Board CV Guidelines You Should Follow
For many, the process of writing a CV is the first thing they do when looking for a role – whether they are looking for a board role or an executive one. When compiling a Board CV guidelines on how to go about it can help you dare them not to appoint you. I find […]
Board Applications: Supporting Statement Writing
In my last few articles, I have been looking at the board application process; the importance of adding a supporting statement and how candidates are graded during the application process. The process itself for supporting statement writing is fairly formulaic: Start by cutting and pasting all criteria provided into a Word document and then Addressing […]
Board Applications: How are Candidates Graded?
When it comes to board applications, do you know how candidates are graded? In my previous article, I started with a series about compiling board applications; I specifically concentrated on the supporting statement all board applications should have. In preparation for writing a successful supporting statement, it is important you understand what is likely to […]
Board Applications: Supporting Statement
Writing Board Applications is an intricate and time-consuming process. In this article, I want to take you through the first of three documents you should write when applying for a board appointment – a Supporting Statement. Whilst, on some occasions, you might not be required to write a supporting statement, the process of writing a […]
What to Do When a Recruiter Calls You About a Board Appointment
I have written before about using search firms to find a board appointment. That implies that you approach a recruitment firm to help you find a board role. But sometimes – especially if you tick all the boxes that are important to the Chair – a recruiter might call you about a vacancy that exists […]
Finding and Responding to NED Advertisements
Over 10% of current board members stated that they were appointed to their most recent board via an advertised role. That might seem like a low percentage and indeed there are better ways to be appointed. However, sooner or later a role you want will be advertised, you will need to apply for it and […]
Using Advertisements to Find a Board Role: Contacting the Advertiser
I have probably received 1000+ phone calls from prospective board candidates in my time. The vast majority say something like “I just saw your advertisement. Can you tell me more?” In a competitive exercise where you are one of perhaps hundreds of applying you can not afford to introduce yourself like this. Whilst functional it […]
Using Advertisements to Find a Board Role: Before You Contact the Advertiser
At some point in your board search you might find yourself looking at an advertisement for a board role that seems perfect for you. Your first instinct is to grab the phone and immediately make that call. Is it important that you contact the advertiser when you see an advertisement for a board vacancy? Is […]
Using Search Firms to Get a Board Appointment
I have written many times about the value of personal connections, especially your weak ties, in gaining a board appointment. But personal connections are not the only way to get onto a board. Inevitably, in the course of finding a vacancy and being appointed to a board, you will probably have to work with some […]
Taking the Direct Approach to a Board Appointment
We have looked over the last few articles at how your connections can get you appointed. After all, personal connections account for 65% of all board appointments. On the other hand, statistically, over 15% of people are appointed directly by organisations to their own boards. So you should not think that the direct approach is […]
Using LinkedIn to Build the Right Connections
In my opinion the best way to develop personal connections, particularly for those who dislike formal networking, is using LinkedIn. I have written a lot about making connections over the past few weeks and can definitely not end this subject without looking at using LinkedIn to build the right connections. A brief word of warning; […]
How Do You Develop the Right Connections? (2)
The right connections account for around 65% of all board appointments, so your connections really do count – but only if you can properly and appropriately ARTICULATE your offering and know WHO might be interested. As a starting point I want to acknowledge that many struggle to, or are intimidated by, developing personal connections. That is […]
How Do You Develop Connections? (1)
I have written before about the value of your network and connections in gaining a board appointment. When it comes to board appointments, it is not what you know but who you know that counts. So it stands to reason that you have to develop connections when you have your eye on a board role. […]
Your Personal Connections Can Get You Appointed
A recent study I conducted found 65% of current board members found their most recent board appointment via a personal connection! So how do you utilise your ‘personal connections’ to gain a board appointment? Networking’ conjures up images of cocktail parties and business cards – and while this has its place it is not for […]
Contacting a Company About a Board Opportunity
You scanned our available board vacancies and found the perfect board opportunity for you. You have done your online research as well as your personal research, so now you feel ready to complete a board application that will stand out above the rest. But before you write your application, there is one final element to […]
Personal Research – the Key to a Board Appointment
This is the 2nd article on the essential research you need to do to gain a board appointment. It complements the first one I have written on online research. This is the article that delves into the detail about what you need to do next. This is the missing link that will almost certainly take you […]