We asked executive candidates what questions the companies they interviewed with SHOULD have asked. Heres what they told us.
You can learn a lot from a resume. But what you really want to know from an executive interview is how the candidate will perform in YOUR organization. Your interview questions for executive candidates, therefore, should lead the candidate into a discussion that reveals more about the person, leadership abilities and cultural fit.
What questions are those? We took advice from some of the executive candidates we’ve placed through the years to develop a list of questions a prospective employer SHOULD be asking. Because the resume and references give you insight into job qualifications and career history. But you also need to know what type of leader you’re getting, too.
EXECUTIVE Interview Questions and Answers! (How to PASS an Executive-Level Job Interview!)
Mention what are the key responsibilities of a manager?The key responsibilities of a manager are,
Mention what is the first thing you would do if hired?I would go through company existing process, then I will analyze & initiate to add my skills to ongoing project to meet the client requirement with 100% accuracy.
What will happen in an executive-level job interview?
You will likely meet a panel of high executives from the company. Or, in some other cases, you will shake your hand with the head of the HR department, or with the CEO. One way or another, you cannot expect to meet some HR Generalists or external recruiters at this point.
Before you get a chance to talk to these people, however, you will have to pass several rounds of interviews. Typically a screening interview (over the phone, with an HR manager or HR generalist, or agency recruiter), a face to face interview (they will ask you mostly easier behavioral questions at this stage). If you haven’t passed them yet, refer to respective articles on our website. If you have passed them already, let’s have a look at 15 questions you may face in your interview with the decision makers.
The majority of interview questions will focus on experiences from your past, but at the executive level, interview questions are more than likely to go beyond that level of difficulty. By asking non-traditional interview questions, hiring executives and search consultants can find out how you will perform in the position, uncover your problem-solving skills, see how you react to unpredictable circumstances, and numerous other traits that could make you successful or unsuccessful in the role.
This question can be difficult for interviewees at all levels, but that’s what makes it a great question from the interviewer’s perspective. Rather than focusing on all the things you may not be as good at, you should choose one weakness or failed project and explain a situation where you’ve improved or overcame that weakness or project (again a CAR story could be very effective here).
This question should be answered using two or three attributes or skills that are relevant to the position for which you’re interviewing. It’s important to cite evidence of these strengths through CAR stories and by citing reviews or observations coworkers or superiors have made about your performance. Otherwise, it will seem like you’re simply bragging.
As one of the most common interview questions, it is probable that you will be asked this during at least one interview in the hiring process. By asking this question, interviewers are looking to see how you adapt and what things you decide to focus on while talking about yourself. The best way to answer this question is by summarizing your career thus far (highlighting key achievements that relate to the role you’re interviewing for) and where you see your career going in the future (reiterating why you think working for this company fits your future goals).
This question helps the interviewer find out how much you know about the company. It also gives them some insight into what kinds of strategies you would focus on if you were to be hired for the position. Don’t worry about being overly detailed when answering this question. The interviewer will be looking to see how much you know about the company, your thought process, attitude, and priorities.
FAQ
How do you answer executive interview question?
How do I prepare for an executive interview?
- Do your research. …
- Study and prepare for executive-level interview questions. …
- Ask questions. …
- Prepare open-ended questions. …
- Dress appropriately. …
- Deliver your introduction with confidence. …
- Talk about your past experience. …
- Begin and end your interview professionally.
How do you ace an interview for an executive position?
- Do Your Due Diligence. Do your research beforehand. …
- Ask for a Prep Call. …
- Have Examples Prepared. …
- Don’t Try to Take Control. …
- Be Candid. …
- Do the Little Things. …
- Close Like a Pro.
How do you sell yourself in an executive interview?
- Look the part. Many hiring managers will form their first impression of you based on what you’re wearing. …
- Tailor your elevator pitch. …
- Prepare meaningful anecdotes. …
- Ask unique questions. …
- Always quantify your achievements. …
- Say the right things.
