How to master an interview with the CEO
We speak to many candidates in senior positions that require a helping hand when it comes to building confidence for a big interview. Whether it be with the CEO alone, an executive panel, or a series of executive interviews.
Luckily there are a number of tips and techniques you can adopt to help you through the process. Read on to find out our five key areas to plan for success.
1. Preparation
You don’t need us to tell you the old 90% planning rule... Confidence building starts with proper planning, in how you present yourself as well as having your questions, answers or presentation prepared. Anticipating any questions or obstacles you may face, and preparing responses, will really help you on the day.2. Research
It goes without saying you’ll research the company. Drill deep – what is its purpose or vision, who are its stakeholders, how has the company performed, what are its goals? Read annual reports, news reports and research social media. And research the people you will interview with – their background, expertise, even hobbies and interests to help you build rapport.3. Who are YOU?
We would only ever put you forward for a role and company that we believe fits your experience, personality and goals. This is important at every level, but arguably more so at the senior end as how you work and what you believe in comes to the fore.On top of your accomplishments, your interviewers will want to know what motivates you, how you stay focussed, how you relax, and, most importantly, what your USP is. What do YOU bring to the organisation that no one else can? Click here to read more about building your personal brand.
4. Questions for you
Refer to point one.... prepare for questions with detailed answers. It helps if you have a few good examples in your arsenal that could meet a variety of criteria. For example: how have you contributed to revenue? How do you measure ROI? What processes have you implemented? How do you manage your team?Be ready to be questioned, debated with, even criticised! At this level dealing with questions, having an opinion and being ready to debate or sell your point of view is expected.
5. Questions for them
It should be unusual to end any interview without questions – they show your commitment to the role and company. At this level ensure you have the big items nailed – what will your budget be? What is the size of your team currently? Is there room for this to grow if required? What skills are covered within the department? What is the Board’s view of the incumbent department leader and team? You will also want to establish what the company’s goals are and how you can contribute them. Remember an interview is a two-way street, and when seeking a senior role both sides want genuine alignment.Find out how to develop your personal brand here.
Read our seven tips for presenting yourself to the Board here.
View our latest jobs here.
Sign up for more insights
Related jobs
Salary
£45000 - £50000 per annum + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Fixed Term Contract
Discipline
Design
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Senior Graphic Designer - 6-month FTC
Reference
RPML_1715975159
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
Negotiable
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Social Media
Seniority
Specialist
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
FMCG & Consumer Services
City
London
Description
Working for a leading health and wellness company this role will see you working fully remotely and joining their existing marketing team.
Reference
PR/132497_1715960506
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Rebekah CrampAuthor
Rebekah CrampSalary
£50000 - £62000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Marketing (general)
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£60,000 - £79,000
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Marketing Manager - B2C Financial Services
Reference
RPTR_1715783271
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£80000 - £90000 per annum
Location
Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Digital Marketing
Seniority
Director/Chief
Salary
£80,000 - £99,999
Sector
Events & Hospitality
City
Yorkshire and Humberside
Description
Digital Sales and Marketing Director for a leading Tourist Attraction and Entertainment Destination in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Reference
PR/132492_1715773235
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£80000 - £90000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Digital Marketing
Seniority
Director/Chief
Salary
£80,000 - £99,999
Sector
Events & Hospitality
City
London
Description
Digital Sales and Marketing Director for a leading Tourist Attraction and Entertainment Destination in Doncaster, South Yorkshire - Relocation support available
Reference
YWP/MD_1715773426
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowSalary
£75000 - £83000 per annum + Bonus + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
B2B
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£80,000 - £99,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Senior Marketing Manager
Reference
RPE_1715613814
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£45000 - £55000 per annum + + Benefits
Location
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Social Media
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Education
City
Yorkshire and Humberside
Description
Become a Social Media Manager for an education platform that specializes in providing educational material for students and parents across the UK.
Reference
PR/132491_1715611396
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shanelle GreenAuthor
Shanelle GreenSalary
£400 - £500 per day
Location
England
Job Type
Contract & Interim
Discipline
Brand Marketing
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£500 - £749
Country
United Kingdom
Sector
Professional Services
Description
Brand Project Manager needed for a 9-month contract with a global professional services firm
Reference
CR/132486_1714572853
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Sam BrimbleAuthor
Sam BrimbleSalary
£45000 - £55000 per annum + 20% Bonus + Benefits
Location
City of London, London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Marketing (general)
Seniority
Manager
Salary
£45,000 - £59,999
Sector
Financial Services
City
London
Description
Event Manager
Reference
RPP_1714477382
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Ronak PatelAuthor
Ronak PatelSalary
£30000 - £35000 per annum
Location
London
Job Type
Permanent
Discipline
Social Media
Work From Home
Work From Home
Seniority
Executive
Salary
£30,000 - £44,999
Sector
FMCG & Consumer Services
City
London
Description
Social Media Manager for a fast-growing hair and skincare brand known for premium quality products that are affordable.
Reference
PR/132484_1714400129
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Amy McCrowAuthor
Amy McCrowRelated posts
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/14/2024
Summary
Marketing & Communications Leader Series Podcast Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series. In this podcast, we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing and c
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/13/2024
Summary
Over the last few years, we're seeing a significant change in the landscape of the marketing sector, pushing brands to adapt and implement new ways of advertising. This shift has ushered us into a new
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/10/2024
Summary
The Marketing & Communications Leader Series Podcast Welcome back to EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series. In this podcast, we dive deep into the journeys of exceptional senior marketing
Teaser
Industry newsContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/08/2024
Summary
The recruitment industry has experienced seismic shifts in the last few decades. With technological advances and changes in the workforce landscape, client expectations have evolved significan
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
05/08/2024
Summary
EMR is uniquely positioned to understand the transformative nature of communications in the marketing industry. In this dynamic field, roles in communications are constantly evolving. The underlying f
Teaser
Career adviceContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/26/2024
Summary
Marketing & Communications Leader Series Eepisode.1: Bee PatelWe are pleased to be launching EMR's Marketing and Communications Leader Series. In this podcast, we dive deep into the journeys of excep
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
In the wake of the global pandemic, the tech industry has embraced change and innovation in the way it operates and manages its workforce. The shift to remote and hybrid work, the acceleration
Teaser
Case StudiesContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
Spotlight: Property GPE is a UK property development and investment company - it mainly owns office buildings, with a smaller amount of retail property. The company invests in and develops cent
by
EMR Recruitment
Teaser
Case StudiesContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/18/2024
Summary
Spotlight: B2C Based in Palma, Italy, Barilla is an Italian family-owned food company and the world’s largest pasta producer. Established in 1877, it’s now an international Group present in mor
by
EMR Recruitment
Teaser
Discipline expertiseContent Type
ArticlesPublish date
04/02/2024
Summary
The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way businesses operate and reshaped clients' expectations, emphasising the importance of agility, efficiency, and digital fluency in service delivery. At
Recently viewed jobs