Interviewing for an Exec Job? Be Memorable.

In the 9 years that I’ve built BloomReach – I’ve interviewed 100s of terrific individuals for Executive positions. I view it as a core part of my job to always be in the market for amazing Executives. So what does a great Executive interview look like?

It’s important to remember that not all interviewing is alike. Interviewing for an Exec job is not like interviewing for a typical individual contributor or manager role. You’re likely interviewing with an equally senior individual – CEO, VP or other Exec leader. You’re likely pre-screened to be pretty qualified for the job. If you’re good, you likely have choices. The process is likely going to be slow (because the consequences of a bad Exec hire are dire) and you’re likely in a mutual diligence process.

It starts with something pretty basic. Be memorable.  There are tons of qualified execs for your position. The question is –how do you be memorable?

1.    Don’t take 30 mins to tell me your resume: I can read that on-line and it’s just simply unlikely to be that interesting.

2.    Come in with a clear point of view: It’s ok to be wrong. But good execs have a clear point of view on everything – the market, the approach to their craft, hiring, culture, products or whatever. Stand for something and explain why. And by the way, be prepared to be challenged and be open-minded about being wrong.

3.    Engage in a real discussion about our Company: You may not know a ton about us but do some research, ask me a ton of questions and engage in a real conversation. Your past experience is only relevant if it informs something about what you will do with us – so lets talk about us.

4.    Be real: Be honest about jobs that didn’t work out, decisions that you made that didn’t work out or points of view that you had that turned out to be wrong. Be self-aware and humble. Be open about who you are as a person, not just as a professional.

5.    Demonstrate proficiency in your craft: If I’m interviewing a CMO, CFO, Global Head of Engineering, Product Leader or any other senior position – I probably know a lot less about your discipline than you do. Show me clear baseline excellence.

6.    Be confident: Leadership is very much about confidence. Demonstrate clear, unequivocal confidence in your ability to do the job, and show me the kind of presence that we will need you to demonstrate when you represent the Company.

7.    Focus on the why and the how, not just the what: More junior folks focus on what the job is and their qualifications. But in an exec role – the real questions are “Why are you hiring this role? Why would you want someone of my background? And how is the Company setting me up for Success?

8.    Find Common People that I can use to triangulate what you’re all about: I’m going to backchannel you anyway. Lets find some people we mutually trust that will endorse you.

9.    Demonstrate Genuine Passion for the Job: Passion and attitude are more than half the job description. You will stand out if you come in with substantive passion – ideas for me, research on the market, an analysis of the technology, a bunch of really good questions, clear identification of risks. Lots of great Exec hires are up and comers, not experienced Executives. Especially if it’s your first Exec job – passion is your best ticket to success.

10. Show me you’re the right person for now AND 3+ years from now:  Our business changes and grows fast, if I’m hiring an Exec – its for where we are going, not just where we are at today. Demonstrate that you’re skating to where the puck is going.

The great thing about interviewing for an Exec job is that it will likely cut through the B.S. and reveal who you really are (and who we are as a Company). May as well cut to the chase. It’s the best way to be memorable.

Image from Row of Business People waiting for an Interview by Dana Arena licensed under CC by 2.0