How do I answer the "What are your salary expectations?" question?

The strongest way to answer the salary expectations question in early stage conversations–which often happens during the first HR screen– is to first confirm the range, so they are the first to name a number. This way you can provide a more educated response. If the range is aligned with what you’re looking for, you can say, “That is in line with my expectations. It’s still early on and I have a lot to learn about the role, but if I’m your finalist candidate, I’m sure we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.” If you’re pressed further, give a researched range based on the role's level, scope, industry, and geography. "Based on my research, I'm targeting between $X and $Y." Avoid sharing your current salary. Note: There are many nuances to discussing salary. Everyone’s situation is unique, and should be handled on a case-by-case basis based on your profession, situation, and career goals.

Is interview coaching worth it for senior professionals?

Interviews are hard won in a competitive job market, so it’s important to make your time with decision makers count. One missed offer can mean tens of thousands in lost salary, months of additional searching, or staying in the wrong role for too long. Coaching helps you sharpen your stories, address tough questions, and gain honest feedback you won't get from family, friends, or colleagues. Many clients recover the investment several times over in their next negotiated offer.

How do I show my personality in a job interview?

Your personality comes through in interviews when you share stories in a compelling way, ask questions that show genuine curiosity, and let the interviewer see how you think, not just what you've done. In a remote interview, this takes extra effort because the format can flatten your personality. Pacing, eye contact, and delivery matters as much as what you say.

What are interview tips for experienced or executive-level job seekers?

The two most important things to remember for experienced and executive-level job seekers are to be specific and be succinct. Avoid the pitfalls of being too general or rambling. To avoid being general, identify your best-of stories and examples in your primary areas of expertise, then put them in a format such as SOAR or STAR to keep yourself on track. Your stories will flow better and you’ll naturally be more succinct. Aim for 2-3 minutes in response to behavioral job interview questions; and 60-90 seconds to answer “Tell me about yourself.” Practice on camera, since your presence on screen differs from being in person. Practice how you will handle questions about salary, leadership style, and why you’re in the job market.

What happens during a coaching session with Dalena?

We start with a virtual 75-minute strategy session to discuss your unique situation, challenges, and priorities. We’ll hone your intro, fine-tune your narrative, and align your selling points and stories with the role. From there, we’ll have a 75-minute video mock interview session with personalized Q&A, a full debrief with detailed feedback, a recording you can watch back, a transcript, and analytics to augment my observations. Clients leave with practical, actionable feedback on what to keep doing and what to work on before the real interview.

How do I prepare for a remote job interview?

To prepare for a remote interview, make sure your technology is on point with stable internet. Make sure you have good lighting, and that you’re centered with an uncluttered background. Practice on camera before the real thing, because pacing, eye contact, and energy all read differently on screen than in person. Don’t read any of your responses to questions. Prepare your best-of stories and rehearse them aloud.

How is remote interview prep different from in-person prep?

Remote interview prep covers the format-specific skills that don't come up in a conference room: showing presence on camera, maintaining eye contact with a lens instead of a person, pacing your stories without the cues you'd normally get from body language, and handling technology hiccups gracefully. The fundamentals are the same, including strong stories, clear value, and confident answers on salary and other tough questions, but how those land can be different based on the format.. Coaching covers both, so you're ready whether the interview is remote or on-site.

What are common interview mistakes leaders should avoid?

The most common interview mistakes at the leadership level are sharing vague stories without measurable results, talking too long, underselling the size and scope of past work, and being more focused on themselves instead of the company and its pain points. Other mistakes include over-rehearsed answers that sound robotic, not asking strong questions, and forgetting that the interviewer is also evaluating whether they want to work with you.

How soon should I book coaching if I have an interview coming up?

Book coaching as soon as you know you have an interview, ideally with at least a week between the session and the interview. That gives you time to practice and apply feedback. If your timing is tight, schedule a complimentary 20-minute consultation and we'll see what's possible. (Better yet, if you know your interview skills need to improve, book before you have an interview scheduled while there’s plenty of runway. Then you can schedule additional time when a specific opportunity arises.)

Your camera is on. Make sure you look like the leader they'd like to hire.

Lights, Camera, Hired is a free video interview step-by-step guide to help you show up strong, before you ever say a word.

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Dalena Bradley, professional job interview coach, smiling confidently in a business portrait.

You’re a strong candidate. Don’t let a bad setup undermine you!

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01

Your lighting is all wrong or your framing is off, so your executive presence is lacking.

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02

Your background is doing more talking than you are, and not in the way you’d want.

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You’re ready to tell your best stories, but audio or bandwidth issues keep interviewers from hearing them.

None of these issues relate to whether you’re qualified. It’s your setup, which can be fixed in an afternoon.

What's inside the guide

A practical video interview setup guide you can actually sit down and do, not another article to read and forget.

Camera position and framing

Where to put your camera and yourself for maximum impact.

Background and framing choices

What does or does not belong behind you so the interviewer’s attention stays on you, not your background.

What to wear on screen

Colors and fit choices that look best on video.

Audio, without the awkward pauses

The small fixes that stop “sorry, can you repeat that?” from derailing your interview.

Your pre-interview setup checklist

The last pass before you log on for peace of mind.

What clients say

“

I immediately felt supported, received multiple job offers, gained some confidence and gathered some new resources to help with future searches. All good things! I would highly recommend her services to anyone looking for that top-tier, 1:1 approach.

- J. Johnson

Managing Director, Medical Communications

“

Within a few weeks, I was offered a job with a national Fortune 500 company. I cannot thank Dalena enough for helping me realize my full interview potential. Her coaching helped me quickly implement new strategies that led to renewed confidence, not only in my interview abilities but in ME!

- A. Carl

Clinical Quality Program Manager

“

I got the job! I highly recommend that you hire Dalena Bradley as your interview coach. I have feedback that I can also apply in my professional life that improves my speaking skills. I plan to reach out to Dalena the next time I need to brush up on my communication skills.

- L. Little

Director of Student Information Systems

Get camera-ready before your next interview

Download this video interview setup guide and look like the leader they want to hire.

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