Here is a game-changing interview strategy: instead of telling a hiring manager you are proactive, demonstrate it.
Before your interview, spend some time researching your potential executive and company. This is not about deep-level background checks—it is about thoughtful, targeted preparation. Look at:
The executive’s LinkedIn profile
Any recent press releases
The company’s “About Us” page
Public interviews or articles about the leadership team
Your goal is to understand the challenges they might be facing, the pace of their work, and where they could use immediate support.
Bring a simple document to the interview titled something like:
“3 Ways I’d Make Your Life Less Chaotic, Starting Immediately.”
Keep it short and actionable. Examples might include:
Automating a weekly investor update with AI and templates to avoid late-night sends
Blocking out protected calendar time after key meetings for recovery and strategy
Organizing their inbox so important messages do not get buried among personal emails and vendor updates
Even if your suggestions are not perfect, the fact that you arrived with concrete ideas will set you apart from candidates who only speak in vague strengths like “team player” or “good communicator.”
This approach does more than show your skills. It previews what it is like to work with you. You are demonstrating foresight, initiative, and the ability to anticipate needs before they are spoken.
By the end of the conversation, you are no longer just another applicant. You are auditioning for the role of trusted right hand, chaos organizer, and operational problem solver.
Most candidates spend their interview talking about what they could do. You are showing them what you will do. It is a small shift that makes a major impact and helps you stand out in a competitive hiring process.