A CEO is the person in a company with the greatest responsibly for the success of the company. The CEO is the leader and highly public face of the organization – he or she must be a cautious yet innovative trailblazer. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to hire an individual who is as perfect a match as possible for the CEO position.
After reading this article, you may be interested in reading these popular articles:
- Leadership interview
- Management interview at the management job interview category.
- You can also refer to the article: examples of competency based questions.
Job interview questions for CEOs | CEO interview tips
► Question: What is the most important enticement that would attract you to join a company?
Since you will be leading employees, yet are an employee yourself, this is a good time to emphasize the importance of employee retention. You will be setting up the structure of the firm in such a way that employees feel appreciated, and retention rate is high. Of course, this will apply to you as well. Suggesting better pay, vacations, and other spiffs may not reflect well on you, so mention them only with caution if at all. Politely weave into the conversation your desire to work for a company that is forward looking, substantially growing as well as committed towards offering their employees a better place to work in and their product partners a better product to offer.
► Question: How successful you’ve been so far?
Exuding confidence and presenting a positive/realistic picture of your success stories are your best responses. You may state that you’re satisfied with your career and the way it has been progressed according to your plans. Warning! Avoid arrogance. Give credit you superiors, and other role-models you have learnt from.
► Question: Your resume suggests that you may be over-qualified or too experienced for this position. What’s your opinion?
The best approach is to speak about your wish to have a long and mutually satisfying working experience with the company. Point out how your qualifications and experience can create new vistas for the company. Also, observe that a company with a vast business would always want well qualified and strong staff, in a bid to increase their market presence. And it all hinges on the CEO. That is not the place for economizing.
► Question: How long would you stay with us?
The amount of time that an employee stays with an employer depends on various factors, and of course works both ways. For example, an employee remains with the only till he or she is confident and satisfied with their growth, and an employer wishes the employee to stay with them as long as they are sure that the employer is productive and profitable.
The only answer, therefore, to this question is that you are looking for a long and productive career with the company. You would also have to reiterate that you have chosen to work with the company for various reasons such as reputation, quality that the company represents in the market as well as the future that the company aims toward.
► Question: How long will it take you to make a meaningful contribution to this firm?
A CEO is hired to run the company and lead it into the future.
Practically speaking, the game plan for the CEO will determine and direct the game plan for all other employees. Investigate the company before you attend the interview. Try to discern any gaps or problems, and offer them as possibilities to the interviewer. Suggest time frames for improvement assuming normal parameters, which you will specify as well.
Although such speculation can make a very good impression, it is but educated guesswork. Clarify that you will have a clearer picture only after you come on board. Suggest that they carefully review your work experience in the previous companies or company, and can anticipate you will lead them to success as well.
Refer to Executive Interview article.
Job Interviews for Executive Positions