Top Tips - Interviews

Tips from an Interviewee

We thought it’d also be helpful to hear from some recent interviewees! Courtney and Kate started at the Cumberland in 2022/23 and have a few bits of wisdom that they’ve gleamed from their own interview experiences.

Courtney Larkin - Training & Engagement Coordinator

How did you hear about the job at the Cumberland?

A friend of mine worked at the Cumberland and loved her job. She told me that the role was open, so I decided to go for it!

How did you feel on the day of your interview?

I won’t lie, I was quite daunted! I’d never worked in financial services before, so I still had quite a stereotypical concept of the working environment. I imagined that it would be very formal and serious. I wondered whether I would fit in.

So how did the interview go?

Really well! All of the stereotypes I had about financial services evaporated when I was greeted by my interviewers. They were really friendly and put me at ease. It felt more like an friendly chat rather than an interrogation.

What advice would you give for someone interviewing for a job at the Cumberland?

A lot of my interview questions were scenario-based. I’d make sure to research the job closely. Look at the job description and person specification, and come prepared with examples of how you’ve demonstrated the qualities you find there.

Kate Timmins - Customer Care Trainee

How did you hear about the job at the Cumberland?

I heard about the job from a family friend who worked in branch at the time. I love interacting with people, so working in customer care seemed like a good fit!

How did you feel on the day of your interview?

I had two interviews, the first on the phone and the second in person. I was more nervous about the in-person interview, as I hadn’t had much experience of this before.

So how did the interviews go?

For the telephone interview, I had to do a role play to test my telephone manner with customers. My interviewer was pleased with this, so I was invited for the second interview. The interviewing panel were really friendly, and the experience helped me get a sense of what the job would be like. I was offered the job and gladly accepted!

What advice would you give for someone interviewing for a job at the Cumberland?

Go for it! I even advised my Auntie to apply for a role recently! Everyone’s so willing to help and there really is no such thing as a stupid question here. Ultimately, it’s a team of genuine and real people, so just be yourself!