to Land

Why a Strong CV is Non-Negotiable for Finance Professionals in 2025

As a Senior Resourcer at Sharp Consultancy, I’ve reviewed thousands of CVs...From those just starting out to seasoned professionals with decades of experience. One thing remains consistent: in today’s competitive market, a strong CV isn’t optional—it’s essential. Today, South Yorkshire’s finance landscape is more dynamic than ever. With growing demand across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech, accountancy and finance professionals are expected to bring more than just technical skills to the table. Your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re up to the challenge. This blog marks the start of a three-part series focused on helping you craft a standout CV tailored to your career stage and goals. In this first post, we’ll cover general CV tips relevant to all finance professionals. In the next two instalments, we’ll dive deeper into: Transactional Finance CVs – how to highlight your experience in roles such as purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control. Part-Qualified Finance CVs – how to position yourself for progression while studying towards your qualifications. Stay tuned for practical advice and real-world insights to help your CV rise to the top of the pile. 🕒 First Impressions MatterRecruiters and hiring managers typically spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV. That means your CV needs to immediately communicate relevance, professionalism, and potential. A clean layout, clear structure, and tailored content can make the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. 🔍 Specialist Skillsets Are in DemandFinance roles today go far beyond number-crunching. Employers want professionals who understand how finance supports wider business goals. Whether it’s streamlining reporting, implementing new systems, or driving cost efficiencies, your CV should highlight the tangible impact you’ve made. This is your chance to showcase your value-add—what makes you different from the next candidate. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements and make them memorable. 📍 Standing Out in YorkshireYorkshire is home to a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to professional services and digital tech. This diversity creates exciting opportunities—but also fierce competition. To stand out, your CV should reflect sector-specific experience and transferable skills. Whether you’ve worked in a fast-paced SME or a large corporate environment, highlight how your background aligns with the needs of the region’s employers. 📊 Business Acumen is a MustFinance professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to strategic decision-making. Roles in FP&A, commercial finance, and business partnering are on the rise, and employers want candidates who can offer insight—not just information. Your CV should reflect your ability to influence outcomes. Have you helped drive revenue growth? Supported investment decisions? Improved forecasting accuracy? These are the stories that resonate with hiring managers. 📈 Show a Clear Story of ProgressionRecruiters look for signs of growth and development. A strong CV doesn’t just list job titles—it explains the “why” behind each move. Did you step into a leadership role? Take on a new challenge? Gain exposure to a different sector? Even lateral moves can be powerful if they show a deliberate effort to build your skillset. Make sure your CV tells a cohesive story of your career journey. 🔑 Final ThoughtsIn Yorkshire’s fast-moving industries, a sharp, well-crafted CV is your key to unlocking new opportunities. It’s not just about listing experience—it’s about showing impact, adaptability, and commercial value from the very first glance. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, now is the time to invest in your CV. Visit Our Candidate Advice Pages HereLooking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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Interviewing for a new job in finance or accountancy can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether you’re stepping into a Finance Manager role or progressing towards a Financial Director position, many candidates fall at the final hurdle by making avoidable interview mistakes.

At Sharp Consultancy, we specialise in placing finance and accountancy professionals in temporary, interim and permanent positions across Yorkshire and the North of England. Read our expert advice to help you avoid the most common pitfalls and give yourself the best chance of success.

A man interviewing a woman at a table, both focused on a laptop during a job interview.

1. Not Researching Your Potential Employer

“What do you know about our organisation?”

It’s one of the most common interview questions—and one that catches far too many candidates out. Thorough preparation is key.

Before your interview, take time to research your prospective employer using:

Their company website
Annual reports
Recent news articles
Social media platforms

Having a strong understanding of the company’s background, values and latest developments allows you to demonstrate genuine interest and tailor your answers. It also helps you compile thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview—something that always impresses.

2. Not Understanding the Role You’re Applying For

When applying for a role in finance—whether it’s an Assistant Accountant, Financial Controller, or CFO—it’s crucial that you clearly understand the job description.

Discuss the role in detail with your Sharp Consultancy recruitment consultant, who will help you explore:

Key responsibilities
Departmental structure
Reporting lines
Expectations from the hiring manager

Link your relevant skills, qualifications, and experience to what the interviewer is looking for. If anything remains unclear, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification before the interview or during the meeting itself.

3. Focusing Too Much on Your Weaknesses

Everyone has areas for development. If there are parts of the job where you have limited experience, remember: the employer has already seen your CV and chosen to meet with you.

Rather than dwelling on what you can’t do:

Highlight transferable skills

Reference similar projects you’ve been involved in

Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow

Keep your answers positive, confident and constructive.

4. Letting Nerves Get the Better of You

It’s completely natural to feel nervous, even if you’re an experienced finance professional or senior executive.

Minimise anxiety by preparing thoroughly:

Review your CV and career achievements
Practice common finance interview questions
Research the company and the hiring manager

Remind yourself of the value you bring, and frame the interview as an exciting opportunity to showcase your skills and progress your career.

5. Not Taking a Moment Before You Speak

In an effort to impress, some candidates answer questions too quickly, without fully understanding what’s being asked.

To avoid this:

Listen carefully to each question

Pause briefly before answering

Ask for clarification if needed

This shows composure, professionalism and good communication skills—all vital traits in a successful finance professional.

Partner with Sharp Consultancy for Finance & Accountancy Recruitment Success

At Sharp Consultancy, we’ve been helping talented professionals find the right opportunities for over 30 years. Whether you're an ambitious Part-Qualified Accountant or an experienced CFO, our expert consultants are here to support your next career move.

With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, we recruit across Yorkshire and the North of England for a wide range of roles including:

Finance Directors & CFOs
Financial Controllers
Management Accountants
Credit Control & Payroll Specialists
Newly Qualified and Part-Qualified Accountants

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

Avoid These 5 Common Interview Mistakes to Land Your Next Finance Role