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Original poster

Imposter syndrome. Interview for big job

30 replies

fartyface · 11/09/2020 18:14

I've got an interview for a big job - ceo. And having confidently decided I meet the criteria and applying, I have now been invited to interview and am having a crisis of ability.

Can I have tips from people who have been in this position. And also suggestions of interview questions I should prep for?

Please help!

OP posts:

BF2748 · 11/09/2020 18:16

As ceo you’re going to have to face things bigger than an interview. I would focus on strengthening your mindset and be confident.

Original poster

fartyface · 11/09/2020 18:21

Hence the post!

Any tips?

OP posts:

honeybeetheoneandonly · 11/09/2020 20:52

Look through the job ad again and write down why and how you meet each of their listed requirements. Also, think of actual examples where you have demonstrated whatever it is they are asking for.

Lastly, (and I'm not sure you find it helpful but I do) the chances of getting a job are always stacked against you, it's only ever 1 in x amount of candidates, so all you can do is, to do the best you can on the day and draw comfort in the knowledge that most candidates can think of better answers after the interview.
Good luck...and don't forget to have a good look around and get a feel for the place too.

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Screamqueenz · 11/09/2020 20:56

At CEO level it's more about a two sided conversation. I'd expect to have read and understood the last 3 years stat accounts and I'd have asked for the latest MI and 3 year strategy.
I'd be expecting to be asked about what my first 3 months in office would look like and what experience I had in resolving issues that they are currently facing.
I'd want to know what their biggest concern is currently, and what they expect their biggest challenge to be in the next 2-5 years.

Screamqueenz · 11/09/2020 20:58

Also make sure you understand the market they're in, their supply chain, competition and what their marketing strategy is, (high value or low cost), what gives them their competative advantage.

Irishgal20 · 11/09/2020 21:10

Look back at previous performance assessments or feedback you have received to reconfirm why you are eligible for this position. Good luck for the interview.

SallyCylicAcid · 11/09/2020 21:22

I just pretend to be someone else I know who is really confident

The guy I took over the job from was a complete arrogant, overly self confident arse. But the board loved him because he gave the air of being in control. I knew I knew more than him but when he did the handover, I couldn't believe how highly he was regarded (given I knew which parts of the job he had not bothered to do!).

Even now when I do huge presentations, I channel him. I learned a lot from his confidence and how it was perceived!

Original poster

fartyface · 13/09/2020 07:54

These are all great comments coming from a few difference angles. Thank you.

I love "channel the arse" :)

I am trying to work out how much they will expect me to know the business compared with bog standard leadership skills strategically and managerially.

OP posts:

Fingerbobs · 13/09/2020 08:23

I found this helpful - it’s a McKinsey guide for board members asking questions of prospective CEOs. It helped me get my head into the right place.

www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/Business%20Functions/Organization/Our%20Insights/A%20board%20interview%20guide%20for%20prospective%20CEOs/Board-interview-guide-for-prospective-ceos.ashx

I think a degree of trepidation is fine but thinking you are generically ‘not good enough’ is definitely not. So work out specifically what you feel you are good at first. I had some coaching which was amazing because not only did it help me work out what I was struggling with and gave me strategies to deal with those things, it helped me to see where I didn’t need any input because I was already doing well. You need to be able to look after yourself and that includes honestly owning what you are fucking great at. You will have an awful time (as will your long-suffering family and friends) if you cannot challenge the lie that you are not good enough at everything.

The interview is as much about deciding if you really want to do this as it is about a test of your knowledge of the market of blah. If you think of it like that it might help that honesty about what you offer as well as what they might want. Good luck with the interview, and go for it.

TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross · 13/09/2020 08:30

Watch Taylor Swift - The Man

HermioneN · 13/09/2020 08:44

Ohhh, I feel your pain. Go back to the point at which you said you can confidently meet the criteria. That's the thing - you can do this so just tell them.

Also, for me - even though I have raging imposter syndrome and there's stacks of times I'm amazed anyone pays me what they do to do my job - I haven't come across many people who would do better at it. I can think of examples of people who would be better at one element maybe so 'x would have handled that conversation amazingly' but I can also acknowledge that x is crap at a whole host of other stuff im pretty good at. They can't hire 20 people who are the best at each individual element they will get one person who has a blend of skills and abilities. Why not you?

Original poster

fartyface · 21/09/2020 11:42

I thought I would come back to this thread as I straighten my hair fir the interview this afternoon.

I've prepped and I have researched and I know so many things. I just need to make sure I say them.

I tend to enjoy interviews so I am excited / nervous but I know I can do the job. And I can't change my competitors so I WILL NOT worry about them.

OP posts:

PeppaPigOinkOinkOink · 21/09/2020 11:46

Good luck OP

DottyDotAgain · 21/09/2020 11:48

Good luck! I recently got a new job and just before I went in for the interview, told myself to think of it as a business meeting - took all the nerves away and I went in with a completely different attitude. I can handle any meeting without any worries, so I think it made me more confident and relaxed.

Fingers crossed all goes well!

BumblePan · 21/09/2020 11:49

You are great! You can do it! You meet the criteria and you are bringing so much more to the table.
Good luck!

Purplecatshopaholic · 21/09/2020 11:52

Ooh, good luck op. Let us know how it goes x

Original poster

fartyface · 21/09/2020 17:01

Thanks everyone I gave it the best I could. Agree about treating it as a normal meeting. At the last minute I wore flats instead of heels as it is more me. It made me more confident.

I engaged the panel and answered all the questions. Now I am stewing and cringing over the answers I gave. But I know I did fine. They just have to choose the best candidate me please

Thanks for all support!

OP posts:

onthejobhunt101 · 21/09/2020 17:07

🤞🏻🤞🏻 for you, OP! Well done!

Original poster

fartyface · 22/09/2020 19:28

I got the job!!!

OP posts:

Purplecatshopaholic · 22/09/2020 20:14

YAY! Great news op - well done.

Lotsalotsagiggles · 23/09/2020 01:41

Well done!!! Your hard work paid off and you did it

Did you like the company? Are you excited to start?

Susannahmoody · 23/09/2020 01:42

Same problem here so watching with interest

Susannahmoody · 23/09/2020 01:44

Just saw you got it - hurrah!

liverpool1981 · 23/09/2020 01:48

Congratulations xxx love a good news story especially at the minute

MrsSiba · 23/09/2020 01:59

Well done OP! Congratulations 🎊

I've screen shot some of the advice on this board for my interview on Monday. Not as high level position as yours but I am lacking in confidence.

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