When it comes to hiring executive-level staff, the stakes are high. Most executive posts come with substantial power and responsibility. It is crucial to ensure that the person you hire is up to the challenging and complex job of filling a critical role in your organization. Interviewing potential candidates is an essential part of the executive hiring process, and crafting the right strategy for your interviews can make all the difference.
First, consider the purpose of the interview. The goal of an executive interview is not just to identify the best person for the job but also to understand how their skills and experience suit the role and the organization. With this in mind, spend some time thinking about the job requirements, the skills and expertise needed to fulfill them, the challenges and opportunities the position represents, and how the ideal candidate would fit in with your organization’s culture.
Second, get the right people involved. As executive roles require a high degree of trust, it’s essential to have several trusted members of the organization present at the interview. This team should include senior representatives from the relevant departments and include people who will be working most closely with the executive, as well as any other important stakeholders. This will help ensure that the candidate is assessed from all angles and will help to create an environment that encourages honest, open, and informed dialogue.
Third, ask the right questions. When talking to a potential executive hire, focus on their experience, achievements, and the details of their background. This should include deep, probing questions about their previous roles and successes, how they worked with colleagues and how they would handle difficult situations. Also, consider asking difficult questions, as these can provide additional insight and an opportunity to see how the candidate responds under pressure.
Fourth, pay close attention to the candidate’s body language. It can be difficult to read someone’s thoughts and feelings from a discussion, but how they move, how they act, and how they appear can tell you a lot about how they are feeling, what they’re thinking, and how they may fit into the organization. Pay close attention to the visual cues they give and use them as a guide when forming your opinion.
Finally, learn more about the candidate outside the confines of the interview. Before making a decision, take the time to research the candidate further, going beyond the information they share during the interview. Read through their LinkedIn profile and Google the individual to gain additional insight. This will help to ensure that you have a complete picture of the candidate before making a hire.
These strategies should help you assess the skills and personality of potential executive hires and better gauge whether they are the right fit for the role and the organization. With these tips, you can ensure that you make a better decision when looking for the ideal executive to join your team.