7 Questions to Ask a CEO in an Interview

Landing an interview with the CEO or president of the company is a significant milestone in your career journey. It's not just about showcasing your skills and experience but also about demonstrating your curiosity, preparedness, and cultural fit.

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Knowing the best questions to ask during your interview with the CEO can set you apart from other candidates and leave a lasting impression. Here's how to prepare and what to ask.

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Come Prepared: Ask These 7 Questions During Your Interview with the CEO

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1. What are the company's top priorities over the next few years?

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Understanding the strategic direction of the company shows that you're thinking long-term. Look for insights into the company’s vision and how your role can contribute to these goals.

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• This question allows you to assess whether the company’s future aligns with your own career aspirations.
• The CEO’s response will give you valuable insights into the company’s stability and long-term plans.

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Pro tip: Reference any recent news or press releases about the company’s initiatives. This shows you’ve done your homework and are already thinking about how you can contribute.

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Additional Insight: If the CEO’s answer is vague or unclear, it could indicate a lack of long-term planning within the company. If they have a well-defined vision, it suggests strong leadership and growth potential.

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Understanding the strategic direction of the company shows that you're thinking long-term. Look for insights into the company’s vision and how your role can contribute to these goals.

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2. How do you define success for this position?

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This question helps you understand the CEO's expectations and the key performance indicators (KPIs) for your role. It's also a chance to see if their definition of success aligns with your career goals.

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• You’ll gain a clear understanding of what the company values most in this role—whether it's revenue growth, innovation, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.
• This also allows you to set performance benchmarks early on, ensuring you're aligned with the company’s expectations.

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Pro tip: Pay attention to whether the CEO emphasizes teamwork, individual accomplishments, or innovation. This can tell you a lot about what’s truly valued in the company.

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Additional Insight: If the CEO provides a well-structured answer, it shows they have a clear understanding of your role and how it fits into the company’s broader strategy.

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3. What is the biggest challenge the company is currently facing?

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Knowing the challenges can give you a sense of the company's pain points and where you can potentially add value. It also shows that you're ready to tackle tough issues.

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• This question positions you as a proactive problem solver rather than just another job seeker.
• Understanding the company’s struggles can help you assess whether the organization is on solid ground or if it’s facing turbulence.

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Pro tip: Relate this to a similar challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you overcame it. This positions you as a problem solver.

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Additional Insight: If the CEO is open about challenges and provides detailed insights, it indicates a culture of transparency. If they dodge the question, it might be a red flag about internal issues.

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4. How would you describe the company culture?

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Cultural fit is crucial for job satisfaction and performance. Listen for values, behaviors, and practices that resonate with you and see if they match your working style.

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• A CEO’s perspective on culture gives you a high-level understanding of how the company operates internally.
• It also helps you determine whether the company fosters collaboration, innovation, or autonomy.

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Pro tip: Look for cues in the CEO’s body language and enthusiasm when discussing culture. If they light up, it’s a good sign they’re passionate about it.

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Additional Insight: If the CEO speaks in clichés or gives a generic answer, try asking follow-up questions to get a more authentic understanding of the company culture.

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5. What opportunities for professional growth and development does the company offer?

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Showing an interest in your professional development indicates that you're committed to growing within the company. Look for programs, mentorship opportunities, and other resources that support employee growth.

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• Companies that invest in employee development tend to have higher retention rates and stronger teams.
• This question also signals that you’re looking for a long-term career, not just a job.

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Pro tip: Mention specific areas you’re interested in growing. For example, “I’d love to develop my leadership skills through mentorship programs. Does the company offer anything like that?”

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Additional Insight: If the CEO mentions structured training programs, leadership development, or tuition reimbursement, it’s a sign the company is committed to employee success.

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6. How does the leadership team support and promote innovation?

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This question can reveal how open the company is to new ideas and how they manage change. It’s an excellent way to gauge if your innovative ideas will be valued.

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• It gives insight into the company's approach to problem-solving and experimentation.
• Understanding how leadership fosters innovation can help you determine if your ideas will be welcomed.

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Pro tip: Ask for examples of recent innovations that were implemented and how they were supported by leadership.

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Additional Insight: A company that encourages innovation will often have a strong culture of collaboration and flexibility.

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7. Can you share a success story where the company overcame a significant challenge?

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Stories of resilience and success can give you insights into the company's strengths and how they leverage them. It also highlights the CEO’s leadership style and problem-solving approach.

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• This allows you to see how the company handles adversity and what leadership considers a "win."
• The answer can also help you gauge whether the company has a strong problem-solving culture.

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Pro tip: Pay attention to the details of the story. How the CEO describes the team’s effort can give you a sense of the company’s values and team dynamics.

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Additional Insight: If the CEO struggles to come up with an example, it may suggest a lack of transparency or notable accomplishments.

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Bonus: "How do you ensure the company’s values are upheld in day-to-day operations?"

This question digs deeper into the company’s integrity and whether they walk the talk. It shows you care about more than just the paycheck.

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What Does Landing a Final Interview with the CEO Mean?

Securing a final interview with the CEO means you're a top contender for the position. It indicates that you have passed the initial screening and interviews and now have the chance to leave a lasting impression on the company's leadership. This is your opportunity to show how you align with the company's vision and values. 

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This stage means they’re looking for someone who can fit seamlessly into the executive team, so think big picture and long-term impact.

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Preparing for the CEO Interview: Other Tips for Success

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Know Your Worth

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Even if this is your first "real" job, all of your experiences, including internships and externships, are relevant. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for this role. Don’t just list your experiences; explain how each one has prepared you for this role.

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Research the Company

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Dive deep into the company's history, mission, recent news, and achievements. Knowing the company inside out shows your genuine interest and can help you tailor your questions. Check out employee reviews on Glassdoor and LinkedIn to get a sense of the internal company vibe.

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Practice Your Responses

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Be ready to discuss your experience, skills, and why you’re a good fit for the role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

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Dress Appropriately

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First impressions matter. Ensure you dress professionally, reflecting the company's culture. When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed. It’s better to be the best-dressed person in the room than the underdressed one.

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How Do You Impress a CEO in an Interview?

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Impressing a CEO is about more than just having the right answers. It's about demonstrating your preparedness, enthusiasm, and alignment with the company's goals. Asking thoughtful questions, showing deep knowledge of the company, and expressing your unique value proposition are key. CEOs love candidates who show initiative and a genuine passion for their work. Be enthusiastic but also sincere.

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What Does a CEO Want to Hear from You in an Interview?

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A CEO wants to hear that you understand the company's mission and are genuinely excited to contribute. They want to see that you’re a strategic thinker, a problem solver, and someone who fits well with the company culture. Tailor responses to reflect the company’s values and mission. Make it clear you’ve done your homework.

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Here’s your cheat sheet:

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Show Your Interest

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CEOs are keen to see genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Dive into their website, skim through recent press releases, and get the lowdown on their latest earnings reports. Show that you’re not just interested,but excited about what they do.

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Highlight Your Experience

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They’re looking for proof that you can handle the job. Showcase your relevant experience and connect the dots on how it makes you the perfect fit for the role.

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Share Your Wins

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What makes you stand out? CEOs love hearing about your standout achievements. Pick a shining example that showcases your skills and the impact you’ve made.

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Demonstrate Leadership

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Resilience, patience, negotiation skills—these are the leadership qualities that catch a CEO's eye. Make sure to incorporate how you align with the company’s vision and culture.

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Want to make sure you're prepared to answer what they might ask? Check out our guide to "The 5 Hardest Interview Questions And How to Answer Them."

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What NOT to Ask a CEO in an Interview

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While it's important to ask meaningful questions, there are certain topics best avoided during a CEO interview.

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1. Questions about salary and benefits

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• Compensation discussions are best left to HR or later stages of negotiation.
• Asking too soon can make it seem like your primary interest is money rather than the role itself.

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2. Anything you could have Googled

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• If the answer is readily available on the company website, it can make you appear unprepared.
• Focus on questions that demonstrate deeper thinking and genuine curiosity.

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3. Personal questions about the CEO

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• Avoid overly personal questions about their background, work-life balance, or opinions on unrelated topics.
• Keep the conversation professional and relevant to the company and role.

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4. Questions that imply skepticism about the company

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• Asking, “Why has your company struggled with growth?” or “Why did so many employees leave last year?” can put the CEO on the defensive.
• If you need clarification on company challenges, frame questions in a constructive way.

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How Do You Interact with the CEO Before You Get Hired?

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Before the interview, interact professionally and courteously. Respect their time, follow up with a thank-you note after your interview, and express your continued interest in the position. In your thank-you note, reference something specific from the interview. It shows you were paying attention and adds a personal touch. Basically, be the charming, polite candidate your mother always hoped you’d be. 

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Final Thoughts

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Securing a final interview with the CEO means you're a top contender for the position. This is your opportunity to show how you align with the company's vision and values.

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• CEOs look for candidates who think big picture and bring long-term value.
• Your questions should reflect strategic thinking, curiosity, and a genuine interest in the company’s future.

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By preparing thoughtful questions, researching the company, and presenting yourself with confidence, you can leave a strong impression and increase your chances of securing the role.

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Apply to be an Extern member today and gain the skills and experience you need to stand out to recruiters. Our programs offer hands-on learning with industry leaders, preparing you to ace your next interview and land your dream job.

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