The Art of Executive Interrogation - How to Hire the Right Executive Every Time

If you are taking your company public, expandingstrongest candidate will come into an interview ready
your corporation, doing in house cleanup to get rid ofto define their role and express the realities of what
dead weight or just filling a C level or VP levelthey bring to the table in the form of contacts and
position at your company your hiring method shouldintellectual capital.
be clear, concise and strategic. You need to take intoAsk them, in their own words, from their own
consideration every intricacy that the individual beingresearch, where they see the company in 5 years
interviewed has to be exposed. You need to paywith them in a leadership position. Ask them to give
attention to what is said, not said, gestures, verbalan example of 5 to 10 strategic alliances they have
intonations and the overall presence of the individual.planned for the company and what that will
Here are a few things to take into considerationcontribute to the bottom line of the company. What
when hiring an executive. These are elements outsideexpansion experience do they have? Ask them what
of the resume.makes a company in your position better or worse
First look at the obvious. Evaluate the overall attire offor being public or private and have them elaborate.
the individual pay attention to his suit, dress shirt, tieAsk them to critique the top executives of the
and dress shoes and even the shoe laces. Are hiscompany and how they would reorganize the
suit, shirt and tie crisp, conservative and pressed?company if they had their way. Get past the artificial
Are his shoes shined, scuff free and are his shoenature of educational pedigree and ask them about
laces in good condition? When he crosses his legs andtheir professional pedigree and how it has prepared
his socks are exposed what is the condition of histhem to join your corporate team.
socks? These things may seem artificial, pretentiousNow during this process pay close attention to their
and pointless but keep in mind, you are hiring thephysical gestures and take notes. As you're asking
appearance of the individual as well and most timesthem questions look for their subconscious
the clothing condition and selection tell us a lot aboutmovements that they are using to communicate.
the subconscious activity and mindset of theLook for gestures that demonstrate confidence,
individual. Do they pay close attention to detail? Doarrogance, insecurity. Are they sitting back in their
they have a clean presence? These things are 'tells'chair when they are talking (if so they are too
every time the executive stands before a client orcomfortable, a qualified executive will be sitting up
panel.straight without letting his back rest on the chair, you
Next the interview, obviously you've gone over theiron the other hand should be relaxed and sitting back).
resume and checked references before you evenAre their legs crossed? Are they using their hands? Is
bring them in for a serious interview so let's go pasttheir forehead crinkled or calm? Are they making use
the general inquires that go along with an executiveof a strong vocabulary that can strengthen their
interview. You need to evaluate their intellectual andpresentation etc?
emotional fitness by getting right to the point. HowHiring the proper executive for a specific role in the
much do they know about your company? Findingcompany can be challenging but using the process
out how much they've researched the company willabove to help weed through the poor candidates will
demonstrate their level of motivation in becominghelp you in securing the perfect candidate.
part of the team with a focus on contribution. The