The last thing hiring managers want to hear are generic statements that they’ve heard a handful of times before. Standing out from other candidates should be your goal during the interview process and offering detailed examples of your past achievements is a terrific start.

Hiring managers don’t want to hear blanket statements without any example to back it up, such as:

• I do extremely well with time management
• I work well with others
• I’m passionate about this field
• I’m self-motivated

Any candidate can claim to have the above skills but to separate yourself from the rest, offer a tangible example of achievements with a good story. It will not only show off your unique personality, it will give the hiring manager a better idea of what you can bring to the table.

Paint the hiring manager a picture and allow them to envision how your past experience can benefit the organization. For example, instead of using the broad statement “I excel at time management,” explain how you stay on top of deadlines, plan ahead and use a calendar or a specific project management app to track weekly, monthly and yearly goals. To demonstrate how passionate you are about the field you’re in, explain how you volunteer in your spare time and actively seek ways to improve your skills by taking classes and attending seminars.

If you want to demonstrate your good communication skills, don’t simply tell the hiring manager that you have them. Show them by highlighting your skills and experience through detailed anecdotes that pertain to the specific role you’re interviewing for. By illustrating your skills through example, the interviewer can get to know your personality better and decide whether it fits in with the company’s corporate culture.

Being clear, concise and detailed is an excellent way to put your best foot forward and show your positive traits in a job interview.

JW Michaels & Co. is an executive search firm dedicated to serving the specialized recruiting needs of top-tier financial services, legal, technology and business institutions. Contact us about our Executive Search and Flexible Staffing Solutions today.

Congratulations! You’ve made it through each phase of the interview process, and you’ve been asked back for one final interview with perhaps the biggest influence on your hiring decision: the CEO.

It’s a completely normal feeling for your nerves to be flare up about this impending interview. The CEO arguably has the most experience, passion and influence within the company. However, it doesn’t have to be as nerve wracking as it’s made out to be in your mind.

First and foremost, the tried and true piece of advice that goes for any interview still holds its merit with the final stage of your interview process – be yourself. Don’t get caught up with trying to impress the CEO. They want to speak to your authentic self and the person who will potentially be representing the company one day. It’s even a good idea to strike up a casual conversation such as complimenting a recent product launch or keynote speech.

Another important tip to keep in mind is to do everything in your power to make the CEO feel as if you aren’t wasting his or her time. The way to achieve this is to enter the interview as prepared as possible, knowing the company’s history and everything that would be expected of you if you get the job. Keep in mind it’s not all one-sided – you can feel free to ask questions you might have about the position or company if something is unclear, and you will often be given this opportunity at the end of the interview. Your authenticity, interest and transparency and won’t go unnoticed.

Throughout the interview, many questions and answers will be imparted, but the key focus should be to relay your message with intention, drive and enthusiasm. The CEO will undoubtedly be listening to what you have to say, but rest assured they will also be listening to how you say it. All CEOs are not created equal but there’s a good chance they’re all looking for an honest, genuine candidate who will make their own impact on the company.

Don’t think of yourself as in the hot seat during the final interview. Instead, switch your mindset to think of it as a conversation with someone who can possibly become a valuable mentor in your career, as well as someone who shares the same goals about achieving success within the company they lead.

JW Michaels & Co. is an executive search firm dedicated to serving the specialized recruiting needs of top-tier financial services, legal, technology, and business institutions. Since our founding in 2010, we have grown to over 120 employees across six offices nationwide. We continue to grow because we stay true to our mission, employing the best people to find the best people.