Dressing for Interview and delicate Q&As?

[ykphil]

I have a face-to-face interview in January for a position as CEO of a power utilities company. I already had a first telephone interview with the recruiting company, which went very well, but as the appointment requires cabinet approval, they had to clear my application with the political masters before going to the next step, which is the second interview. I had important jobs in the past, but nothing remotely like this one.

First question: how do I dress? I'm known as a savvy and generally unconventional dresser, and it is well appreciated. But at 51, I don't have the look of a suit-and-tie CEO...Should I present who I really am, or should I just get myself a conventional dark suit-white-shirt-tie combo?

My other question is about my former job. I was dismissed without cause by my board over 18 months ago. It was a very controversial issue and the story made front page news: I am seen as a hero in some circles (the younger crowd of "greens" and left-wing fanatics), but like the devil in others (like the more conventional corporate and political elite). Even after 18 months, people still want to know the crusty details, but I signed a confidentiality agreement after an out-of-court settlement. What would be the best answer if I am asked why I was fired? How can I ensure that my answer presents me in a positive light, without risking being derogatory towards my former board? Also, I didn't need to work since that time. What can I say about that period of inactivity, without sounding like I am a lazy slacker (which I think I might have become)?

Thanks for any advice. I always enjoy and do great in job interviews, but I'm admittedly very stressed over this one.

[Administrator]

Since you have signed a confidentiality agreement I don't think you can discuss this with your future employer (if asked); about the suit - I would go and get new suit, shirt, tie, shoes...Dark colors are desirable. Get a nice briefcase also.
As for the big gap between jobs you can say that you have lived on your savings and took time off to be with your family - nothing wrong with that...

Good luck, you have plenty of time to prepare and let us know how the interview went.

[lookingforjob]

I would go with the conventional business suit.

[ykphil]

Thanks for the advice. I made it through the second interview in Vancouver, and have been short-listed for a third and final interview next week with the chair of the board and a bunch of senior politicians. Only two candidates are apparently on that list and they are fast-tracking the process!

Now, I'm having doubts about the job. Great compensation package, the dream job that nobody could really refuse, especially in my situation. Jobs at that level are rare and tough to get. I've recently turned down several offers for lower positions, but obviously I can't wait much longer to find a job. But I wonder if this is what I what to do for the next 10 years. While I was being interviewed by the head hunter team, I was thinking that it would be great to work as a human resource consultant, putting my experience and knowledge to practice for other companies. So, my additional questions are:

What kind of training would I need to work for an executive search company as a recruiter?

Should I drop out of the current process now, before the next interview? Or should I wait until I get an offer, if I were to get one?

Thanks again for your advice.

[Tsveta]

You are almost there, why are you having doubts? In this unstable economic situation I wouldn't have doubts for a second. It sounds like a great opportunity, don't miss it :)

[coffee]

I would go for the interview even though you are not sure about it.

You can always say no if you get the job

[mark745]

you need to be confident first before even attending interview

Confidence demonstrates that you are "certain" and have "clear direction" about where you want to be and what you want to do