Elevating Your Mortgage Career To The Executive Level

People Talk — Period

In most industries, unless you’re applying for a completely unrelated field, rest assured that people will be inquiring about you through back channels. There are always individuals who are familiar with your work and can provide insights. When applying for an executive position, it implies that you have had an impact on others, and these individuals may offer behind-the-scenes recommendations on your capabilities. While companies consider such information with discretion, it serves as a means to validate your claims and reputation.

Know Your Results

I’ve lost track of the countless instances where I’ve witnessed firsthand how individuals struggle to articulate their performance at X company. Every time I inquire about what they have accomplished, the responses tend to be long-winded and devoid of any concrete data to support their claims. It is essential to understand that when discussing your achievements, it is most effective to speak in terms of key performance indicators (KPIs).

The ability to communicate and emphasize KPIs demonstrates a level of preparedness and proficiency necessary for executive roles. If one cannot effectively convey their performance through KPIs, it suggests they may not be ready to assume such leadership positions.

Research Before You Apply

It is expected that individuals applying for any job, particularly executive positions, would conduct research on the company they are applying to. It astonishes me how frequently I encounter candidates who are unable to provide any meaningful insight when asked about their thoughts on our company. In some instances, I have witnessed individuals resorting to quickly googling our company during the interview, which leaves me astounded.

It is crucial to have a basic understanding of the company and be prepared to contribute something meaningful during the interview. Therefore, I urge all applicants to thoroughly research the company and arrive with at least some thoughtful remarks to share.

Ask Questions

I find it particularly appealing when candidates applying for executive positions actively engage by asking questions. It demonstrates that you have taken the time to research our organization and also indicates your desire to evaluate if this opportunity aligns with your personal and professional goals, as well as the potential value you can bring to both your life and the company.

It’s not just an interview, it’s your chance to interview them too.

What Skills Should You Show Off?

The best way to show off your skills is to convey your results. As a mentor once told me, your results are your best defense. Here are the skills you should be showing off.

Communication
You need to be a great communicator if you’re applying for an executive position. But good communication isn’t just about speaking well. It also involves being a good listener, speaking clearly, showing empathy, and offering support.

For example, imagine you’re leading a team meeting to discuss a new project. As a good communicator, you would actively listen to your team members’ ideas, clearly explain the project goals, understand their concerns, and provide encouragement to motivate them. In executive roles, effective communication skills are crucial for guiding and inspiring your team to achieve success.

Work Ethic
Becoming an executive is not an overnight journey. Those who hold such positions have paid their dues and gained valuable experience. If you’re applying for an executive role, it means you understand the dedication required to reach this level. Executives are known for their strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize work effectively, and willingness to put in long hours when necessary.

Strong Leadership Skills
Executives not only move the company forward and impact their team’s lives, but they are also skilled problem solvers. The best executives understand that challenges and obstacles will arise along the way, and they possess the ability to analyze complex situations, identify solutions, and make informed decisions to overcome them. Their problem-solving abilities contribute to both the company’s success and the overall growth and development of their team members.

Showcasing your skills reflects your confidence in your worth.

Understand Expectation

It’s important to understand what is expected of you so that you know what you’re getting into. You don’t want to be in a position where you’re not meeting your boss’s expectations. To avoid this, a simple way is to ask your boss directly, “What do you expect from me in the first year?” This helps you align your goals with your boss’s expectations and sets you up for success.

Ask For What You Want

As uncomfortable as discussing money may be, it is crucial to have a clear idea of your own value and the amount you believe your services are worth. This helps the company understand your goals and ensures that everyone’s time is used efficiently.

In Closing

Applying for an executive position is exciting! It’s a chance to show off your skills, make a significant impact on a company, and step into a leadership role that can change lives. The excitement and passion that come with this opportunity are unmatched. Remember, each organization has its unique hiring process, so it’s essential to stay patient and persistent.