In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business environment, the art of interviewing has evolved. The ability to ask great questions is now a critical skill, as knowledge alone no longer defines leadership. For senior leaders, mastering the interview process is about engaging with authenticity, clarity, and strategic insight. The following principles will help ensure your interviews go beyond scripted responses and uncover the true potential of candidates.
1. Be Authentic: Presence Matters
The best questions come from a place of authenticity. A strong first impression is formed within a fraction of a second, often shaping how trustworthiness and competence are perceived. To be fully present in an interview:
- Focus entirely on the conversation, avoiding distractions.
- Maintain a professional yet relaxed posture, using eye contact and an open body language to establish connection.
- Clear your mind before the interview — breathe deeply, ensure punctuality, and create a positive pre-interview experience for the candidate.
- Pay attention to tone and facial expressions, as these significantly impact communication beyond words.
Key Learning: Be authentic, engaged, and aware of the silent messaging accompanying every interaction.
John O. Burdett is founder of Orxestra® Inc. He has extensive international experience as a senior executive. As a consultant he has worked in more than 40 countries for organisations that are household names. John has worked on organisation culture for some of the world’s largest organisations. His ongoing partnership with TRANSEARCH International means that his thought leading intellectual property, in any one year, supports talent management in many hundreds of organisations around the world.
