Your options after a Board Interview – Whatever the outcome
Knowing you are well qualified, it is likely you are disappointed not to have been appointed after your Board Interview. Or you could be thrilled to have received an offer for the board position. Regardless of the outcome, you should carefully consider what to do next. Both outcomes can lead to new board opportunities.
If the outcome wasn’t in your favor, ensure the Board Interview is not a waste of time
Not getting appointed after a board interview may make you feel like the entire application process was for nothing. However, it does not have to be a waste of your effort and time. Even if you are disappointed, there are several things you can do to make the most of the experience and drive future board appointment success.
It starts with asking for feedback. Ensure to approach this conversation carefully, as some of those involved in the interview and selection process may feel uncomfortable giving feedback. Acknowledge that they may feel awkward, and put them at ease by encouraging them to be honest. Honest feedback is the only way you can learn from your mistakes and avoid them in the future. You can also identify what you did right and what skills and experiences appealed to them. You can build on this when applying for future board positions.
You should also use the feedback to reflect on whether this was the right board role for you in the first place. Should you be focusing on different board types, industries, and organizations? If you don’t ask the questions, you will waste time constantly second-guessing yourself or even give up entirely.
Remind yourself that you applied for the role because you were passionate about the cause and truly believed you could help. So, getting to know the organization and engaging with it should have been a positive experience. Additionally, the research you conducted, the new connections you established, and the knowledge you acquired could lead to future opportunities. So, look back at what you achieved and consider how you can further build on these efforts.
The process of writing your board application and preparing for the board interview should have led you to develop relationships with current and former board directors. As well as with stakeholders, clients, and even competitors. You need to add them to your board network. Weak-tie connections, such as these, account for approximately 50% of all board appointments. For this to potentially happen, you must take time to maintain these relationships.
The process may have also seen you engage with new recruitment firms or headhunters. Since you were successful, you must have made a good impression, and we know that these consultants are often tasked with finding candidates for some of the most coveted board roles.
If you were successful, should you accept the board seat?
If you are offered the seat, take some time before giving your response. All governance positions, regardless of role or organisation, carry some level of personal and/or professional risk.
- To mitigate risk, conduct further research on the organization, including past and present board members. This is even more important if this is your first board seat. The experience and reputation built during your first board role will impact future board and even executive opportunities.
- If you haven’t done so already, reviewing the financials and discussing them with the organization’s auditors, CEO, and accountants is recommended. I also recommend that you get access to and read the board minutes to consider current and past issues.
- Then, speak with relevant stakeholders to address any concerns you may have. Additionally, it is often beneficial to talk with key executives to understand their relationship with the board.
- Finally and most importantly, you should spend some one-on-one time with the Board Chair. During this conversation, evaluate their capability to lead the board.
- If you have made it this far, it is time to look at the fine print. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your role on this board. This includes time commitments (formal and informal) and additional responsibilities such as fundraising. Remuneration should be negotiated after an offer has been made.
Accepting the appointment offers the opportunity to leverage your success by expanding your network and reconnecting with those who have assisted you. Ensure you follow up with all your contacts and weak ties to tell them about your new board appointment.
Take advantage of the outcome in any way possible.
According to two separate studies, 50% to 82% of boards recruited new members in the past year. Therefore, it is essential to reach out to those who supported and guided you throughout your board application process, regardless of the outcome.
It may have been a while since you last spoke with them, and circumstances could have changed for both of you. Reach out with an offer to catch up. Show your gratitude by treating them to coffee. Reconnecting will help you nurture the relationship and stay informed about potential opportunities.
Both successful and unsuccessful board interviews are valuable as they provide an opportunity to establish crucial weak ties that may facilitate a future board appointment. They also offer a chance to gain experience and confidence in the board appointment and board interview processes. By requesting feedback, you will gain insights to refine your board pitch, board CV, board interview skills, and board career goals.
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