Careers
Becoming a Board Member
Interested in joining a board? Similar to a job search, you’ll need to make connections with the right people to find a board that fits your interests.
Due Diligence
We’ve provided a list of questions you should be asking yourself and others before joining a new board.
- +–Ask the Search Committee
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- What are the organization's major issues and needs?
- What documents should I review?
- How do you orient new directors?
- Whom should/can I meet with? (independent directors, CEO, CFO, others)
- +–Ask the Independent Directors
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- What is the organization's management style?
- What is the culture of the board?
- What is the current succession plan for executive management?
- What external sources do you use for industry/company performance?
- How much time do you spend with managers not on the board?
- +–Ask the CEO
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- What do you hope I will contribute?
- Can I see the last 3 board packages?
- Over the next 3 years, what is the best - and worst - that can happen for the business?
- Who is your most dangerous competitor - why?
- What do you take to the board for approval?
- What succession plan is in place for your position?
- Is the organization engaged in any significant legal action?
- Were there any significant accounting adjustments resulting from last year's audit?
- Are there any major blocks of stock represented on the board? If so, what are their objectives?
- +–Ask the CFO
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- What is your approach to the treatment of major accounting policies?
- What is your level of interaction with the board?
- What is the organization's relationship with its outside auditor?
- How do you evaluate the Audit Committee's work?
- How do you think my background would add to the board's effectiveness?
- What is your evaluation of the board's understanding of the organization's financial statements?
- +–Ask Yourself Before Joining a Non-Profit Board
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- Is this the right cause and organization for me?
- Can I work with this organization and this board at this particular stage in its life?
- What can I or will I contribute to this organization?
- What do I want to get out of being on the board?
Start Networking
Start by identifying potential industries where your skills would be needed and then create a list of organizations and their directors.
- Let the word out - inform your network of your interest in joining a board
- Leverage family/friend connections and ask them to speak on your behalf
- Add a sentence to your LinkedIn Summary about the type of board opportunity that interests you
- Seek out CEOs, board members, and investors who could be helpful. Then, develop a strategy to connect with them (through industry meetings, informal networks, LinkedIn, charitable organizations, etc.)
- Search for fellow alumni in the HBS Alumni Resume Book who have relevant board experience
- Identify and contact executive search firms (see list below)
Increase Your Visibility
- Sell yourself as an expert - get published, get quoted, give speeches, serve on panels, etc.
- Invest in the organization
- Consult (preferably for the desired organization)
- Volunteer to serve on a non-profit board
Making Corporate Boards More Effective
Faced with increasingly complex oversight challenges and demands for greater transparency, how can today's boards do more for their companies? In this board of directors education program, you will gain a deeper understanding of the board's responsibilities in areas such as financial resilience, strategic direction, executive compensation, and regulatory compliance.
Showcase Your Value
Similar to a job search, you need to articulate your value to a board. How do you distinguish yourself from the large number of candidates also searching for board seats? Alter your value statement to align with the board's focus and organization's needs.
- +–Highlight Relevant Expertise
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- Board experience - for-profit or non-profit
- Fundraising experience
- Industry knowledge and contacts
- M&A experience
- IPO experience
- Experience running a company or mentoring start-ups
- Marketing, financial, or technical expertise
- Risk management experience
- +–Resume Tips
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Your resume should include a Summary section that highlights your attributes relevant to a board role, as opposed to a management role. The rest of your resume should reflect these characteristics and key aspects of your brand. As you update your resume, consider the differences between a resume for a job and a resume for a board seat.
- Capabilities (vs. accomplishments)
- Experience (vs. companies)
- Value you bring to a board (vs. titles)
Demonstrate how your skills and network can benefit the board by introducing new customers/clients, strategic alliances, international opportunities, and/or new technologies.
- +–Board Bio Template
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Interested in joining a board of directors? In addition to your resume, you will also need a board bio to showcase how your background and expertise will add value to the existing board. A board bio is typically one page including a headshot and four to five paragraphs that highlight your accomplishments, skills, and credibility.
- Interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle complexity and ambiguity
- Integrity
- Independent mindedness
- Collaboration
- Financial competence
- Focus on shareholder and stakeholder satisfaction
- Commitment to the mission (nonprofit board)
“Most board positions result from a win/win for both parties.”
Julie Norris
Senior Client Partner, Board & CEO Services Practice, Korn Ferry International
“Most board positions result from a win/win for both parties.”
Julie Norris
Senior Client Partner, Board & CEO Services Practice, Korn Ferry International
Corporate Board Service: the What, Why, & How: Gain insight on boards from an experienced executive and corporate director. During this webinar, Christian Smith Shi (MBA 1986) will share her thoughts on recruiting, joining, and serving effectively on boards, as well as practical advice on how to take the first steps.
Find a Career Coach
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