You’ve got the skills and the experience, but can you get the job? Don’t let your years of experience fool you into thinking you don’t need to prepare for the interview! Here are ten ways to ace your next executive level interview:
DO: Research Hard
Everyone knows that research is important before a job interview, but not everyone dives deep into a company’s past. Showing passion for the position will not only put you in the right state of mind for the interview, but will also show the team that you’re already dedicated to the mission. The more you learn, the more comfortable you will be with the team, and the more impressed they will be.
DON’T: Get Defensive
As an executive-level candidate, this interview is going to test you. You have researched the company, well they’ve researched you, as well. Here’s the thing, though: everyone has flaws – you just need to represent yours well. Stay positive, take responsibility for your past, and use this time to show off how well you’ve recovered from any past situations that may be brought up.
DO: Ask Questions
Interviews aren’t just a one-way street. At this point in your career you have the experience, so don’t just leave your future challenges up to chance. Asking questions will allow you to learn about your potential future with the company and will also give the recruiters a chance to give you the inside scoop.
DON’T: Dwell on Past Break-Ups
Maybe your job was boring or you couldn’t stand your boss, but that’s not what a company wants to hear about why you chose to leave a role. Make sure to highlight the positives and explain why you’re choosing to pursue a new position. Is it a step further in your career? Is it more challenging? Be more excited for the future than frustrated with the past.
DO: Know your Greatest Weakness
The question everyone loves to hate: “What’s your greatest weakness?” By “greatest,” they truly mean greatest. In this situation, the company is looking for self-awareness – are you aware that you have room to improve? If so, tell them about it! And please don’t tell them that you don’t have any weaknesses or something like “my greatest weakness is that I have no weaknesses”.
DON’T: Be Afraid to Ask About the Team
Leadership isn’t always easy. Ask about the current challenges within the company and use this as an opportunity to describe how you would attempt to solve those problems if hired. Learning more about the history of the role will help you determine if this is the best next step for your career.
DO: Offer your Skills
When going into detail about your experience, make sure to emphasize how your experience could align with the company’s goals for this position. Focus on how you can help them, not just what they can offer you. Don’t forget – you’re interviewing them, too!
DON’T: Recite your Experience
When asked to tell an interviewer about yourself, don’t just recite your memorized resume. Sure, you will need to cover some highpoints, but at the same time, you don’t need to tell all. Focus only on important accomplishments and, since you’ve done your research, what will be most interesting to those at the company.
DO: Keep it Real
You’ve made it this far – now is your time to shine! The recruiters already know the team you’ll be leading, but this is your chance to see if there is a culture fit. Make sure to keep it real so they can see if your personality would be a good fit for the team and vice versa.
DON’T: Forget a Good Closing
When all is said and done, don’t forget to reiterate your interest in the position and thank the team for their time. It is also important to send a thank you email within the next business day. Take notes during your interview and mention some of the positive takeaways in your letter. Don’t let a weak closing cut your interview process short.
Regardless of your experience and accomplishments, showing up to an interview unprepared can often lead the hiring manager to view you as disorganized or uninterested. Follow these ten tips for acing your executive level interview and you’ll present an image that’s sure to impress.
