• Competition is fierce for executive positions.executive image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
  
  Executive positions are vital to maintaining and growing a company successfully, particularly for publicly traded corporations, where the actions of executives can directly impact a company's value and shareholder confidence. When an executive position becomes vacant, it is imperative that the best person is found to fill the vacancy. Competition for such high-level positions is fierce, and candidates need to perform exceptionally well in interviews to stand a chance of being offered the job.
  
  

Resume

• A resume has secured the candidate the interview, and it will be referred to during the course of the interview. The candidate must know his resume thoroughly and be prepared to expand upon the content of the resume. He must equate his experience to positive quantitative values such as percentages and dollar amounts.
  
  

Preparation

• Preparation is key to a successful interview. The candidate must practice answers to likely questions about his qualifications and experience, until he has them perfectly rehearsed. He must arrive at the interview approximately 10 minutes prior to the appointed time and present himself in a highly polished and professional manner. This includes wearing appropriate business attire and turning off his cell phone. He must give 100 percent of his attention to the interview.
  
  

Research

• The candidate must also show that he has researched the prospective employer and is familiar with the company's operations. He must also demonstrate how his skills as an executive will translate favorably to that company. He must also research competitors and be prepared to discuss how he can help the company rise above the competition.
  
  

Value

• According to executive recruiters Bluegrass Recruiting, the most important factor an executive must convey is his value, which must be far in excess of the salary and benefits package he expects to receive. He must convey his value by giving clear examples that evidence his experience in increasing factors such as profits and production and decreasing operating expenses and inefficiencies. He must prepare at least two solid examples that he can factually evidence and summarize concisely during the interview.
  
  

Achievement

• The candidate must demonstrate his leadership abilities and successes and achievements, that not only benefited his department or division, but had a positive impact on a corporate level and even nationally and internationally. He should also evidence any industry-related awards that he received, which support his professionalism in his field.