10 Shocking Secrets To Landing Your Dream IT Executive Job

Kicking your career up a notch to a leadership position can be an exhilarating yet intimidating experience. After years of hard work and determination, you’ve finally landed an interview for an IT executive position at a company that aligns with your values and goals. But how do you ensure that you make the most of this opportunity? To help you shine in the interview and secure the job, we’ve gathered expert advice from IT executives who have hired people for similar roles, career coaches who specialize in helping IT leaders land their next job, and other industry experts.

An IT executive position requires a different set of skills and approach than lower-level IT positions. It’s more about managing people, communicating with leadership, and developing strategic plans rather than just focusing on technology. Therefore, the interview process will also be different, requiring a combination of technical knowledge, business acumen, and soft skills.

According to Vishal Grover, CIO at apexanalytix, "You will need to collaborate with all stakeholders, so comfort in a crisis management situation is essential. I look for an individual who can think strategically and make decisions that align with the company’s goals." Stephen Franchetti, CIO at Samsara, adds that "I look for people who are intellectually curious, can challenge the status quo, and bring a new perspective to the table."

Each interviewer will have their own set of questions and expectations. Some might focus on your technical abilities, while others might want to assess your leadership skills or business knowledge. Kyle Elliot, founder and tech career coach at CaffeinatedKyle.com, suggests that "research will help you understand what each interviewer is looking for. Use Reddit, the company website, or your recruiter to learn about the company’s culture, goals, and expectations."

It’s essential to prepare for the interview by researching the company, understanding where each interviewer is coming from, and having a clear idea of your own goals and aspirations. This will help you connect with each interviewer and show how you can contribute to the company’s success.

As part of your preparation, review your own experiences and be ready to share stories about your leadership accomplishments and failures. Develop examples of how you solved problems, collaborated with teams, and made difficult decisions. Wendi Zhang at Egon Zehnder advises that "candidates should know the company’s goals, mission statement, and recent news and trends. They should also be able to articulate their own strengths, weaknesses, and career goals."

Another critical aspect of the interview process is how you communicate and present yourself. At an executive level, you’ll be expected to be articulate, strategic, and impactful in your communication. Franchetti notes that "I’m looking for people who can communicate effectively at an executive level, articulate their vision, and inspire others to follow them."

This means that you should be thoughtful about your social media presence and how you engage with company executives and other leaders online. While it’s essential to show interest and enthusiasm for the company, be cautious about coming across as nosy or unprofessional.

Traditional interview preparation techniques may not work for an executive interview. Elliot cautions that "searching for typical interview questions and memorizing answers won’t be enough. You need to understand the company’s culture, values, and goals and be able to talk about your own experiences and perspectives in a way that resonates with the interviewers."

Practice is key to acing the interview. Work with an executive coach, recruiter, or friend to practice your responses to common questions and develop a set of talking points that showcase your skills and experience. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.

Another critical aspect of the interview process is your appearance and professional demeanor. While the dress code may vary depending on the company culture, it’s essential to make a positive first impression. Do your research on the company culture and dress accordingly, but avoid overdressing or underdressing.

Asking insightful questions during the interview is also crucial. This demonstrates your interest in the company and its goals and shows that you’ve done your research. Franchetti suggests that "you should prepare three to five questions that showcase your knowledge and curiosity about the company and its future plans."

Finally, don’t forget to follow up after the interview with a thank-you note or email. This shows that you’re enthusiastic about the role and the company and helps keep you top of mind for the interviewers.

By following these tips and expert advice, you can increase your chances of acing the interview and landing your dream IT executive job. Remember to stay focused, be prepared, and showcase your skills and passion for leadership and technology.