How to Prepare for Your Next Executive Interview in 5 Easy Steps.

The day is here, you finally received that call back from your resume and you have been scheduled to come in and interview. How exciting.. Your heart is racing, you gladly accept the interview request and now you have to prepare. But how?

Here are simple steps to help you prepare so you can nail your next interview.

Cause, let’s face it, you can never be over prepared. It is very important you have a good understanding of the company you are interested in joining and the person you are interviewing with.

Step 1: Research the company

In today’s age of open and free information, there is no excuse for not being prepared, especially with tools such as the Internet, LinkedIn and other social media tools.

First, Google the company and read up on their recent activities.. You can accomplish this by visiting their website and reading recent news and press releases. If they are a public company, go to their investors’ page and read the Letter from the Chairman.

This will give you a good understanding of who they are, what they do and whom they serve. If you know the industry, look for ways that they differentiate themselves in the marketplace and any recent announcements about their strategic plans.

Take note of these items and look for ways to introduce them into your conversation by drawing examples on your own experience that may be similar. For example, “I see you are launching a new technology platform, when I was with ABC Company, I was part of the project team that was responsible to bring the new product to market.

Look to understand the company’s mission, vision, values and culture and be sure to use your recruiter or HR contact for information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, These folks want to fill the position with the right candidate and make sure it is a good fit.

Step 2: Research the interviewer

When you discover whom you are interviewing with, take the time to cyber stalk them… look up their LinkedIn profile and understand their backgrounds, their careers, and look for whom and what you may have in common. Any type of overlap will be useful during your actual interview such as groups they belong, where they graduated from and degree they hold. Your goal is to discover any connections the two of you may have that will help you relate more effectively with your interviewer.

Another good resource is to look for common connections, especially if the two of you are from the same industry. It is always good to get references from those that you have a good relationship with who may be able to put in a good work and give you an inside track on what you can experience during the interview.

What kind of style do they use? What type of questions can you expect? What is this person’s current challenges that he has a need for this position.

Step 3: Prepare a List of questions

Just as the company is interviewing you, this is your opportunity to ask your own set of questions. This isn’t intended for you to drill them, but preparing a list of questions allows you to do two things:

  1. Gain clarity on the opportunity and potential fit.
  2. Showcase your research, knowledge and talents.

A question framed the right way, can truly differentiate you from the other candidates. By doing your research first, you are able to drill down on items that are of critical importance to the interviewer and the firm and show them how you may address the situation should they decide to hire.

But, let me stress and stress again, this is not the time to talk about compensation. The time for this discussion is with the recruiter before you accept the interview.

Step 4: Prepare for possible difficult questions.

Not all interviewers are equal. There will be difficult questions that you need to prepare to answer especially if there are gaps in your resume or something as simple as “What are you leaving your company”.

Think of all the possible questions that may be difficult to answer and think of the points you want to make that doesn’t come back against you as a possible recurring issue.

If you were displaced or fired, think of what you want to say. Many are let go often due to a restructuring or redundancy in positions so they are very fair examples to give. Just remember, this is not the place to air your dirty laundry.

As my mother always taught me – take the high road. Be candid, be honest and always be yourself.

Step 5: Dress to impress, arrive early, have extra resumes and express your interest in the position.

Yes, no matter what the corporate culture is, you want to dress to impress. Now, that doesn’t always means suits and ties, but it does mean to look like you are put together and care about your appearance.

If you have done your research, asked your HR contact or recruiter, you will know exactly how you are expected to show up for your interview.

You want to arrive early and not close to the wire. Be sure to ask your HR contact where to park, how much time to allocate for traffic and any other instructions to get into the building and make sure you allow for enough time.

Also, you never really know how many people you will be interviewing with. Bring extra resumes. Many companies have a screening process where you will interview with a line level manager and if they like you, ask if you have time to meet with a Sr. person. Be prepared to interview with many people.

Lastly, express your interest in the job. This is your time to “close the deal” so take the time to practice what you want to say should you like everything you heard and want them to consider you for the position.

Your interviewer wants to know you are the right candidate, you want the position and you will do an excellent job. Be sure to leave them with that thought.