Executive Interview Pet Peeves: Tips to Remember

If you think you’re ready for your next interview just based on your executive experience, think again.

When it comes to interviewing prospective new executives  for our clients, we’ve come to identify the biggest interviewer pet peeves and red flags that senior level executives aren’t aware of.

Here are tips on what to do at your next big interview:

1. Dress appropriately – don’t underdress. You’d be amazed at how many senior-level candidates show up at our interview, casually dressed simply because they believe their impressive resume is enough. Regardless of senior titles, all interviewees must dress appropriately for an interview.

2. Treat EVERYONE with courtesy and respect. Whether its the receptionist, assistant, mid-level staff, to your primary interviewer, treat everyone with respect. Your attitude towards everyone you meet at an interview, shows your management style and whether you can lead your support staff at the company you’re interviewing at.

3. Clearly show your passion for the brand/company. We’ve interviewed top-level executives who were unable to answer why they want to work for this company. What’s even more amazing are the number of senior executives who don’t have an endless list of questions towards the end of the interview. These red flags makes us question whether you truly want to work for this company or if you’re just looking for the next move in your career.

4. Be flexible. Sometimes we meet executive candidates who feel they’re above and beyond the position, and only want jobs where they are managing a department or team. This shows us that you might have difficulty in work situations dealing with support staff. In interviewing management positions, we look for executives who are able to interact well with all levels of the organization.

5. Don’t be too modest. One of our biggest pet peeves is when an executive gives too much credit to their team when asked about their accomplishments. If we ask you to describe your success rate, we are looking for specific answers that will determine your management style, strategic approach, and ability to lead. It’s fine to give credit to your team, but also own up to it!

6. Don’t plan your exit strategy. In an attempt to weigh their options upfront, sometimes senior-level executives ask about severance packages, and non-compete clauses too early on during the interview. During interviews, especially initial ones, we want to see confident executives who will bring success to the company. If you’re already concerned about what will happen to you whether you voluntarily leave the company, then you’re not the right candidate we’re looking for.

You’ve gotten this far in your management career – don’t blow your next interview because you’re overconfident in your interviewing experience. Remember the above tips.