What is Executive Presence?
According to Forbes, it's "Your ability to inspire confidence—inspiring confidence in your subordinates that you’re the leader they want to follow, inspiring confidence among peers that you’re capable and reliable and, most importantly, inspiring confidence among senior leaders that you have the potential for great achievements."
But here's the thing.
You don't need to BE an executive to show up like one in an interview.
But you do need to speak with authority and conviction about what you've accomplished in your career, especially those things that are relevant to the role for which you're applying.
Demonstrating executive presence will set you apart from other candidates by showing that you have the qualities of a leader, regardless of your role.
So how do you do it?
Stay Calm and Composed Under Pressure Interviews can be nerve-wracking, but if you can stay cool and collected, you’ll demonstrate leadership. When faced with tough questions, breathe, gather your thoughts, and respond confidently.
Communicate Clearly and Confidently Make every word count. Whether answering questions or sharing your experiences, speaking with clarity and conviction will leave a lasting impression of someone who can lead.
Use Your Body Language to Exude Confidence Your body speaks before you do. Maintain eye contact, sit with good posture, and use natural gestures to reinforce your words. Confident body language conveys that you are capable and ready to lead.
Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence Show that you can read the room. Whether discussing teamwork or conflict resolution, if you can demonstrate empathy and emotional intelligence, you’ll prove you know how to handle interpersonal dynamics like a leader.
Influence Through Your Answers You can still demonstrate influence even if you’re not in a leadership role. Use examples from your experience to show how you’ve driven change, inspired others, or led projects to success. This indicates that you can inspire action and get results—critical elements of executive presence.
Remember, executive presence isn’t about having the title—it’s about showing up like a leader in every interaction, including interviews.
Are you ready to stand out in your next interview?
Let’s refine your resume, highlight your wins, and sharpen your executive presence—no matter your current role.
Reach out today to finally start owning your career trajectory confidently and clearly.
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