The positions are to be filled by people well worth their salt in the given industry. Those selected to fill the position will always consider themselves to be the best as they were ahead of the pack. The assumption then would be that they also get their desired package from the organization when it comes to the perks and salary negotiations. The surprising thing is that this is not always the case.
Sometimes these people concentrate more on winning the interviewers than looking into the specific details of the package that they will finally take home. The interviewers on their part look to save the employer some money from any candidate's package.
This could happen to anyone and that is why it is always good to be prepared. Always keep a level head when looking to fill those plum executive jobs or management jobs. Thorough research of the company is good. A well thought out resume that highlights expectations is equally good. The position will always give a feel of how much is expected of the candidate. Director jobs are no exception in this regard. There is therefore no need to act coy, especially in the curriculum vitae or resume and the application letter.
Always put the best qualities forward by highlighting them and positioning them prominently. The panelists that get to do the interviews look for any signs of weakness to axe the candidate. Think like the underdog that has to get ahead by any means necessary. Elite jobs by their very nature require a person who can squeeze out of any sticky situation and still come out on top. The candidate needs effective tools to fall back on when the going gets tough.
Complementing the organization whilst proposing a way to be of use to the company will be a good tool when the user is sure that the panelists already like what they see in the resume. A good presentation to add to this will ensure that the management jobs have been locked. The technique might not work well when the candidate is not able to read the interviewers' general feeling. It might be regarded as sucking up to them especially if the positions in question are for director jobs.
Leave room for negotiation on key aspects of the package when sure that the negotiating table will tilt to favor the best skills profile as seen on the resume. When not certain of this, specify to the letter the expectations on the executive jobs being applied for. Give room for maneuvering. This helps to hand back a few aces to the candidate. When the executive jobs look plum on advertisement, they probably are. Think like a winner and then represent this winner adequately on the negotiating table. Do not be shy to name that seven-figure salary if the setup is worth that much and more.
Walk away with the head held high knowing that any management jobs or director jobs are at the fingertips of the best negotiator and the best negotiating skills are part of the job.