Navigating interviews and confidence

 1 Sep 2025

Whether you're seeking a new challenge, exploring leadership opportunities, or transitioning into a more strategic role, preparing for interviews is essential. The more senior the role, the more interviews are likely to go beyond technical competencies—they assess your ability to lead, influence, and align with the organisation’s vision. Here are key strategies to help you present yourself with clarity, confidence, and credibility:

Understand the role and its strategic context

Before the interview, study the job specification thoroughly—not just the responsibilities, but the broader business context. Consider how the role fits into the organisation’s goals, and prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver impact. Think in terms of outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment.

Prepare with purpose

Review your CV through the lens of a hiring executive. What would they want to know about your leadership style, decision-making, and ability to drive change? Draft concise, outcome-focused responses to likely questions. Practise articulating your achievements in terms of measurable results, team development, and organisational growth.

Set a professional tone from the outset

First impressions matter, especially at senior levels. A confident greeting, composed body language, and a brief, thoughtful remark—such as “Thank you for the opportunity; I’ve been looking forward to learning more about your strategic priorities”—can establish rapport and signal executive presence.

Pause and reflect before responding

Senior interviews often involve complex, open-ended questions. Take a moment to listen carefully and consider your response. A brief pause before answering demonstrates thoughtfulness and ensures your reply is aligned with the question’s intent. It also reflects the composure expected of a leader.

Lead the conversation where appropriate

While it’s important to respond to the interviewer’s questions, don’t hesitate to guide the conversation toward areas where your strengths shine. If you’ve led a major transformation, built high-performing teams, or navigated challenging stakeholder environments, find opportunities to share those stories—even if they weren’t directly asked.

Demonstrate insight and engagement

Show genuine interest in the organisation’s mission, market position, and future direction. Reference recent developments—such as strategic partnerships, expansion efforts, or ESG initiatives—and connect them to your experience. For example: “I noticed your recent move into [sector/region], which aligns with my work in [related area]. I’d be keen to contribute to that growth trajectory.”

Ask thoughtful, strategic questions

Senior candidates are expected to assess the organisation as much as they are being assessed. Prepare questions that reflect your understanding of leadership dynamics and strategic priorities, such as:

• “How does this role contribute to the organisation’s long-term vision?”
• “What are the key challenges facing the leadership team right now?”
• “How is success measured across strategic initiatives?” Avoid questions about compensation or benefits at this stage—those are best reserved for later discussions.

Close with confidence

Regardless of how the interview unfolds, end on a positive and professional note. A firm handshake and a closing remark like “Thank you for the conversation—I appreciated the insights and look forward to next steps” reinforces your credibility and leaves a lasting impression.

Final thought

An interview at the senior level is not just about proving capability—it’s about mutual fit. You’re evaluating the organisation’s culture, leadership ethos, and strategic direction just as they’re evaluating your potential contribution. Even if the role isn’t the right match, each conversation expands your network and sharpens your executive narrative.

As a specialist tax recruitment agency, we’ve helped hundreds of tax professionals secure their ideal roles. If you are considering a move or would like a chat about the market and potential options, do feel free to get in touch. We’d be delighted to help.