Ask the headhunter

D.D. asks:

Not long ago, I came across an extraordinary opportunity – a CEO position at a groundbreaking deep-tech startup. With my extensive experience in scaling deep-tech and industrial ventures and my unrelenting passion for transforming trailblazing innovations into real-world market successes, I was immediately drawn to the role. Confident in my ability to lead this promising company toward its next chapter, I took the first step to further explore the opportunity.

I recently had an initial meeting with one of the members of the board of directors. This conversation was encouraging, and I received an invitation to have a more comprehensive talk with the management team, including the current CEO. Needless to say, I want to put my best foot forward and prepare thoroughly for these pivotal discussions. To ensure I’m fully equipped, I am seeking advice: what should I focus on and how can I position myself as the optimal candidate for the role?

The headhunter answers:

Preparation is the foundation of every successful job interview. It not only showcases your ambition and professionalism but also fortifies your confidence. A well-prepared candidate often stands out as a clear front-runner. I can certainly give you some actionable steps to help you excel in the process.

First, dive deep into the company’s DNA. A thorough understanding of its vision, technological edge and market strategy is vital. Research its innovation portfolio and delve into what sets its offerings apart. Explore the management team’s profiles, including their backgrounds and areas of expertise. This preparation will enable you to ask thoughtful, personalized questions and demonstrate your strategic insight.

Second, analyze the competitive landscape. Get a clear picture of the company’s position in the marketplace. What are its key strengths and where are the growth opportunities? Identify industry challenges and consider how your unique skills can help address them. Discussing the company’s short- and medium-term goals with a clear perspective will leave a positive impression.

Third, harness AI as your preparation partner. Use tools like Copilot to enhance your groundwork. AI can assist with rapid information gathering and generating possible interview questions. By practicing these questions and refining your answers with AI-driven feedback, you’ll be better equipped for the interview. Additionally, AI can help create an organized checklist of points you’d like to cover, ensuring that your meetings are structured and purposeful. Even your elevator pitch can be polished to perfection using AI’s input.

Fourth, consider the role of the current CEO. As he’ll be involved in the discussions, understanding his future role in the organization is crucial. Will he transition to an advisory position or perhaps assume another strategic role, such as CTO, CSO or CCO? A seamless handover often sets the stage for a successful start. Demonstrating a collaborative mindset in this context can work to your advantage.

Finally, understand the selection process. Seek clarity about the steps involved in the recruitment procedure. Beyond the initial interviews, which focus on first impressions and cultural fit, subsequent rounds often involve key stakeholders, such as investors or supervisory board members. At this stage, your leadership abilities, strategic vision and decision-making skills will come under scrutiny. Be ready for possible assessments, business cases or even psychometric evaluations. Reference checks may also feature in the process. The final steps typically involve a concluding interview with senior stakeholders, followed by salary negotiations and the drafting of a formal offer and contract.

By combining meticulous research with strategic preparation, you’ll be well-positioned to approach these interviews with confidence and conviction.