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Interview with the CEO? Questions to Ask – Jobsmaa

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administrative hearing; Questions to Ask a CEO in an Interview

“I got an interview with a senior executive (at the company). What questions can I ask to understand how their style and priorities will affect my day-to-day work? What are the best questions to ask the CEO in an interview?”

I was asked this question while coaching a client this morning. His interests—organizational culture, leadership styles, and company health—may be similar to yours, so let's explore how you can learn what you need to know.

(If the CEO is a founder, you might want to read on Questions to Ask Founders in an Interview)

Best Questions to Ask a CEO in an Interview

To get a sense of the company's culture filtered down from senior management:

  • “How does communication occur between senior management and other levels?”
  • “How are values, vision, plans and strategies communicated?”
  • “How does this company reward good performance?”
  • “How would you describe the company culture here?”
  • “How does that culture develop?”

For clues about senior management's commitment to the field you're interviewing for:

  • “Where do you see the company expanding or focusing its efforts in the next few years?”
  • “What upcoming initiatives are you particularly excited about?”
  • “How do you see the company's (relevant sector) role in development?”

To find out if they set direction in a firm, consistent way:

  • “How and when are goals set for this sector?”

For insights into a CEO's leadership style:

Asking directly about a particular style can make the manager defensive or question your compatibility with the organization. Instead, ask general questions and “ask between the lines.”

  • “Can you describe your leadership style for me?”
  • “What is your ideal or philosophy about the role of senior management in the organization?”
  • “How does this organization develop leadership at all levels?”
  • “What is your approach to promoting and developing talent?”

To sense anything that might hold the company back:

  • “How does this company compete effectively, and how can someone in this role support that evolution?”

Obviously, these are more questions than most candidates are likely to ask, but they can provide guidance Research your own company as well as Read about the executive in the business press and social media. Talk to people who know the company. Then prioritize your questions for the interview. You may have the opportunity to ask several of them, or just one question – or none at all. If the interviewer talks the whole time!

Choose your questions wisely.

The questions you ask a CEO during an interview say a lot about you. Are you excited or nervous about the role? Interested in the bigger picture (the director believes so!), or your own work?

The best questions to ask at the end of an interview depend on many factors, including the roles, power levels, and personalities of the people involved. For example, if you are an executive yourself, you may not need to be as respectable as a mid-level candidate. Consider the above suggestions “food for thought” – and use your own good judgment.

Also remember that the administrator cannot simply answer your question. “Why do you ask?” He or she may ask counter-questions such as or “What leadership style do you have? like?”

Be prepared to come up with a harmonious combination Credibility and strategy For this conversation.

Additional guidance for your interviews with senior executives:

Now that you know some good questions to ask a CEO during an interview, your next step is to understand How to get an interview with a CEO You may want to review Interview Questions CEOs Ask and How to Answer Them Go to this final interview and get the job! ((This post was published in 2022 and updated in 2024.)

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