Executive Guide to Acing Video & Phone Interviews - Part One - Preparation

Sep 27, 2026

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Executive Guide to Acing Video & Phone Interviews - Part One: Preparation presents practical, executive-level advice to reduce common interview mistakes by doing thorough homework. It guides candidates through three preparation areas: understanding the organization, mastering industry context and current trends, and researching each interviewer’s background to build rapport. It also emphasizes concise delivery within 90 seconds, using the PAR structure for behavioral questions, and preparing specific examples with quantified results.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

AccessFree to download

Part One: Preparation

Organization

Industry

Your Interviewer(s)

Highlight Skills and Values

Showing You Want the Job

Keep Answers to a Maximum of 90 Seconds

Use the PAR Technique

Sample Behavioral Interview Questions

Executive Guide to Acing Video & Phone Interviews Part One: Preparation From our over 30 years in executive search and hundreds of debriefs with hiring authorities, we know that one of the biggest mistakes candidates make is failing todo enough homework before interviewing. 2 In-depth preparation foryour interview will help you make your responses more effective and relevant to your potential employer. To thoroughly prepare, focus on these three key areas: 1. e Organization Your interviewer expects basic understanding of their organization. Frequently they’ll ask questions like these to gauge what you know about them: • What interests you most about this organization? • How do your values t with our mission? • How do you believe you can help the organization become more pro table / deliver better service / become more innovative? • Why would you choose to work for our organization over our competitors? In order to be able to clearly articulate answers to questions like these, make sure you research and understand the organization’s: • Core services and products • Main competitors • Point(s) of di􀀞erentiation • Plans for expansion and growth • Values and mission • Culture • Pro tability and nancial health • Executive team 2. e Industry If you’re interviewing in an industry that’s new to you, make sure you are well versedin current challenges and trends, as well as where the industry is headed. Try these types of internet searches for industry research: • Healthcare industry outlook • Cybersecurity industry overview • IT trends • Cybersecurity industry analysis • Future of healthcare in the U.S. • Healthcare sector outlook 3. Your Interviewer(s) Make sure you nd a bio or LinkedIn pro le for each person on your interview agenda. In addition to determining their title, years of service with the company, and job history, you should look for commonalities you can use to build rapport. Resources: In addition to reviewing the organization’s website, LinkedIn page and other social media pro les, check-out: Indeed Company Pages Glassdoor 990 Finder Also, check LinkedIn to see if you have connections working at your target company. 􀀝ey can be a great source of“insider information” on the company’s culture. Your interview success hingeson how well you highlight your skills, share your values, and show you want the job. Ultimately, you need to convince the interviewer you have the skills (and desire) to deliver results from day one, whiletting in with their unique culture. Highlight your skills and share your values: • Carefully review the o􀀜cial position description and draft a list of the skills, attributes, and work experiences your interviewer will be seeking in their ideal candidate. • For each item on the list, developspeci c examples (with quanti ed results) highlighting your experiences relative to what the company is seeking. • Identify the top 3-5 points (or key themes) you need to share throughout your interview to demonstrate you’rea good t for the organization and position. Show you want the job: As mentioned previously, showing you’ve done your homework is a key part of conveying your interest. Everyone believes their organization is special, so demonstrate a genuine interest in the company and position, and ask questions that show your knowledge and a convey sincere interest in the opportunity. If you’re interested in the position after the interview, make sure you clearly communicate your desire to continue in the process. As part of your “close,” ensure you recap your strengths and ask if the interviewer needs additional information from you. Keep Your Answers to a Maximum of 90 Seconds. Failing to be concise in your answers can cost you the job. 􀀝is is the second biggest reason, just behind lack of preparation, that hiring authorities cite for cutting candidates. While it’s important to fully answer the question, i

FAQs

What are the three key areas for preparing for an executive interview?

Focus on understanding the organization, the industry context and trends, and researching each interviewer’s background and profile to build rapport.

How should candidates answer behavioral interview questions?

Use the PAR technique: Problem, Action, Result. Structure the response clearly and quantify results.

What timing guidance is provided for interview answers?

Keep answers to a maximum of about 90 seconds, and monitor the interviewer’s body language for signs of rambling or speaking too quickly.

Sep 27, 2026

Upload by Ben