Are executive interviews different from staff interviews?

Interviews typically change their focus when the position goes from a staff/management level to a senior management/executive level. Executive interview questions tend to be less technical (or task specific) and are more general (or big picture) in nature. Employers usually are interested in what the executive will do for the organization, whether he/she supports its goals and vision, and what impact he/she will have with the current construction employer culture and the firm's bottom line.

During executive interviews, employers are looking to see if the construction executive job seeker has good business and strategic sense, has the ability to lead and manage effectively, understands their construction employer, and can inspire others to perform at their best. Employers want find construction executive job seekers who enthusiastically share a common corporate vision. They want construction executive job seekers who can communicate and implement the vision as well as believe in a broader vision than they can visualize themselves.

Interview protocol is different with executive interviews. Executive interviews often take the form of multiple or panel interviews where they meet more than one person at the same time. Executive interviews are often held over dinner, in an offsite conference room, or in a less formal environment than a typical office setting. Spouses may be involved in this process, and there may be social meetings with key clients or vendors. Executive interviews break the mold as to how an interview will be conducted, what will be discussed and how the executive will be compensated.

When interviewing for an executive role, construction executive job seekers should mentally prepare themselves by relaxing and clearing their head of other pressing demands or business issues. Executive interviews (however casual) require a construction executive job seeker to be at their best - sharp, focused, relaxed yet in control. Everything a construction executive job seeker says and does must communicate the kind of confidence that they would have if they were already in that position. Special care should be taken to communicate intelligently, using proper annunciation, etiquette and manners. Executives should try to mirror challenges the construction employer is facing with strategic examples of their own. With everyone they meet, they should show that they are a team player by vocalizing their accomplishments and experiences with a "we" mentality.

Executive interviews are more about being the right fit. The executive's past accomplishments, personality and vision should be a perfect match with the employer's future goals (more than just having a resume matching a job profile). Too often employers do not have a formal job profile or even a written job profile. They know where they want to take the firm. At the same time, they want to learn if the construction executive job seeker has the solutions and the means to help them get there.