Preparation is the key when a job interview requires intensive attention to detail. The interview process for an executive-level position is much more thorough than entry-level or mid-level in which both levels focus more on your ability to complete a task or responsibility.
On the other hand, an executive interview directs attention to your leadership skills and how you might be a good fit for a company’s culture. Do you have the ability to contribute to a company or organisation as a whole?
Therefore, it is essential to prepare for an executive-level interview before undergoing evaluation and scrutiny.
5 Tips to Prepare You for an Executive-level Interview
1. Research the company
Learn about the company as well as its people – the current executives. Look at the company’s website, any updates on their social media platforms, and any statistics and revenue numbers. The more you know about the company, the more competent you prove to be to the people interviewing you.
2. Prepare for the interview questions
Being prepared for questions that you may encounter during your executive interview will help you boost your confidence. The following are common questions that will be asked during your executive interview.
- How would you describe your management style?
- Why are you interested in our company?
- What do you think makes you a good fit for this position?
- What is the first thing you would do if hired?
- What’s your communication style?
- What is your strategy for increasing company revenue?
- How would you react to your employees for wins and losses?
- How would you sell an idea?
- What would you do to help improve workplace culture?
- What are the best strategies you use to motivate a team?
3. Share your experience(s)
You can talk about the number of projects or the number of people you managed previously. Have a few interesting stories that emphasise your critical skills. But practice well and build the confidence you need to relay these experiences. Use the STAR interview response technique to share anecdotes without getting too wordy.
4. Don’t hesitate to ask questions
Come prepared with a few specific questions to ask at the end of the interview that showcases your interest in the position and helps you decide if it is the right fit for you.
5. Dress the part
Bear in mind that executives are of much higher standards than entry-level or lower-level employees. Whether it is a virtual interview or a face-to-face one, you should be well-dressed and well-groomed. Dressing up as a professional can convey your understanding of the standards and expectations of the company.
Things to avoid doing in an executive-level interview:
- Dressing inappropriately and neglecting hygiene
- Getting to the interview late or too early
- Eating or drinking during the interview
- Checking your phone
- Knowing nothing about the job or company
- Lying on your resume
- Rambling and talking too much
- Losing focus during the interview
- Speaking negatively about past jobs
- Lacking enthusiasm or acting rudely
- Forgetting your resume
- Discussing personal topics
- Displaying negative body language
- Posting on social media
To sum it all up, preparation beforehand and appropriate demeanour during the interview are significant to achieving the most positive interviewing experience possible. You and the interviewer must engage in a meaningful conversation, exchanging information and ideas. Only by such a dialogue can you and the interviewer can determine if you, the organisation, and the job are well-matched.
Again, preparation is the key.