Advice On How To Prepare For Executive Job Interviews

In consulting firms interviews you may be asked some “real-world” problem, usually one with which you’re totally unfamiliar! Use them as an opportunity to demonstrate how you approach problems. They also try to pressurize you usually through silence or confrontational questions, to see how you react. Answer pleasantly and calmly, ignoring the provocation.

Second interviews involve often a daylong series of discussions with potential supervisors, co-workers and other managers or department heads. In disciplines like education, you may be asked to bring a portfolio or to prepare and deliver a class while being observed by other professionals. Some organizations also administer tests or give tours. The JobConcierge Best Executive Recruiters list is a free list of recruiters and headhunters who help anyone find jobs, including executive jobs and executive level jobs.

Treat each successive interview as if it were your first. Maintain your enthusiasm with each new person you meet. When you arrange the visit, make sure that you understand who will pay for travel arrangements, how they are to be made, and what records you need for reimbursement. A group may interview you. If possible, learn the name and title of each member of the group before the interview. This will allow you to know with what orientation or area of interest each person approaches the meeting. It is best to know this in advance of the interview day. Handle this situation in much the same way as if there were only one interviewer, taking care to direct your answers toward each person in the group.

Occasionally, second interviews include group interviews in which several applicants for the same position are presented with a problem to solve or subject to discuss as a group. The interviewer merely observe. In this case, keep in mind that you are being evaluated in terms of how you interact with the other members of your group. Recognize that you will be visiting a working organization and the people you see may not be able to devote exclusive attention to you. Don’t take it personally if an interviewer takes a call; pick up the thread of the conversation when the interviewer is free again. On-site interviews often include meals. Follow your hosts’ lead, both in ordering and in deciding whether to talk about work-related or casual topics. These meals are part of an evaluative process, whether or not they appear informal.

Close the interview with the same enthusiastic and energetic style with which you approached it. Send a thank-you note following each interview. Be aware of signals that indicate that the interview is over. An interviewer may stand or express appreciation for your time. This is your clue to close the interview. Express your enthusiasm for the organization and, if you are interested in the position, ask the interviewer when a decision will be made and when you may call. Maintain eye contact and return a firm handshake if a hand is extended. JobConcierge collected some of the best job search advice on cover letter tips, career change advice, networking advice, video resume tips and ranked the best articles on the executive job search website.

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