How do you approach conducting compensation analysis for executive level positions?
Because many organizations do not include executive-level positions in their salary grades or ranges, this position with DDI may require you to conduct compensation analysis studies for clients. Talk to your interviewer about your experience conducting compensation analyses during your career and explain how you would do this with executive-level positions. In the end, reiterate the importance of how you would obtain buy-in on this process from the clients you would be working with.
"My first step when conducting the compensation analysis for the position would be to speak with leaders from the client and learn more about the position and the goals for the position and the eventual hire. This would enable me to effectively compare this position to the currently existing positions. Then, I'd use market research that I have access to or could find to have a comparable salary. Fully understanding that executive-level positions can vary greatly from industry to industry, I would use every detail possible to get the best analysis and final salary number possible. When detailed to clients, this process would paint a clear picture for them to gain belief in the process."
When answering this question, it is important to verse yourself with DDI's approach and determine how theirs and your approach align. "Define clear role accountabilities. Determine CEO evaluation approach. Choose evaluation methods and deliverables. Determine CEO performance criteria. Ensure a clear and common understanding of performance criteria. Align the CEO performance appraisal cycle to the organization's fiscal year. Make it a process and not an event. Offer balanced feedback around demonstrated strengths, accomplishments, and gaps. Anticipate the CEO's reaction to potentially sensitive topics, and plan messaging accordingly. Ensure CEO feedback and dialogue shape next performance cycle priorities."
