For a company’s board to be able to approve a new member they must ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the organization. This is why the interview is a crucial part of the process.
Board members are interested in hearing from candidates about their relevant skills and experience that allow them to be fit for the job with a particular focus on the value they offer. Interviewers often ask questions in order to check the candidate’s understanding of the difficult and complex issues a board member could face.
They will also want an understanding of how a candidate handles conflict and how he or she can effectively engage other board members with respect. Boards frequently ask candidates how they will take on specific topics such as shareholder involvement and potential conflicts of interest. They also want to know whether the candidate is ethical and responsible.
The majority of companies will provide applicants with a list of documents to be read prior to the interview. It’s more than a quick glance to gain a better understanding of the company and its board of directors and C-suite executives, industry article source dynamics, as well as key risks. The best way to prepare is to listen to CEO conversations with analysts and investors, says Deb DeHaas, a two-term public company board member and chief executive officer of the Corporate Leadership Center. She says candidates should be able explain why they are interested in the company, their product or its problems, and how they can help solve these issues.