Preparations for an interview with a company CEO

P

PRETTYSJX

#1
Hi Friends,

I’ll have an interview with a company CEO, a German. The position I applied for is Quality Manager of a China-German joint venture. This interview will be conducted in an airport. I don’t know what questions are usually asked by a CEO during an interview because I never had such an interview experience. I appreciate you if you can give me some suggestions.

Thanks in advance!
 
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harry

Super Moderator
#2
Kind of difficult to speculate what will be asked. If you are meeting at the airport, it will be informal and basically it is to 'see' you in person.

Chances are he will sit down and have coffee/chat with you and observed and be satisfied that you can handle/carry yourself well in a conversation - because you are going to be a manager there and thus be part of the company's 'face'.

I doubt there will be 'technical' kind of questions but be prepared for some general and opinion type of questions - be aware of developments in your industry, country and the world.

Finally, dressed appropriately and be on time. It tells people a lot about you and also be confident. You can always call their office/PR people for tips and guidance.
 
M

MIREGMGR

#3
It's always a reasonable guess that the interviewer...especially when it's a task manager as in this case...has a fairly good handle on what job they need to get done, and wants to evaluate whether you are suitable to do that work effectively.

In that regard, an interview like this is just like a meeting with a staff member from a company that wants to buy a product from the company for which you work, and with whom you are meeting to explain your company's quality commitment and compliance systems. The only difference in this case is, the "company for which you work" is you, and the "product" you are discussing is your future work services to get his job done.
 
B

brandomenon

#4
You should also try to have some questions for the CEO that give them the chance to discuss their vision for the position you're hoping to get, what the challenges might be, any skills the CEO feels will be particularly important to be successful.

If you do all the talking about you (including what you know and what you can do) there are two potential pit-falls:
1 - You can talk too much; listening is usually a coveted skill.
2 - You might not get enough information about the company and dynamic which could be a bad fit for you. You have to fit the job - the job also has to fit you for real success.

Best of luck!
 
P

paulthequalityguy - 2009

#5
You should also try to have some questions for the CEO that give them the chance to discuss their vision for the position you're hoping to get, what the challenges might be, any skills the CEO feels will be particularly important to be successful.

If you do all the talking about you (including what you know and what you can do) there are two potential pit-falls:
1 - You can talk too much; listening is usually a coveted skill.
2 - You might not get enough information about the company and dynamic which could be a bad fit for you. You have to fit the job - the job also has to fit you for real success.

Best of luck!
That's solid advice brandomenon.

I would add; remember to demonstrate a genuine passion for your career choice.
Also in a public environment such as an airport it is conceivable the CEO will arrive earlier and observe your demeanor and organization upon arrival. If your flight arrives late, don’t let your anxiety show.
I once arrived at a prospective company and after waiting fifteen minutes past my scheduled time the man sitting across from me introduced himself and began the interview. He was observing me the whole time.

Best of Luck
 
I

icare2much

#7
:caution:This is an interesting situation. An airport? Call me paranoid, but my alarm bells start ringing. What is the reporting relationship? Will you report to the CEO or someone on the CEO's staff? If its someone on the CEO's staff, great- in fact terrific that the CEO wants to meet you! But if its reporting to the CEO I'd be more than a little concerned.

CEO's are people too. Sometimes they are justifiably busy, but I seriously doubt that the CEO would interview a potential VP or President of Operations at an airport. Like I said, maybe I'm paranoid but my sixth sense tells me the CEO is telegraphing just how (un)important the CEO really feels this position is if it is a direct report... which may have direct bearing on the support you get when you need it...

My :2cents:.

So in answer to your question about what the CEO might ask you - I'd focus on what to ask the CEO.
 
P

PRETTYSJX

#8
Definitely I'll not report to the CEO directly. The GM of this China-Germany joint venture will be my direct boss.

The situation changed. I got a call from the consultant yesterday that the German company's China representative will meet me first. He will decide if I need to meet the CEO.
 
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