Tips for your Next Interview

Before the Interview: Strategic Preparation

1. Research the Company Thoroughly

Understand the company’s mission, vision, and values.
Familiarize yourself with the industry landscape, competitors, and current challenges.
Analyze recent press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and key news stories.
Review leadership bios—especially of those you may meet.
Understand the company’s culture (Glassdoor, LinkedIn posts, employee testimonials).

2. Understand the Role Inside and Out

Analyze the job description line by line.
Identify the key responsibilities and success metrics.
Prepare examples that demonstrate how your experience aligns with each requirement.
Think about strategic contributions you could make in the first 90 days.

3. Know Your Resume Cold

Be ready to speak in detail about every bullet point.
Prepare quantified achievements (use numbers, percentages, growth metrics).
Anticipate questions about career gaps, transitions, or job changes.

If Necessary...

4. Master the STAR Method for Behavioral Interviews

Prepare multiple examples using Situation – Task – Action – Result.
Focus on leadership, conflict resolution, change management, and decision-making.
Practice delivering them succinctly and clearly, but with impact.

5. Craft Your Executive Narrative

Prepare a short, compelling career story (2–3 minutes).
Highlight your professional evolution, leadership style, and unique value proposition.
Tailor your story to the company’s needs and the role’s scope.

6. Prepare for Executive-Level Questions
Expect and rehearse responses for questions like:

What’s your leadership philosophy?
Tell me about a time you failed — what did you learn?
How do you build high-performing teams?
How do you measure success?
What’s your approach to managing change or transformation?

During the Interview: Performance and Presence

1. Dress the Part

Choose attire that matches the company’s corporate culture (executive formal unless you know otherwise).
Ensure grooming, accessories, and shoes are polished and professional.

2. Own the First Impression

Arrive early or be ready 10–15 minutes before a virtual interview.
Offer a firm, confident handshake and maintain good eye contact.
Begin with a confident greeting and express appreciation for the opportunity.

3. Show Executive Presence

Speak with clarity, control, and confidence.
Maintain good posture, calm demeanor, and measured pace.
Avoid filler words. Pause and think when needed—it shows thoughtfulness.

4. Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Focus on the bigger picture, long-term vision, and business outcomes.
Reference KPIs, ROI, stakeholder management, and organizational impact.
Ask insightful questions about the company’s challenges and growth plans.

5. Communicate Value, Not Just Skills

Translate experience into business impact.
Show how you’ve solved complex problems, not just completed tasks.
Frame answers around how you’ll drive results in their organization.

After the Interview: Follow-up and Reflection

1. Send a Tailored Thank-You Note

Within 24 hours, email a personalized, well-written thank-you to each interviewer.
Reference something specific from the conversation.
Reaffirm your interest and how you can deliver value.

2. Debrief and Reflect

Write down the questions asked, your answers, and how you felt you performed.
Evaluate what went well and what could improve.
If it’s a multi-round process, use this to sharpen your responses for future rounds.

3. Stay Engaged Professionally

Connect with interviewers on LinkedIn (if appropriate).
Continue engaging with the company’s content, press, or community.

Bonus Tips: Executive-Level Edge

Bring a 30-60-90 Day Plan (if appropriate for the role).
Prepare a portfolio or case study if relevant to your field (e.g., marketing, product, transformation).
Ask forward-thinking questions like:
- How does this role contribute to the company’s long-term strategy?
- What are the biggest opportunities for innovation in this department?
Anticipate panel or multi-stage interviews
Practice adapting your message to different stakeholders (HR, CFO, board, etc.).

Tips for your Next Interview

Before the Interview: Strategic Preparation

1. Research the Company Thoroughly

Understand the company’s mission, vision, and values.

Familiarize yourself with the industry landscape, competitors, and current challenges.

Analyze recent press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and key news stories.

Review leadership bios—especially of those you may meet.

Understand the company’s culture (Glassdoor, LinkedIn posts, employee testimonials).

2. Understand the Role Inside and Out

Analyze the job description line by line.

Identify the key responsibilities and success metrics.

Prepare examples that demonstrate how your experience aligns with each requirement.

Think about strategic contributions you could make in the first 90 days.

3. Know Your Resume Cold

Be ready to speak in detail about every bullet point.​

Prepare quantified achievements (use numbers, percentages, growth metrics).

Anticipate questions about career gaps, transitions, or job changes.

​

If Necessary...

4. Master the STAR Method for Behavioral Interviews

Prepare multiple examples using Situation – Task – Action – Result.

Focus on leadership, conflict resolution, change management, and decision-making.

Practice delivering them succinctly and clearly, but with impact.

5. Craft Your Executive Narrative

Prepare a short, compelling career story (2–3 minutes).

Highlight your professional evolution, leadership style, and unique value proposition.

Tailor your story to the company’s needs and the role’s scope.

6. Prepare for Executive-Level Questions Expect and rehearse responses for questions like:

What’s your leadership philosophy?

Tell me about a time you failed — what did you learn?

How do you build high-performing teams?

How do you measure success?

What’s your approach to managing change or transformation?

During the Interview: Performance and Presence

1. Dress the Part

Choose attire that matches the company’s corporate culture (executive formal unless you know otherwise).

Ensure grooming, accessories, and shoes are polished and professional.

2. Own the First Impression

Arrive early or be ready 10–15 minutes before a virtual interview.​

Offer a firm, confident handshake and maintain good eye contact.

Begin with a confident greeting and express appreciation for the opportunity.

3. Show Executive Presence

Speak with clarity, control, and confidence.​

Maintain good posture, calm demeanor, and measured pace.

Avoid filler words. Pause and think when needed—it shows thoughtfulness.

4. Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Focus on the bigger picture, long-term vision, and business outcomes.​

Reference KPIs, ROI, stakeholder management, and organizational impact.

Ask insightful questions about the company’s challenges and growth plans.

5. Communicate Value, Not Just Skills

Translate experience into business impact.

Show how you’ve solved complex problems, not just completed tasks.

Frame answers around how you’ll drive results in their organization.

After the Interview: Follow-up and Reflection

1. Send a Tailored Thank-You Note

Within 24 hours, email a personalized, well-written thank-you to each interviewer.​

Reference something specific from the conversation.

Reaffirm your interest and how you can deliver value.

2. Debrief and Reflect

Write down the questions asked, your answers, and how you felt you performed.

Evaluate what went well and what could improve.

If it’s a multi-round process, use this to sharpen your responses for future rounds.

3. Stay Engaged Professionally

Connect with interviewers on LinkedIn (if appropriate).

Continue engaging with the company’s content, press, or community.

Bonus Tips: Executive-Level Edge

Be ready to speak in detail about every bullet point.

6. Prepare for Executive-Level Questions
Expect and rehearse responses for questions like:

Arrive early or be ready 10–15 minutes before a virtual interview.

Speak with clarity, control, and confidence.

Focus on the bigger picture, long-term vision, and business outcomes.

Within 24 hours, email a personalized, well-written thank-you to each interviewer.