How to prepare for your first Board position interview

During the early stages of an individual’s career, progression from one role to the next typically follows the same pattern. Most of the time, you would expect to attend a first interview and if successful, your application would then progress to the second or third stage before an offer is made.

But once you reach a certain level of seniority and the next step up is a place on the Board, the rules of the interview game change. So, how does interviewing for the C-suite differ from  other senior roles?

The basics

As with any interview, preparation is key. When you step into that room, your interviewers will have watched your conference lectures, read your thought pieces, seen your resumé and spoken to your former colleagues. They will know you, and it’s important you know them. Do your homework on the company and their Board members. Not only will this show you are dedicated but research can help you decide if the company is a good fit for you.

You want to be as comfortable and confident as possible. Make sure you know the company inside out – how is their stock performing? Have they made any new key hires? Who are their key competitors? What media have they appeared in (and was it for the right reasons)? Once you’ve determined the Board’s current achievements, recognise any challenges and identify how you can contribute to solving these.

Peer-to-peer

A C-suite interview is different to a normal interview. In this interview you are equals, not just an applicant, and it is vital you act as such. In fact, you should be interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you because they are your future peers and the team which you will have oversight.

If you have done substantial research, it will be much easier to create a bond with your interviewers – that you understand their backgrounds, the demands placed upon them, their responsibilities, and the nuances of the role each of them has. More important is how you can ‘sell’ yourself as someone who can both fill the vacuum that currently exists and will support them. Show them that you deserve to be there and that you already fit into the culture.

Walk the walk

If this is your first Board role, you need to start thinking like a board director. Changing your frame of mind is crucial. You are here as an equal, not an applicant. Move away from the thought patterns of an employee and start thinking strategically. During your interview, demonstrate you are able to switch easily from your day job to your Board role.

Be ready to discuss Board  issues. The questions asked won’t be generic interview questions, so your answers can’t be generic either. Be open to talking about your motivations and value proposition. But most importantly, keep it relevant, concise and thoughtful.

Ask questions

Picture this, you’ve excelled in the interview, but when the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” you sit silently. No matter how great your interview went, not asking any questions has likely cost you the job.

The role of a Board Director is to ask great questions – to be inquisitive, curious, and interested as well as competent, compassionate and empathetic.  Take this opportunity to ask questions which demonstrate your commitment and your knowledge of the business.