By Aoibhinn Mc Bride
This is especially true when it comes to interviews—an executive-level job interview is different in many ways and requires candidates to prepare in a specific way.
From highlighting leadership skills and focusing on outcomes and results rather than discussing tasks or responsibilities to making a strong first impression, below we’re detailing how to approach the executive-level job interview.
1. Do your research
Whether you’re interviewing for your first job or a senior position, doing your research on the company you’re interviewing with is essential.
However, when it comes to executive-level interviews your research should include a market analysis on the company’s overall positioning within the market and who their competition is.
You should also identify growth areas and technical innovations that could be adopted to improve efficiency and output.
2. First impressions count
This is also true if your interview is taking place via video—from ensuring your lighting is bright and clear to sitting in front of a neutral background to establishing that your audio is working, take a couple of minutes ahead of time to test your connection and your positioning so you can start your interview without any hiccups.
3. Come armed with examples
The best way to demonstrate your skills and expertise is to prepare example-based answers to common interview questions. This way you’ll be able to bring the interview panel on a journey through your experience, highlighting how you tackle and overcome challenges, the results you’re able to achieve and how your actions have benefitted the organisations you’ve worked for.
4. Ask the right questions
An interview, particularly at executive level, is a two-way conversation and as such, you should use your time to determine if the job you’re interviewing for is right for you. This will also give you an additional opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the company and how you would tackle various issues.
Examples of questions to ask include:
- “What are the biggest issues the organisation is facing?”
- “What keeps you here?”
- “What new initiatives is the organisation planning in the near future?”
Ready to put your interview knowledge to the test and move up the career ladder? The IFSC Job Board has thousands of senior opportunities across finance in companies that are actively adding to their management teams, like the three below.
Head of Finance / CFO - PCF 11, Morgan McKinley, Dublin
Reporting to the CEO, the Head of Finance is responsible for the financial reporting, treasury, and tax obligations of the company. As such, you will have primary ownership of the internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP), develop, coordinate and maintain the internal recovery plan and other analyses to support the company's financial soundness. You will also advise the CEO on the financial performance, identification and management of financial risks. Applicants should have 10-plus years’ experience in a senior finance role, have an ACA, ACCA or CIMA accounting qualification and experience in managing tax compliance within Ireland. View more details here.
Legal Entity Risk Officer, BNY Mellon, Dublin
BNY Mellon is seeking a Legal Entity Risk Officer to join its Pershing Securities International Limited team. Reporting directly to Pershing’s EMEA Chief Risk Officer, this role is responsible for the maintenance and oversight of an effective risk management framework within Pershing’s EU regulated entity. As such you’ll need to be effective in ensuring Pershing operates within its stated risk appetite and provide support in managing risk. The role will also act as the primary point of contact on local regulatory matters relating to risk. To apply you should have a Bachelor’s degree along with 10 to 15 years’ experience in a risk related role. Apply here.
People Services Lead, AXA, Dublin
AXA has an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR professional to support and manage the people services team at People Services Lead. Responsible for ensuring all HR operational processes are documented, implemented and executed to provide a high quality experience for colleagues and the business, this role will manage the day-to-day activities for the people services team (HR operations) which is responsible for various administrative processes, from triaging customers and finding the right solution that supports them to managing more HR focused activities. See the full job description here.
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