Going for senior-level interviews can be quite a daunting task. In our current world, talking only about your experience in an interview for leadership roles is no longer ideal. You need to back the experience up with a whole lot of other credibilities such as your leadership skills, management style, and prove your words.
How can you prepare for the interview if the right opportunity arises?
CHECK AND UPDATE YOUR SKILLS
For one to get an interview for a senior-level position, he must have been one of the top candidates. How does one become a top candidate for a particular post? By having the right skills. As each job requires a certain level of qualification, before you are interviewed for a leadership role, make sure you are a qualified candidate with the necessary qualifications for that position. Are you looking forward to working in a senior-level position? Then, ensure that you are the best candidate now or before the interview. This mainly relates to the development of management skills, conflicts, problem-solving and feedback skills.
DO 100% RESEARCH ON THE COMPANY.
Applicants for all job posts are expected to be informed of all positions related to the company prior to the interview. When it comes to senior-level positions, this research is necessary. Due diligence is needed, not just a glance through the company's website.
Read up on the company, ask questions from a few employees and understand it better. Why work for an organization if you don't know much about it? How happy can you be about the job if you don't know if it fits your personality?
Learn and PRACTICE TO SELL YOURSELF!!
Whether or not you have an outstanding reputation in your industry, you must sell yourself in an interview. Show your interest in the organization and emphasize why you would be the perfect person for this position. Make use of storytelling. As more and more recruiters adopt competency-based interviews, you will undoubtedly be asked to reflect on the experience in your interview. Have some killers up the sleeve that emphasize your core skills, express yourself coherently and use the ERR technique (Example, Result and Retrospective) to answer.
GET READY TO "DIG DEEP"
Employers tend to "dig deep"for a leadership role during an interview. That means asking questions like "tell me when you failed"or "what's your biggest challenge?"And "How do you deal with someone you disagree with?"
This tactic enables managers and employers to review your reactions and determine your confidence. Make sure you prepare well for these questions as your answers can either make or mar your interview. When in doubt, pivot to the requirements of the job. How do you see yourself performing and leading other smart, competent people?
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
An interview is not only about answering questions. You ought to ask questions, especially when interviewing for a senior-level position. When you ask questions during an interview, you can not only decide if the opportunity is right for you, but you can also prove that you are a thoughtful and passionate candidate who deserves the job. Higher-level positions may require deeper problem solving and leadership, even as an individual employee. By answering the questions you ask during the interview, with reflection and insight, you can tell the interviewer that you have everything you need to function at the expected level.
Expect to spend several hours of in-depth research on the target company and its competitors. Remember that networking is more important than ever as it provides behind-the-scenes information and potentially open access to unpublished leadership positions. Prepare to answer difficult questions about your professional career and personal values. Learn about your leadership style and give examples to help the interviewers make the right decision.
Finally, remember that these tips are useful for professionals at all levels of careers - especially those who are developing beyond their current position. Preparing for leadership intelligence lasts a lifetime, and it's never too early to learn more about your leadership style and storytelling. If the opportunity arises, you will be glad to make this investment soon!
Do you need some help preparing for an interview? Drop me an email to Impressive CV at info@impressivecv.com