You can do a lot of work in applying for a high level position: filling out the application, writing extensive answers to questions, initial screening and preparing for the interview. For higher level positions, you probably have an extensive background. But if you don't have a Plan B for when the hiring officer is unprepared, you could very easily lose the opportunity. You have to be prepared for vague questions like "Tell me about yourself." Make sure you go in with a powerful elevator speech that highlights your strengths and your successes. Hopefully, that will spark meaningful questions to help you provide the information that is of interest to the manager. Use the position posting to understand what is important, and then be sure to design your elevator speech with that in mind.