How can you ace a behavioral interview for an executive management position?
Behavioral interviews are a common way for employers to assess how you have handled various situations and challenges in your previous roles, and how you would approach them in the future. They are especially important for executive management positions, where you need to demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. In this article, you will learn how to ace a behavioral interview for an executive management position by following these tips.
Before the interview, research the company and the position you are applying for, and identify the key competencies they are looking for. These could include communication, collaboration, innovation, decision making, adaptability, and so on. Then, think of specific examples from your past experience that showcase how you have demonstrated these competencies in different scenarios. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide enough detail and context.
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Make your answers better by connecting them to what the company believes in. Talk about your skills and experiences, but make sure they fit with what the company cares about and wants to achieve. Show how what you did helped the company's big goals, not just your own tasks. This shows you're not just good at your job, but you also understand and support what the company is trying to do.
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Don’t forget to briefly clarify a policy or guardrails that required a particular outcome or approach— especially if the new position would require a different outcome. For example, the CEO of IBM is in the media for his stance on DEI and hiring practices. Well gosh, the goal post keeps changing on ESG and DEI, and out of context he suddenly appears to be anti-white and simultaneously he is seeking DEI goal completion to make the community more equitable. What seemed like an easy answer just got complicated so context matters just as much as the situation itself.
While you cannot predict every question that will be asked, you can prepare for some common ones that are likely to come up in a behavioral interview for an executive management position. For example, you might be asked to describe a time when you led a team through a change, resolved a conflict, implemented a new strategy, or dealt with a failure. Have at least three or four stories ready for each competency, and practice telling them in a clear and concise way.
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Make yourself noticeable by telling stories that include not only your successes but also times when you learned important things. This shows you know yourself and can grow. Be ready to talk about tough situations where you had to make good choices, proving you believe in doing the right thing. When you talk about your work, focus on how you were part of a team's success, not just your own. Get ready for all kinds of questions so you can show how good you are at being an executive in different situations.
The way you communicate your answers can make a big difference in how you are perceived by the interviewer. Use positive language that reflects your confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Avoid using words that undermine your achievements, such as "just", "only", or "luckily". Instead, use words that highlight your skills, such as "successfully", "effectively", or "creatively". Also, avoid blaming others or making excuses for any negative outcomes. Focus on what you learned and how you improved.
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Make what you say more interesting by using exciting words that show you really care about what you did. Instead of saying you did something normally, say you did it with a lot of energy, like "enthusiastically worked together." When you talk about problems, say they were chances to do something good, to show you like taking action. Using positive words not only shows you're good at what you do but also that you're an executive who's ready to bring a lot of energy to the team.
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Steer clear of superfluous aggrandizement. It wasn’t a HUGE problem. You aren’t SUPER excited, you’re not even excited! Use professional language such as: We were challenged to meet profit goals due to staffing shortages. Or Supply chain management lacked a diverse blend of quality suppliers. You fixed the issue by doing x, y, and z.
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Steer clear of superfluous aggrandizement. It wasn’t a HUGE problem. You aren’t SUPER excited, you’re not even excited! Use professional language such as: We were challenged to meet profit goals due to staffing shortages. Or Supply chain management lacked a diverse blend of quality suppliers. You fixed the issue by doing x, y, and z.
During the interview, pay attention to the questions and the cues from the interviewer. Listen carefully and make sure you understand what they are asking before you answer. If you are not sure, ask for clarification or repeat the question in your own words. If you feel that you are not giving the best answer, or that the interviewer is not satisfied with your response, do not panic. Try to adapt your answer by adding more information, examples, or insights that are relevant to the question and the position.
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Turn challenges into chances to show how well you can adapt. If a question surprises you, see it as an opportunity to show you can think quickly. Thank the person for the interesting question and talk about how you would solve the problem right there. This shows you can handle unexpected things and stay strong under pressure. Treat the interview like a talk where you can show how flexible and ready you are for the unpredictable parts of being an executive.
After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer within 24 hours. Express your appreciation for their time and interest, and restate your enthusiasm for the position and the company. Also, use this opportunity to reinforce your strengths and address any gaps or concerns that might have arisen during the interview. For example, you can mention a specific example or achievement that showcases your fit for the role, or explain how you have overcome a weakness or a challenge. Be polite, concise, and professional.
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Make your thank-you note stand out by looking ahead. Say you're excited about the chance to work together and how you can help the team succeed. Remind them that your plans fit with what the company wants to achieve. Offer to give more references or talk more about certain things, to show you're really committed. This follow-up not only says thanks but also reminds them why you're a great choice, making a good and lasting impression.
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