Anything in particular I need to focus on?

A Interviews for Executive Management positions are challenging. At this level, employers need to be confident that they appoint the best person; someone who will add value to the Executive team, understand and deliver their strategy.

Understand the business. Be very clear on the company's strategy and direction. Consider the business challenges and any implications for the role you're applying for.

Think about your vision and plan for the area you'll be responsible for. What will your priorities be?

What results will you deliver? Draft an outline business plan.

Identify the key skills you must demonstrate to prove you're the person to achieve this. Executives need have a track record in areas such as strategic thinking and decision making, leading organisational change initiatives, driving business results through others, managing stakeholder relationships as well as specific technical, business or commercial skills.

Reflect on your professional experience. List achievements/examples that prove your ability to deliver results in these areas. Be prepared to discuss these in detail, but you must illustrate how you will contribute, both in the role, and to the senior team. Finally, at Executive level, personal qualities are critical.

Let the interviewers 'see' you 'fitting in' to their team. Display your enthusiasm, motivation, commitment and interpersonal attributes throughout the interview.

If you have career problems you would like answered by our panel of career doctors please email:
careerdoctor@tribune. ie or visit the career doctor panel www. carrcommunications. ie