It’s a 2-way street – 10 killer questions to ask at senior level interview
Welcome to King Executive’s content series. Headed up by our Executive team: Helen Plumridge and Paula Thompson. We explore the challenges faced by Business Leaders and Executive Job Hunters.
As a senior-level executive, interviewing for a top leadership position is a significant step in your career advancement. It isn’t just an opportunity for a company to evaluate your suitability for their role, but it is also your chance to assess the business and determine if it aligns with your career goals and aspirations. In addition to preparing to answer tough questions, it is equally important to come prepared with insightful questions of your own.
Here are 10 killer questions to ask at a senior-level interview to help you gather information and make an informed decision about your next career move:
1. What is the company’s strategic vision and how does this role contribute to achieving it?
Understanding the company’s long-term strategic vision and how your role fits into it is key. This question will give you an insight into the company’s goals, priorities, and expectations for the position you are interviewing for. It shows that you are interested in the bigger picture and how you can contribute to the business’s success.
2. What are the biggest challenges or opportunities the company is currently facing, and how does this role address them?
This question demonstrates your proactive approach and strategic thinking. It also allows you to gauge if the business is aligned with your strengths and interests, and if you can make a meaningful impact in the role you are applying for.
3. How does the company foster innovation and stay ahead of the competition?
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, innovation and staying ahead of the competition are critical for success. This question will help you assess the company’s approach to innovation, its willingness to embrace change, and its ability to adapt to new market trends and technologies.
4. What is the leadership style of the CEO and top management team?
Considering the leadership style of the CEO and top management team will provide an understanding into the company’s culture and values. It will also help you determine if your own leadership style aligns with that of the organization, which is crucial for a successful working relationship.
5. Can you tell me more about the team I will be leading and their key responsibilities?
As a senior executive, you will likely be leading a team. Understanding the dynamics and responsibilities of the team you will be working with is essential. This question will provide insights into the team’s structure, strengths, and challenges, and help you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
6. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role and how will my success be measured?
Knowing how your performance will be evaluated is important to understanding the expectations and matching your efforts accordingly. This question will help you clarify the performance metrics, goals, and expectations for the role you are applying for.
7. How does the company prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives?
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential aspects of modern leadership. Asking about the company’s DEI initiatives shows your commitment to these values and helps you assess the company’s approach to employing an inclusive and diverse work environment.
8. Can you share examples of recent successes and challenges the company has faced, and how it has addressed them?
Asking about the company’s recent successes and challenges provides insights into its performance and resilience. It also demonstrates your interest in the company’s history and how it handles adversity, which can give you a better understanding of its culture and values.
9. How does the company support professional development and growth for its senior executives?
Continued professional development is vital for senior executives to stay relevant and add value to any business. This question will help you measure the company’s commitment to supporting your growth and development in the role.
10. What is the next step in the hiring process and what is the timeline for the decision?
Asking about the next steps in the hiring process and the timeline for the decision shows your interest and enthusiasm for the role. It also allows you to plan your follow-up actions and give yourself clear expectations on when you can expect to hear back about the outcome of the interview.
Asking relevant and well thought through questions during a senior-level interview is not only an opportunity to gather information, but also to showcase your dynamic thinking, curiosity, and alliance with the company’s values and goals. Use these 10 killer questions as a guide to help you ace your senior-level interviews and make an educated decision about your next career move. Good luck!
To hire or be hired in the Executive space – contact Helen direct: helen@kingrecruit.com | 01392 790725
King is a leading Recruitment and Search consultancy. We help businesses to expand by finding game-changing talent with our partner-led approach and expertise in all aspects of talent strategy and hiring – across the Southwest, London and the UK
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