If you’re aiming for a C-suite role, impressing board members and CEOs is only part of the challenge. You also need to win over professional recruiters and assessors, who are now central to most top-level hiring decisions. Here’s how to prepare.
Shift your mindset. Treat the evaluation process as a development opportunity. Recruiter interviews, assessments, and reference checks can reveal how others see your leadership—and where you have room to grow. Use the experience to refine your story, deepen self-awareness, and sharpen your strategy.
Develop a clear vision. Prepare a short, actionable memo outlining your approach to the role. Focus on solving key business challenges, aligning with long-term strategy, and demonstrating that you can execute and adapt.
Expect rigorous assessments. From personality and cognitive tests to business simulations and 360 reviews, recruiters will evaluate you from all angles. Familiarize yourself with common tools and frameworks. Reflect on your personality traits, even seeking feedback from a coach or psychologist before the process begins.
Master the interview. Expect deep questions about your career, leadership style, decision-making, and setbacks. Prepare by reflecting on every role you’ve held and identifying key patterns in your leadership journey. Build a concise set of STAR (situation, task, action, result) stories tied to the job’s requirements.
Curate strong references. Choose advocates who’ve seen you in action. Brief them on the role and coach them on what to emphasize. |
