Q: Somer, what separates candidates from being “too junior” to being seen as “executive” during an interview? – Engineering leader
A: Many things:
✔Executives cater their answers to the job. They talk about where they add value to the person and company they’re talking to. They don’t have a rehearsed monologue or go through their whole background unless asked.
✔Execs have structured communication. "I've done this three times..." They don’t go on tangents.
✔Execs talk about impact vs only responsibilities
✔Execs are reflective and authentic vs only factual "Here's how I've evolved as a hiring manager of the years..."
✔Execs are succinct vs dodging questions or overexplaining
✔Execs let the interviewer lead. They don’t take the reins and oversell.
✔Execs are likable. (“Yes… and...” improv)
✔Execs ask great questions proving they’ve done this job before
✔Execs take credit but also talk about their boss, peers, and team, how they influence, collaborate
There's a level of humility, confidence, and curiosity at the same time.
Then I gave a quick example to this person. Let’s say I ask someone, “Tell me about how you built your team."
- Answer a: I met with recruiting regarding what I’m looking for, and I spend about X hours a week interviewing.
- Answer b: I first understand where the company is going and analyze my org structure, making sure it’s aligned for what’s ahead. My team makeup depends on the stage of the company, and it will likely change over time. I first hire key lieutenants, making sure they complement my skills and each others'.... (Then the person continues).
There’s no right or wrong answer. There’s just a different level of big picture thinking, business alignment, strategy, impact, and enterprise influence and partnership.
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🌟 Hiring? Get in touch: Somer@DistinguishedSearch.com
📘 🎤 Want to know the behind the scenes of executive search? Check out my book, Search in Plain Sight: https://lnkd.in/gqgu4vuq on Amazon or Audible.
📽 The online course is in motion: Mastering the Executive Job Search. https://lnkd.in/gNCZpTXx
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