Executive Interview Coaching Packages Decoded: What’s Worth Your Six Figures (and What’s Pure Fluff)

The Real Cost of Getting That C-Suite Interview Right

You’ve climbed the corporate ladder. You’ve led teams, driven revenue, navigated board politics. Now comes the interview that could define the next chapter of your career—and you’re discovering that not all executive interview coaching is created equal.

The market for executive interview coaching has exploded, with packages ranging from £150 to £1,200 per hour, and bundled offerings that promise everything from mock interviews to personal brand transformation. But what are you actually paying for? More importantly, what should you refuse to pay for?

This is a transparent breakdown of today’s executive interview coaching packages—what high-quality services genuinely include, what’s optional add-on fluff, and what red flags should make you walk away.

The Core Components of a Legitimate Executive Coaching Package

1. The Diagnostic Assessment Phase (Non-Negotiable)

Every credible executive interview coaching package begins with what coaches call the “assessment phase.” This isn’t a quick chat. It’s a structured evaluation where the coach reviews your CV, career trajectory, professional profiles, and target roles. Some coaches conduct what’s called a “diagnostic interview”—essentially a mock interview where they evaluate how you currently present yourself, identifying both strengths and development areas.

This phase typically costs between $200-$400 and should take 60-90 minutes. It’s the foundation of everything that follows. If a coach skips this and jumps straight into generic interview prep, that’s your first red flag.

2. Mock Interviews with Real-World Scenarios

The mock interview is the centerpiece of most packages. But there’s a massive difference between a generic Q&A session and an executive-level mock interview.

Quality packages include 1.5 to 3-hour mock interview sessions that simulate actual executive selection processes—including the kinds of questions board members, search consultants, and senior leaders actually ask. These aren’t basic behavioral questions. They probe your strategic thinking, decision-making frameworks, leadership philosophy, resilience under pressure, and cultural alignment.

Impact Interview’s popular 3-hour package (two 1.5-hour sessions) exemplifies this approach: the first session focuses on personal brand development and crafting interview stories; the second is dedicated entirely to mock interview practice and response rehearsal.

3. Personal Brand and Narrative Development

This is where executive coaching diverges from general interview prep. Coaches help you develop a coherent leadership narrative—not a generic career summary, but a compelling story that demonstrates transformation, innovation, resilience, or inclusion depending on your experience.

The goal is translating your achievements into messages that resonate with senior-level interviewers. This involves articulating measurable impact, demonstrating strategic insight, and showing how your leadership has influenced organizational performance and culture. This component alone typically adds $300-$600 to a package.

4. Executive Presence Coaching

“Executive presence” encompasses gravitas, communication style, and professional demeanor. Quality packages include specific training on vocal tone, body language, pacing, and the strategic use of pauses. Coaches work with you on managing nerves, maintaining composure under pressure, and projecting authenticity while remaining approachable.

This goes beyond generic “confidence tips.” It’s about the non-verbal communication that inspires authority in the room. Expect this to be a significant portion of your coaching hours.

What’s Typically Bundled (and What Costs Extra)

Resume and LinkedIn Optimization

Most comprehensive packages include resume review and cover letter writing. Many also offer LinkedIn profile optimization. These are valuable—your written materials should align with your interview narrative. However, if a coach is charging $500+ just for resume review, they’re overpricing. This should be included as part of a broader package, not sold separately at premium rates.

Salary Negotiation Coaching

Some packages include guidance on salary negotiation and career advancement strategies. This is genuinely useful, but it’s often an add-on. If you’re interviewing for a C-suite role, you absolutely need this. Budget an additional $300-$500 if it’s not included.

Follow-Up Strategy and Impact

Legitimate packages teach you how to ask smart questions during the interview and how to follow up with impact afterward. This is critical and should be included. If it’s missing, you’re getting an incomplete service.

Red Flags: What to Refuse to Pay For

Standardized, One-Size-Fits-All Programs

If a coach offers the same package to every client without a diagnostic phase, walk away. Executive roles vary dramatically—a CFO interview differs fundamentally from a board position or a CEO role at a startup versus a Fortune 500 company. Your coaching should be tailored to your specific target role and industry.

“Guaranteed” Results

No legitimate coach guarantees you’ll land the job. They can prepare you exceptionally well, but the hiring decision involves factors beyond their control. Anyone promising guaranteed outcomes is overselling.

Excessive Add-Ons and Upsells

Beware packages that start at $1,500 for “basic” coaching, then aggressively upsell you to $5,000+ packages with vague promises of “premium” access or “exclusive” techniques. Quality coaching has transparent pricing. A comprehensive 3-6 hour package should cost $1,200-$3,500. Anything significantly higher should come with exceptional credentials or specialized expertise.

Coaches Without Executive Experience

Your coach should have genuine experience in corporate leadership or executive search. If they’ve only coached job seekers and lack real C-suite experience, they won’t understand the nuances of what senior interviewers are actually evaluating.

What You Should Actually Pay

A comprehensive, high-quality executive interview coaching package typically includes:

• Initial diagnostic assessment and career review (60-90 minutes)
• Personal brand and narrative development (90-120 minutes)
• 2-3 mock interview sessions with detailed feedback (3-4.5 hours)
• Executive presence coaching (integrated throughout)
• Resume and LinkedIn optimization
• Salary negotiation guidance
• Follow-up strategy coaching

This comprehensive package should cost $1,500-$3,500 total. At hourly rates, expect $200-$600 per hour for experienced coaches, with top-tier coaches commanding $800-$1,200 per hour.

If you’re only looking for mock interview practice, a single 90-minute session typically runs $300-$600. A focused 3-hour package (like Impact Interview’s offering) generally costs $800-$1,500.

How to Evaluate a Coaching Package Before You Buy

Ask these specific questions:

1. Do you conduct a diagnostic assessment before designing my coaching plan?
2. How many mock interview hours are included?
3. What’s your experience in executive search or C-suite hiring?
4. Is salary negotiation coaching included?
5. Can you provide references from clients who’ve landed similar roles?
6. What happens if I need additional sessions?
7. Do you offer a consultation call to assess my specific needs first?

Legitimate coaches will welcome these questions and provide detailed, specific answers. Vague responses or pressure to commit without a consultation is a red flag.

The Bottom Line

Executive interview coaching is an investment in one of the most critical decisions of your career. The right package—tailored to your target role, delivered by someone with genuine executive experience, and focused on both content and presence—can be transformative. You’re not just preparing for an interview; you’re gaining clarity about your leadership identity and positioning yourself for long-term success.

But don’t pay for generic advice dressed up as premium coaching. Demand specificity, require a diagnostic phase, and insist on coaches with real executive credibility. Your six-figure role depends on it.