This article originally appeared in the May 2024 issue of Security Business magazine. Don’t forget to mention Security Business magazine on LinkedIn and @SecBusinessMag on Twitter if you share it.
If there is one thing nearly everyone in the security industry has told me over the past 6 months, it is that there is a severe shortage of executive roles in our space.
This shortage has led to an incredibly competitive marketplace full of people clawing for the same handful of openings.
How do you stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on the hiring committee? Here are six clever strategies to help you shine as an executive during interviews:
1. Craft Your Elevator Pitch:
Nail the “tell me about yourself” portion by crafting a concise and compelling elevator pitch that highlights your unique value proposition. Think of it as your personal brand statement – concise, memorable, and tailored to the specific role and organization with which you are interviewing. Get it down to a science – the better this is, the more confident you will appear.
2. Showcase Your Leadership Style:
Use real-life examples to illustrate your leadership style and approach to management. Share stories of how you have inspired and motivated teams, navigated challenges, and achieved results. Be authentic, and don't be afraid to highlight your strengths while acknowledging areas for growth. Acknowledging weaknesses can actually make you appear stronger as a candidate, as it demonstrates self-awareness.
3. Demonstrate Strategic Thinking:
Set yourself apart by showcasing your strategic thinking skills. Discuss your ability to anticipate market trends, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions. Share insights into how you have aligned organizational objectives with actionable strategies to drive success.
4. Emphasize Your Adaptability:
In today's rapidly changing business environment, adaptability is key. Demonstrate your ability to thrive in dynamic situations by sharing specific examples of how you have successfully navigated change, embraced new technologies, and pivoted strategies to stay ahead of the curve.
5. Show Passion for the Role:
Let your enthusiasm shine through by expressing genuine interest in the role and the organization. Research the company thoroughly, ask serious questions, and make your commitment to making a meaningful impact if hired extremely clear. Go the extra mile and build a business plan, even if you aren’t asked. It shows your seriousness about the role and that you put some real thought behind the role.
6. Connect on a Personal Level:
Finally, do not underestimate the power of building rapport with interviewers on a personal level. Show empathy, actively listen, and find common ground to establish a connection beyond the professional realm. Remember, people want to work with someone who they like and trust. At the end of the day, we end up spending more time with coworkers than some members of our family.
Ryan Joseph is the VP of Security and Public Safety Technology Recruiting at Recruit Group, specializing in operations, sales, and sales leadership from Entry Level to the C-Level. Mention this article and receive a free 30-minute hiring consultation. [email protected] - (954) 278-8286
