Executive interview coaching is an important aspect of helping your client into a career they love, but it’s a lot easier said and thought about than actually done. Your client probably has a degree and experience, but are they sure where to go from there?

Searching for a new executive gig is not an easy task for anyone.

Any executive position may have thousands of applicants, and several of the applicants might meet the qualifications. You need to help distinguish your clients from among the competition and help them have the confidence in the interview to succeed.

Here are some executive interview coaching tips to follow to improve a client’s interview performance, and thus their chances of getting the job and executive career they want.

Dress Impeccably

Appearance is all a part of having a good first impression, so you should teach clients how to dress like a professional. Your coaching will help them find confidence in their appearance and feel powerful in how they present themselves. Have them:

• groom fingernails
• cover tattoos
• wear a minimal amount of jewelry

Also, teach them poses and appearance tricks that will make them feel like themselves while showing off their best features.

Research the Company

Your client needs to know:

• some background information about the company
• the job title
• when the company was established
• about the company’s corporate culture

When clients are prepared with the right information, they will give great answers to the interview questions and know what questions to ask for a better understanding of what kind of executive the company is looking for.

Be on Time

It should go without saying that timeliness is important. Have clients show up on time for the interview. If late, the interviewer probably won’t be impressed. If they are running more than a few minutes late, your client should call the interviewer to let them know. By letting the interviewer know you have a good reason for being late, they will appreciate your client for respecting their time. If they are going to be more than 10 minutes late, they should ask to reschedule the interview.

Common Courtesy

Common courtesy is important and almost second nature, but remind clients of better ways to show their respect in an executive interview to ensure more success. Have them wait to speak and go over good ways to maintain eye contact.

When giving the interviewer full attention, your clients will exude confidence and seem more alert to the questions being asked. You should also have them practice smiling naturally. Their nonverbal communication may be more important than their answers to the questions asked.

Executive Interview Coaching Key: Determine Weakness

Most interview questions include ideas about strengths and weaknesses, but for an executive position, the interviewer wants to know about the candidate’s personal growth. When clients answer the question, have them give an optimistic answer that focuses on improvement, rather than a humble brag.

If they have relevant education, they should be sure to mention it here or in their background.

Interviewers want to see the candidate’s enthusiasm. Your client should let them know they’re interested in a second interview. When asked about interest level, your client should let them know they could be a strong fit for the position. As a result, the interviewer might move their resume to the front of the pile.

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Eileen O’Shanassy
Guest Writer, Coaches Training Blog