How to Prepare for an Interview with a CEO: Pro Tips You Can’t Miss
So, you’ve landed an interview with the CEO of a company. Congratulations! But before you start celebrating, let’s get real for a second. This interview is a big deal, and you want to make sure you’re 100% prepared to impress. CEOs don’t have time for small talk or fluff; they want to know how you can add value to their organization. So how do you prepare for such a high-stakes conversation? Let’s dive into it.
1. Understand What They’re Really Looking For
When you're interviewing with a CEO, it’s important to understand that their main concern isn’t just whether you’re qualified for the role; it’s whether you can save or make them enough money to justify the cost of hiring you. J.T. O’Donnell, our CEO here at Work It DAILY, has shared before that hiring someone actually costs about 130-140% of their salary. So if you’re looking to make $100,000, the company is spending about $130,000-$140,000 on you.
Knowing this, CEOs are laser-focused on how you can contribute to the business’s bottom line. They want to know if you have the personality to fit into their company culture, if you’re flexible enough to adapt to their needs, and if you have the experience to do the job as they need it done.
2. Do Your Homework on the CEO
Now, here’s the part where you get to shine. CEOs are busy, and they want to know that you’re invested in the opportunity. So, take the time to research the CEO. Get familiar with their background, values, and any insights they’ve shared publicly. Look for interviews, articles, or speeches where they’ve talked about the company’s mission or challenges. This will help you understand what matters most to them.
If possible, ask your contact at the company about the CEO’s personality. What do they value in an employee? What kind of work style do they prefer? The more you know, the better you’ll be able to tailor your conversation.
3. Know the Company Inside and Out
Next up: do some deep-dive research on the company itself. CEOs want to know that you're not just interested in any job, but that you’re specifically interested in their company.
Understand what the company does, its core values, and its competitive advantages. What sets them apart in the industry? Are they growing fast, or are they facing challenges? Knowing this will allow you to have a meaningful conversation about their goals and how you can help them reach those goals.
4. Ask Smart Questions That Show You Understand What Keeps Them Up at Night
When you're in the interview, don’t just talk about your skills and experience. CEOs want to see that you understand the bigger picture. They’re focused on strategy, money, and growth. So, think about what’s keeping them up at night.
One great question to ask is, “What are your biggest challenges for 2025, and how do you plan to tackle them?” This shows you’re thinking about the company’s future and want to contribute to its success.
You also want to ask about ROI (return on investment). CEOs are obsessed with how their hiring decisions will impact the business financially. At some point during the interview, ask them, “What do you look for in a candidate to ensure that they’ll provide a strong ROI for your company?” This not only shows that you understand the business side of things, but it also reinforces that you’re a business-of-one, offering your services to a bigger business.
5. Be Prepared to Prove You’re Worth the Investment
Remember, CEOs are trying to figure out if they’ll get enough return on their investment by hiring you. So make sure you’re ready to demonstrate that you can deliver value. Show them how your skills, experience, and personality align with what they need to move the company forward. Be clear about how you can help solve the challenges they’re facing and contribute to their goals.
Conclusion: Show You’re More Than Just an Employee; You’re a Valuable Asset
When it comes down to it, preparing for an interview with a CEO is about understanding that you’re not just applying for a job; you’re offering a service to a business. The more you can speak their language—focus on value, ROI, and strategy—the more impressed they’ll be.
At Work It DAILY, we have tons of resources to help you prepare for any type of job interview. If you want to take your interview prep to the next level, sign up for our free resource center. You’ll get access to tools like our “18 Most Common Interview Questions” booklet, plus a ton of other valuable resources to help you ace any interview.
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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