Executive Interview Workbook 2.0

By Jeanna Gilreath Lynch

In this comprehensive guide, dive into the intricacies of executive interviews and elevate your career trajectory. Whether you are aiming for a C-suite position or climbing the corporate ladder, this workbook equips you with the strategies, insights, and confidence needed to ace any executive interview.

 

Inside you will find: Expert Advice: Learn from a successful career coach who has 'been there and done that". Interactive Exercises: Put your skills to the test with tailored questions and answers to hone your skills. Questions with Answers: You will be provided samples questions with the responses you can customize to your owns situation. Whether you are a seasoned executive looking to make your next career move or aspiring leader aiming for that dream role, this workbook is the exact resource you need.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanna Gilreath Lynch
• Release date: Jun 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227833891

Book preview

How to use this book

Thank you so much for choosing to use our interview guide.  Since you are reading this, we know you are on your way to a significant career change.  You have come to the right place.  Preparation is the key to excellence when it comes to interviewing.

This book will provide lists, ideas, and answers to some of the most challenging questions you will receive.  We have also provided workbook pages for you to capture ‘your story’.  If you add your stories, this book's ideas and information will work in almost any interview.

Best of luck in your new endeavours.

Chapter One

How to prepare for an executive-level interview

Preparing for an executive-level interview requires a strategic approach. Here are some steps to help you prepare effectively:

Research the Company: Understand the company's history, culture, values, recent news, and industry trends. Look into their financial performance, key competitors, and market position.

Understand the Role: Review the job description thoroughly. Identify the key responsibilities, required skills, and expectations for the role. Think about how your experience and skills align with these requirements.

Know Your Resume: Be ready to discuss your work experience, accomplishments, and key projects in detail. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business outcomes.

Prepare Your Story: Craft compelling stories that showcase your leadership style, decision-making abilities, team management skills, and how you've driven results in previous roles. Structure your examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Have 6-8 stories in your back pocket at all times.

Practice Behavioral Interview Questions: Expect questions about your leadership style, how you handle challenges, your approach to decision-making, conflict resolution, and managing teams. Practice articulating your responses clearly and concisely.

Stay Updated on Industry Trends: Be prepared to discuss industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Show that you are well-informed and can contribute strategic insights to the organization.

Prepare Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers. This demonstrates your interest in the role and company while also helping you gather vital information to make an informed decision if an offer is extended.

Dress and Behave Professionally: Dress in professional attire appropriate for the industry and company culture. Arrive on time, maintain good posture, make eye contact, and exhibit confidence during the interview.  Even if the interview is conducted via video conference, dress your best. 

Mock Interviews: Consider conducting mock interviews with a mentor, friend, or career coach. This can help you practice your responses, receive feedback, and gain confidence before the actual interview.

Follow-Up: Send a thank-you email or note after the interview, expressing appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the role. Use this as another chance to highlight your qualifications and fit for the position.

Opening Statement

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for [position]. I'm genuinely excited about the possibility of contributing to [company] and leveraging my skills to [specific goal or task mentioned during the interview]. I appreciate the chance to discuss how my experiences align with the role's needs. I'm confident that my passion and dedication make me a strong fit for the team. I look forward to the possibility of working together and am eager to hear about the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

When delivering opening remarks for an executive position interview, conveying confidence, professionalism, and a genuine interest in the role is crucial. Here's a template you can use as a starting point:

In my career journey, I have had the privilege of [briefly mention one or two key achievements or experiences relevant to the role]. These experiences have shaped my professional growth and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the values that [Company Name] upholds.

As I've researched and learned more about [Company Name], I've been impressed by [specific aspects of the company, such as its innovative approach, commitment to excellence, or impact on the industry]. It is evident that [Company Name] is not just a workplace but a community that values [specific values or qualities].

I believe that my background in [mention relevant industry or expertise], combined with my leadership experiences at [previous companies or roles], positions me well to contribute to the continued success and growth of [Company Name]. I am excited about the prospect of leveraging my skills to drive [specific initiatives or goals mentioned in the job description].

During our discussion today, I am eager to delve deeper into how my skills align with the needs of [Company Name]. I am also keen to learn more about the team dynamics, the company culture, and the exciting projects in the pipeline.

Thank you once again for considering my application. I look forward to our conversation and the possibility of contributing to the continued success of [Company Name].

NOTES:

Avoid negative comments about previous employers or colleagues.

Focus on positive outcomes and what you've learned from challenges.

Showcase your ability to think strategically and make decisions that align with long-term goals.

Discuss instances where you've successfully navigated complex situations.

Articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.

Practice active listening and ensure your responses address the question at hand.

Project confidence, professionalism, and authenticity.

Pay attention to body language and non-verbal cues.

Stay informed about current events and their impact on