Interview skills for senior executives

A lot has been written on preparing for interviews using competency based or behavioural interviewing techniques.  Its great preparation at every level.

However senior executives need to be able to demonstrate leadership skills and strategic behaviour in a short space of time and ensure that their message is relevant to the job they are applying for.

Prepare for board level interviews by honing your storytelling skills.

Through practice and feedback, improve your ability to connect with your interviewers through stories that demonstrate how as a leader you inspire your staff to move with you in the right strategic direction.

A good leadership story has the power to engage hearts and minds. It has six crucial elements:

• Draws on your real past and lessons you've learned from it.
• Resonates emotionally with your audience because it's relevant to them.
• Inspires your audience because it's fuelled by your passion.
• Shows the struggle between your goal and the obstacles you faced in pursuing it.
• Illustrates with a vivid example.
• Teaches an important lesson.

And think of this skill longer term than just the interview. Leaders at all levels and in all walks of life can improve their prospects by telling a good leadership story.

Here's how

Think of a story that meets these six criteria and convey it to someone in less than two minutes. Then ask them what impact the hearing of your tale had on them. Were they moved? Did they learn what you wanted to convey? Next, repeat with someone else — but do it faster. Soon it will become second nature and you will impress in the interview!

For coaching on confident interview performance contact Recrion, People and Career Management Specialists on 01780 484910 www.recrion.co.uk