Even as top-level executives have extensive skills and experience, it is easy for them to find interviews daunting. Being on top accolades means that employer expectations will be high. Moreover, you can expect the interview process to be much more intense and intricate as the potential employer will look for value for money. While the meet-up will be challenging, you need to follow the same goal as a lower-level jobseeker. Everything boils down to convincing the interviewer that you are the perfect candidate for this job.
However, it is often easier said than done for executives because competition for these professions is daunting, and employers have high standards. But solid preparation gives you better chances of acing an interview, so you must go the extra mile even if you feel confident about your skills and experience. You have to prepare beyond showcasing your strengths, and overconfidence can be a killer. Here are some tips that can help you breeze through the interview process.
Start by doing your due diligence
When you have been around in the industry for decades, it is easy to have that know-it-all attitude. Unfortunately, it can land you in deep trouble if you appear for the interview without due diligence. You must do your research beforehand and check all bits of information you can get about the employer. Start by spending time on the company’s website, look around for recent news articles and headlines, and check social profiles of the company. Apart from paying attention to statistics, have a closer look at their brand messaging and tone. You can make a great first impression by replicating the tone in your communication. It shows that you have gone the extra mile to know the potential employer.
A prep call gives you a good start
A pre-interview prep call gives you a good start as you can get valuable information and insights on the company. It is a common practice as executive recruiters spend time and effort on knowing the clients and pass on the facts to the candidates. The objective for them is to maximize the chances of closing the position. Prep calls are equally valuable for the candidates as they make you more confident and better prepared. You can expect it to take only a few minutes, but you will have a lot of information to help you breeze through the face-to-face interaction with the employer.
Invest in coaching
Taking up coaching at this stage of your career may sound weird, but it can make all the difference to your chances of making it through an executive-level interview. It ensures that you don’t miss out on preparation only because of busy schedules or overconfidence. An interview coaching program for executives offers practical tips and techniques to brush up your skills and give your best at the meeting. You may be great at interacting with people, but you have to compete for a job, and there will be competitors who are as good as you. A coaching program gives you an edge and makes you stand apart.
Be prepared with real-life examples
While a coaching program gives you a good foundation for interview preparation, you must invest time in gathering real-life examples. Potential employers look for specific examples of the situations where you demonstrated your skills and capabilities in real-world roles. Compile a list of your achievements and challenges during your professional life so that you have plenty of examples to share with the interviewer for validating your abilities. For example, you may speak about getting back a lost client for your organization or motivating a team to complete a project before a tight deadline.
Little things make a difference
When you have years of experience under your belt, it gets harder to pay attention to details. But small things can make a difference when you interact with a potential employer. For example, arriving a few minutes early will make a good impression because it isn’t something people expect from top-level executives. Dress for the part because the interviewer will expect you to appear a certain way. Preparing a list of insightful questions to ask from the recruiter is also a good idea because it will show your interest in the position. Just going the extra mile can set you apart from the others and boost your chances of success.
Don’t try to take control
Your position and confidence are likely to push you in the driving seat, and you may try to control the interview. Even if you do it unintentionally, the attitude can go against you in the end. Control shows overconfidence, which isn’t the best thing to showcase when you meet a potential employer. You may be the best, but it is vital to follow the lead when you are in an interview. Let the interviewer drive the discussion, and you can ask questions only when they permit you explicitly. Listen to each question carefully and answer them precisely and concisely. You may know a lot more than what the interviewer is asking, but it is better to save things for later when you join the organization.
Close the discussion like a pro
While you have to do well throughout the interview, closing it well matters the most. It is even more crucial when you are in a top-level role because it indicates how good you are. Show genuine interest in the position because it works as a positive factor for the potential employer. You can ask them about the subsequent steps of the process for closing the position. Email a thank-you letter to the interviewer and follow up within a couple of days to emphasize your interest in working for the organization.
Acing an executive-level interview can take a lot of work and a balanced approach, but you can still do it. Just make sure that you prepare yourself enough to answer all questions judiciously. Remember that the line between confidence and arrogance is a thin one, so you must always stay on the right side. Follow these tips, and you will emerge as a winner.
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