If you’re an executive job seeker, you know that the competition can be stiff. In order to land the gig, you’re going to have to stand out from the pack—and that starts with nailing the interview. Here are a few tips to help you do just that.
Do Your Research
Before you even step foot in the door, it’s important that you do your research on the company. Read up on their history, their mission and values, and any recent news or articles about them. This will not only help you prepare for questions about the company, but it will also allow you to better position yourself as a good fit for the organization. Study the background of the person you are interviewing with. Sometimes you can score more points by being impressed rather than seeking to impress.
Focus on Your successes
When asked about your accomplishments, it can be tempting to deflect and downplay your successes. However, this is your time to shine! Be confident and proud of your accomplishments, and share concrete examples of how you made a positive impact in your previous roles. This is also a good opportunity to highlight any unique skills or experience that you have that make you the perfect candidate for the job.
Be prepared to answer tough questions
Executives are expected to be able to think on their feet and handle difficult situations. As such, you can expect your interviewer to ask some tough questions. Instead of getting flustered, take a deep breath and use the S-T-A-R method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This will help you organize your thoughts and give a clear, concise answer that highlights your problem-solving skills.
Conclusion:
While acing an executive interview may seem like a daunting task, it’s definitely doable with some preparation and practice. By following these tips, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.