Break down the interview preparation stage into sub-stages. Visualize yourself on the other side of the desk as the interviewee.
- Now that you have the personal preparation side down, have been reminded and know what you must do to continue to prepare, it is time to perfect your presentation.
- When seeking a new employment opportunity today, especially at the senior level, you need to do a deep dive into each area of the organization you are interviewing with.
- Drill down and do an A-Z on the organization website. Don’t give it a high level read. Go deep and read every piece of content and go through every single link. Miss nothing. You won’t know if a small piece of pertinent information is missed if you are not thorough.
- You may want to use 2 different search engines to ensure that information is not lost and you are able to review anything that comes through on the first 8 pages of each search query.
- Make certain you understand and review all elements and aspects of each interview process specific to each organization you may interview with. Include role profiles, postings or job descriptions, the title of each role and how each role fits into the organizational chart, the reporting structure and any other information you can gather from either your recruiter or through your own research and contacts.
- Use social media connectivity if the website doesn’t provide enough detail. There is no excuse today not to be well informed. At the senior level you know there are many confidential business issues that can’t be openly discussed however often at this level, if pertinent to the position, an off the record discussion is possible.
- If you uncover an issue or problem, know how to solve the problem, you can present a solution or open a discussion. Drill down and try to understand any business issues or problems the interviewer is open to discussing based on probing but respectful questions from you.
FACT: Most senior executives believe that their exceptional track record will speak for itself. It will, in the long run, but it won’t win you the role if a competitor demonstrates that they have drilled into full research mode. If a competitor shows that have knowledge that you don’t have because you thought, to extend yourself at this point would be a waste of your time.