You have been eyeing that executive job listing. You feel you are ready to move to be a senior manager and leader or an executive in a company. You apply, and you get an interview request email. Like any job interview, an individual must be prepared more, especially for an executive role requiring an exceptional individual with high-level leadership qualities. An executive-level role’s interview process can be rigorous and exhausting for both the recruiting and potential candidates. The company needs to know it is hiring the best individual to lead and manage those under them to achieve the company vision—a high-level individual who can motivate and take the initiative where required. We are going to be looking into some of the questions that can occur in an Executive-Level Interview Questions
Executive-Level Interview Questions To Prepare For:
- Your CV is very well-tailored to the role we are looking to fill, is there something you didn’t include that you would like to mention?
- What areas would you say you fall short in?
- What are your strongest characteristics?
- This role would require an individual who will be able to keep the team motivated. Can you provide a scenario in which you have had to motivate a team?
- If you were to be successful, you would be a high-level individual in the company. What have you planned to accomplish within the first year of your tenure?
- What areas would you reckon the company is excelling in? If there was something you have to change in the company, what would that be?
- Can you describe an incident where someone supervised you? What valuable lessons did you learn from that individual?
- What would you say are the differences between being a manager and a leader? Is it possible to be both?
- How do you assess how successful you are as a leader?
- It has been quite a lengthy chat we have had. Can you remember the first two questions I asked you?
- Your CV is very well-tailored to the role we are looking to fill, is there something you didn’t include that you would like to mention?
The recruiter asks this question to gain further information on what you might not have included in your CV. It is good practice to edit your CV as you apply to different roles to suit the job description. For an individual on an executive-level fitting in, all the skills, traits, and achievements on a CV may not be possible. Therefore, some information is omitted to prevent a rambling CV. These are the points the recruiter is looking for from the candidate, maybe even hint at your personality and hobbies.
Sample Answer: “I have recently decided to dedicate my spare time to learn new skills through online resources like YouTube or Skillshare. I enjoy writing outside of work hours, so I am currently learning how to manage a CMS like WordPress, learning all about SEO and its relation to writing, digital marketing, and reading up on how other writers are making an income off their work. During the pandemic, it has become increasingly beneficial to learn all about entrepreneurship and how to be digitally savvy.”
- What areas would you say you fall short in?
The recruiter asks this question to assert whether you have the ability to be critical of your own skills and the shortfalls thereof. This can also be a trick question as executive-level individuals can think this is more attuned to someone at a junior level and won’t be prepared.
Sample Answer: “I need to improve on my management style. In some instances, I tend to micromanage, which is why I asked the team under me to start mentioning when they felt I was leaning on the micromanaging side and started looking for solutions to prevent myself from falling into that habit by reading management self-help books.”
- What are your strongest characteristics?
The recruiter asks this question to assess how you view yourself as an individual and as a leader and manager.
Sample Answer: “I am a powerful communicator, I am passionate about the work I do, and I am a positive individual. These characteristics allow me to connect to team members on an effective level allowing us to work together efficiently towards our goals.”
- This role would require an individual who will be able to keep the team motivated. Can you provide a scenario in which you have had to motivate a team?
A recruiter asks this question to assess whether you have the skillset they are looking for and effective methods to motivate a team.
Sample Answer: “I was managing a team on the brink of burn-out, which affected their motivation at work. I introduced the option to work-at-home mid-week either on a Wednesday or Thursday to give a break from the pressures of being in an office all day which boosted team morale and better performance by 25%.”
- If you were to be successful, you would be a high-level individual in the company. What have you planned to accomplish within the first year of your tenure?
The recruiter asks this question to assess how well your action plan matches the company’s plans.
Sample Answer: “I believe the success of this company will be largely attributed to team performance. One of the first things I would like to focus on is team cohesion and wellness by reviewing company procedures in place and implementing more effective procedures to contribute to optimum team performance. I would also like to establish a culture where employees are upskilled. If we lose them to another company, so be it, but if they stay on with us, we win in the long-term.”
- What areas would you reckon the company is excelling in? If there was something you have to change in the company, what would that be?
The recruiter asks this question to assert what you already researched on the company.
Sample Answer: “I think the company is on the right track when it comes to valuing customer satisfaction. I, however, think there is a need for as much value being put on employee satisfaction and well-being.”
- Can you describe an incident where someone supervised you? What valuable lessons did you learn from that individual?
The recruiter asks this to assess what you admire in your past leaders and managers and consequently how you approach the concept of leadership and management.
Sample Answer: “I had a manager who made it a point to be attuned to how her team members were feeling as they went about their workdays. There was a time I was overworking myself and I was reaching a point I couldn’t balance my work and private life, I needed a break. She listened and allowed me the option to have a day off and another day to work from home before I had to be back in the office. I learnt to always value the wellbeing of team members and be empathetic.”
- What would you say are the differences between being a manager and a leader? Is it possible to be both?
The recruiter asks this question to assert whether you are aware that there is a slight difference between being a manager and a leader and how the individual will navigate both aspects.
Sample Answer: “It is possible to be both a leader and a manager. As a leader, you have to help employees understand where the company is headed and, consequently, motivate them to work alongside you towards achieving the company vision. As a manager, you have to be able to stay on top of ensuring that day-to-day operations are running efficiently.”
- How do you assess how successful you are as a leader?
The recruiter asks this question as there is usually not as much supervision for someone in an executive role. The recruiter needs to know that you can criticize your actions and performance and change where possible without higher intervention.
Sample Answer: “I look at the overall team wellbeing and cohesion. I understand there are some things I cannot change when it comes to how individuals feel towards another individual due to past experiences. Still, I can try to ensure that I am keeping on top of my team’s well-being and hopefully gain their trust and let them know they are valued in the company structure.”
- It has been quite a lengthy chat we have had. Can you remember the first two questions I asked you?
The recruiter asks this question to assess if you are an individual who actively engages in the conversations, meetings they are involved in.
Sample Answer: “The first two questions you asked me were ‘your CV is very well-tailored to the role we are looking to fill, is there something you didn’t include that you would like to mention?’ and ‘what areas would you say you fall short in?“
Also read Executive Assistant Interview Questions (+ Sample Answers)
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