Editor's Note: CURE (Credit Union Retired Executives) is sharing advice with Journal readers based on questions it receives and responses from the numerous retired CU execs it has recruited. For more info: www.curetiredexec.com.
Q: One of our professionals was applying for a CEO position and asked for advice on how to handle the interview with the board.
A: Keep in mind the one basic rule about interviews. The organization wants to know, more than anything, what you can do for them and they want to be 100% confident that you are the candidate who can turn their ideas into reality. Your past accomplishments may be impressive-and most likely are impressive; after all, you've gotten to the interview-but what you've done in the past has been done for others. Your history got you in the door. It alone won't get you the job. That happens during the interview, when you get to know each other, and find out if you are a good fit for each other.
It's A Two-Way Street
Interviews are two-way streets; they are not just asking about you and deciding if they want you; you must also be prepared to ask about them-and decide if you want them.
The first step-which seems obvious but is often overlooked-is due diligence. Prepare for the interview by finding out as much as you can about the credit union where you're interviewing, and that includes the current executive staff, board members and, if possible, past CEOs and their accomplishments. What is expected of the CEO? What types of goals has this credit union set for itself? Does the credit union have a mission statement? What kind of culture has this credit union fostered?
When talking about yourself, it's a given that you are honest about your record and accomplishments. Beware of the "over sell"; it seems easy and harmless to enhance a little here and embellish a little there, but those statements may come back to haunt you.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line: do your research and prepare. What would you want to know? What skills and accomplishments are relevant to the needs of this credit union? Why do you think your talents qualify you for this CEO position? How would you apply those to what the board is looking for in their new CEO? Practice-in front of a mirror, if need be-your answers to these questions.
It's also critical to ask questions of your own, even when you think you know the answers. Where does the board see credit union headed? Pay careful attention to the interactions of the board during your interview. (Of course, you know who is on the board and something about them, because you've done your research!)
Also, behave in a professional manner, one that is direct and business-like without being too familiar or "folksy."
Finally, good luck! It really does involve some of that too!
