When Your Resume Says “Leader,” But You’re Being Interviewed Like a “Doer”

You’ve spent your career leading teams, driving strategy, and owning business outcomes.
Your resume reflects that.

So why, in the interview, are they asking:

“How would you build a sell sheet?”
“How do you prioritize your to-do list?”
“Can you walk me through how you’d run the trade calendar?”

These aren’t bad questions.
But they’re not aligned with the role—or your level.

And when interviews stay stuck in the weeds, two things happen:

You feel like you’re not being seen.
The hiring manager doesn’t get to hear how you think strategically.

Let’s change that.

Why This Happens (Even at the Senior Level)

Some companies are still figuring out what they need in the role.
Some interviewers default to their comfort zone—tactical tasks.
And some candidates accidentally validate the tactical focus by answering at that level.

Here’s the fix:
Guide the conversation back to leadership.

How to Shift the Interview Up a Level

When you hear a tactical question, try this two-step approach:

Step 1: Acknowledge the Question Briefly
“Yes, I’ve handled that in the past and can certainly speak to it.”

Step 2: Bridge to Strategy
“But what I’ve found most impactful is aligning that execution to a broader commercial strategy. In my last role, for example…”

Now you’re not dodging the question.
You’re elevating it.

What That Sounds Like in Real Life

Instead of:
“I manage my team’s calendar in Excel.”

Say:
“I use that calendar to ensure team execution is aligned with retail priorities and promotional strategy. I built the structure based on category and sales inputs—so it’s not just admin, it’s a cross-functional tool.”

Instead of:
“I build decks for the customer.”

Say:
“I develop the narrative strategy for our customer-facing materials. That includes shaping the story, aligning the data, and enabling my team to deliver it with credibility.”

Always zoom out. Always frame the impact.

You’re Not Being Arrogant. You’re Leading.

Many candidates (especially women) worry that pivoting to leadership sounds dismissive or evasive. It’s not.

It’s a signal that you understand the real job.

You’re saying:
“I can do the task—but more importantly, I understand where it fits in the bigger picture.”

That’s how leaders talk.

Action Step: Prepare 2–3 Bridging Statements

Think of common tactical questions you’ve been asked.

Now write out short bridge phrases to elevate your answer.
Examples:

“Let me walk you through how I connect that to broader brand strategy…”
“That’s one part of the process—but what really drives impact is…”
“What I’ve found matters most at the Director level is…”

Practice them out loud. Make them your default muscle.

Ready to Interview Like the Leader You Are?

If your interviews aren’t reflecting your value, I can help you reframe your story and lead the conversation—on your terms.

Explore 1:1 coaching or schedule a mock interview to practice this in real time.

Want more insights on how to lead the interview and own your story?
Connect with me on LinkedIn and mention this blog in your invitation to get your free CPG Job Search Resources guide.

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