Any tips for interviewing with the CEO?

[Ethicaldebacle]

So I've made it to the CEO stage! According to HR (and the wording of the email) it really sounds like a total and complete formality.

Obviously you can never be too sure, so I was wondering if anyone could share their best tips!

You are being interviewed by the CEO? I'm assumign therefore that this isn't some little position with no responsibility etc? My top tip is to go in with ideas and questions.

I sat in on an interview between an MD and a senior person recently and it was awful - the interviewee wasn't curious at ALL about the company and the MD"s plans to grow the business, had no opinions (within her realm of expertise) on what the company could/should do etc. If you're being interviewed at this level one assumes the CEO is goign to be working with you on at least some level so really, he/she needs to know that you have a similar approach, thatyou're interested and dynamic, that you have ideas, that you're curious etc.

From what I've been told, he just likes to meet with everyone before they get an offer. (Smallish startup).

Also, it's not a junior role, but let's call it a "strategic individual contributor"

Just remember that the CEO is a person, like anyone else. Don't be intimidated by the title. (I am a CEO!)

Be polite but not obsequious. Make sure you've done your homework on the company. Don't boast but don't be overly modest either. Show a bit of enthusiasm for the company. You'll be fine!

When I was last interviewed by a CEO I went prepared like it was a job interview and gave that kind of answer. He stopped me part way through and told me that if I had made it to this stage then he presumed I had passed all the technical and experience parts, but he liked to have a friendly chat as a final stage to get the measure of the preferred candidate before signing off.

so it became much more of a getting to know you chat.

Yes, exactly. It's NOT a junior role. So he needs to know that you are a) interested in his vision and b) can help him to execute it and c) that you are on a similar page.

Be interested and enthusiastic, have something to share about your thoughts for the profession/activity you’ll be involved in, show your personality and be engaging. Ask them their thoughts about the organisation or work role, be interested in what they have to say too - remember it’s a two way process.

Yes, exactly what more or less I've been told to expect.

Best of luck - it’s a very good sign the CEO wants to see you - sounds like you are the chosen one. Be as well prepped as you were for other interviews in the process, be professional and engaging.

I just saw one of his videos on YT I think I'll be fine LOL