Five Interview Tips for Executive Women
By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)
Even if you’re a seasoned executive with a great portfolio and a long list of recommendations, job interviews can be daunting. That’s why, according to Paul Freiberger, author of the book When Can You Start? and founder of Shimmering Resumes, it pays to plan and practice.
“My first essential advice is to realize is that the job interview is all about preparation. If you realize that you are off to a great start. Just like musicians and athletes rehearse, you – the job interviewee — need to rehearse, too,” he explained.
It’s also valuable to approach a job interview as you would a sales meeting… only, this time, the product you’re selling is yourself. Freiberger explained, “Equally important is recognizing that the job interview is not about you. It’s about what you can do for the company you want to work for. Keep that in mind in everything you say, and you will be doing yourself a good service.”
Here are a few more pieces of advice on cracking an interview when you’ve reached the executive ranks.
1. Think About How You Could Make a Difference for the Company. People who are just entering the workforce face the challenge that they are unproven – they have to convince a hiring manager how they might make a difference with scant evidence. But if you are more senior, you should have a set of accomplishments to work from. Your challenge then is explaining how those accomplishments represent useful skills for the company you are interviewing for.
Freiberger explained, “For someone who is more experienced, she is able to pick and choose from the most compelling ways she has made a difference. You need to understand the company well – its culture and its goals. Identify how you can make a difference and what they are going to value. Go in understanding that and have a feeling of what it is they are looking for as far as their business model and their cultural identity.”
2. Figure Out Company Culture. At some companies, the top few rungs of executives still may look like an insiders’ club. The challenge is discerning what that means for the company’s culture. Is it actively seeking to improve diversity? What statements have leaders made about inclusion lately? What actions did they take to back up those statements? Make sure to investigate whether the company suits your own leadership style – will you feel welcome and empowered? Or will each day feel like a political challenge for you?
Freiberger continued, “A critical question for women is to demonstrate that you belong, that you have proven results that are sustainable and explainable. Tell a story that demonstrates that you have already belonged and that you have already overcome these challenges. Understanding corporate culture is crucial here.”
He added, “If you’re really interested in a position where you can showcase your talents, make sure you’re going to a company that is focused on talent – not on your gender or race. Make sure the company cares most about what you can do.”
3. Prepare What You Can Share. As you get more senior in your role, you will no doubt be privy to sensitive information that could be useful to a competitor. Now, what if you’re interviewing for a job with that competitor? What’s appropriate to share while you’re discussing your work experience? Freiberger says that’s up to you to have good judgment (and be guided by any non-disclosure agreements you may have signed). But make that decision before you go in for the interview. “You do need to be mindful of what you can and can’t say,” he explained.
“You want to avoid giving away anything that is seen as confidential or sensitive. Highlight your achievements, but it’s okay to say, ‘There are certain things I can’t talk about.’ Be respectful of your current company – people appreciate that and that may help you make a better impression.”
4. Examine Your Interactions. Once you get to an interview, make sure to take notice of how others treat you in the office – it’s likely to be a good barometer of how you will be treated on a day-to-day basis at the company.
“If you’re interviewing for a fairly high level role, you may be interviewed by a senior executive you might report to. You’re going to work with this person.” Freiberger explained. “If you have a friendly rapport, that could indicate a good cultural fit. If it’s a little more brisk, the position may not be right for you.”
5. Focus on Your Achievements. What if you’ve left the workforce for a period of time to handle family responsibilities – like caring for children or elderly parents? Freiberger says the best approach is to stay focused on what you accomplished while you were in the workforce, and not to feel intimidated. “When someone has taken time out for kids or other personal reasons, typically what I’ll advise is to stay focused on the things that you have accomplished. Instead of ‘I did this ten years ago,’ just focus on the value you provided to the company.”
He continued, “If you demonstrate excitement, talent, and ability, a company is going to want you – they’re not going to care that your accomplishments happened ten years ago. They’re going to care about the fact that you can do this today.”
This applies to all job seekers, he added. “We’re sensitive to things when we go in for an interview, but if you are a talented individual who can do the job, focus on the things that are going to help you get the job.”