This means not only anticipating questions, and being able to answer them confidently and directly. It also means generating the required aura – or, to give it a more popular modern term, the right ‘executive presence’.
Understanding Executive Presence
So, what is executive presence? Put simply, it’s a combination of qualities that helps to establish you as a person with authority, who can command the respect of other executives. There are three distinct components to this. These are gravitas, communication, and appearance.
Gravitas is what will help you to be taken seriously. It covers your manners and mannerisms, and the way that you behave. Communication covers your ability to get your ideas across, and to take on board the information that’s being given to you. Finally, there’s appearance. If you don’t look like you’re a good fit for the job, you’ll find it more difficult to convince people that you are a good fit for the job.
The Role of Non-Verbal Communication
Your body language matters. Make sure that you are able to sit upright, and maintain eye contact while answering questions. It might be that you’re not doing these things – in which case you can make a special effort to do them. On the other hand, it’s possible to do these things excessively – in which case you might look to reign them in.
Verbal Communication and Articulation
Being able to speak clearly and concisely is critical. The content of what you’re saying should come first. If your words are substantive, then you won’t have to worry about padding them with banalities. Make sure that you speak loudly and clearly. Lean into your natural cadence. If you speak quickly, then you might be able to get more information across. However, rushed speaking might be seen as a sign of nervousness – which could count against you.
Dressing the Part
The clothes you wear will inform the impression that your would-be employers make of you. Smart businesswear, in most cases, will be mandatory. However, different company cultures might lead to different expectations. You can accent your attire with a few luxury items, such as a subtle luxury wristwatch – but don’t go overboard, or you risk drawing attention to those accessories.
Demonstrating Emotional Intelligence
Working effectively as part of a team means being able to deal with your emotions, and recognise the emotions of others. This is especially important if you’re working in an executive role. Being able to build a rapport is a good way to demonstrate emotional intelligence. Avoid sensitive issues, mirror the body language of your interviewer, and above all make sure that you’re listening to what’s being said.
Continuous Improvement and Feedback
Working effectively as an executive means building a number of skills. It might be that you have weaknesses in your skillset which might create a chance for you to grow and mature. But to do this, you’ll need to know what those weaknesses are. This is where asking for feedback can be crucial.
