Bridging the Gap: When you start interviewing for Senior-Level Roles

In this final part of this mini-series, Merlijn explains how to prepare for senior-level interviews by shifting from operational to strategic thinking.

Key takeaways:

• Shift your mindset: Move beyond describing tasks and operations; frame your answers around strategy, vision and long-term impact.

• Interviewing at a higher level: Expect questions that probe decision-making, leadership and how you influence direction rather than just execution.

• Show leadership in your answers: Use examples that highlight how you guided teams, influenced stakeholders or solved problems with broader consequences.

• Align with the vacancy notice: Carefully study the role description and identify the core competencies they’re asking for. Tailor your answers to demonstrate you already operate at that level.

 To succeed at senior-level interviews, demonstrate that you can think and act strategically, lead effectively, and clearly connect your experience to the competencies of the role.