The Executive Edge

Imagine walking into a room where every word, gesture, and glance is being assessed. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable. This is the reality of a job interview, where preparation is not just beneficial but essential. A staggering 90% of hiring managers believe that job interview preparation is a key factor in a candidate’s success (Zirtual).  

On average, candidates should spend 5-10 hours preparing for a job interview (Indeed). Interview preparation can mean the difference between landing your dream job and missing out.  

Steps to Impress

Step 1) Research the company  

• Understand its mission, values, culture, and recent news.  

Step 2) Research the role 

• Familiarize yourself with the job description and key responsibilities.  

Step 3) Prepare your “about me” elevator pitch 

• Reflect on your career journey, achievements, and how they align with the role.  

Step 4) Practice common questions  

• Rehearse your answers to typical interview and behavioral questions.  

Step 5) Plan your questions  

• Have insightful questions ready to ask interviewers. 

Tips and Tricks

Interviews are pivotal moments in your career journey. The right preparation will help you present yourself confidently and competently. Here are some essential tips to follow:  

In-person

• Get your transportation ready  

• • Plan your route, ensure your phone is charged, and have a clear itinerary.  

• • Know where you’re going, how long it will take, and account for any potential delays.  

• Don’t eat in your car  

• • Avoid spills and mishaps.  

• • Instead, freshen up with a breath mint before entering the building.  

• Greet everyone with a smile  

• • First impressions count. Whether it’s a receptionist or a hiring manager, a warm smile and greeting go a long way. You never know who’s behind the desk.  

• • Take a moment in the restroom to calm your nerves and use a cold compress if necessary.  

• Stand for every handshake 

• • This shows respect and enthusiasm. 

• • A firm handshake can set a positive tone for the interview.  

• Read the room  

• • Pay attention to your interviewer’s body language.  

• • If they seem distracted or uninterested, adjust your approach to recapture their attention.  

Virtual

• Conduct a tech check  

• • Ensure you’re familiar with the platform being used, whether it’s Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, or Skype.  

• • Test your equipment and internet connection beforehand.  

• Check your background  

• • Make sure your background is clean, professional, and free of distractions.  

• • Avoid anything that could be seen as offensive or messy.  

• Utilize sticky notes  

• • Take advantage of virtual interviews by having sticky notes with key points, questions, and answers on your screen.  

• • Refer to these as needed and keep your attention on the screen.  

• Be strong when distractions occur 

• • Stay composed and focused even if interruptions occur.  

• • Show your ability to handle unexpected situations with grace.  

• Read the room 

• • Like in-person interviews, gauge the interviewer’s reactions.  

• • Adjust your responses as needed to keep them engaged.  

Using the STAR Method 

When answering interview questions, the STAR method helps you structure your responses to clearly showcase your abilities and achievements.  

• Situation – describe the context within which you performed a task or faced a challenge.  

• Task – explain the actual task or challenge that was involved. 

• Action – detail the specific actions you took to address the task or challenge.  

• Result – share the outcomes or results of your actions. Highlight what you accomplished and anything you learned from the experience.  

Interview Questions 

Questions to ask

Asking the right questions demonstrates your interest in the role and will help you gather valuable information. Consider asking: 

• Can you describe your company culture?  

• What are the biggest challenges facing the team currently?  

• How do you measure success in this role?  

• What are the opportunities for professional development?  

• Can you tell me more about the team I’ll be working with?  

What NOT to Ask

Avoid asking questions that give a negative impression or show lack of preparation, such as:  

• What does this company do?  

• How soon can I get promoted?  

• Can I work from home?  

• How much does this position pay?  

• How many vacation days do I get?