As someone who has been a board search consultant for over 15 years, recruiting chairs, non-executive directors (NEDs), advisory board members, and committee members across various industries, I’ve learned a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—when engaging with aspiring board members. Whether you’re looking to serve on a private company board, a not-for-profit, or a top ASX-listed company, how you approach board search consultants can make or break your chances of success.
Here are some key insights into how to maximise your interactions with board search consultants and make a lasting impression.
1. Get Your House in Order
Before you approach a board search consultant, make sure you have the right experience and credentials. Your board resume needs to be sharp and focused on governance experience. Unlike mentors or career coaches, most board search consultants are not there to guide you on how to get a board seat or critique your resume. It’s important to have your act together before reaching out.
If you lack formal governance training or don’t fully understand the distinctions between different board roles (e.g., NED vs. advisory board), do the necessary research. Understanding the role and responsibilities of board members is fundamental. The last thing you want is to waste a search consultant’s time with basic questions you could have easily found the answers to yourself.
2. Timing is Everything
Approaching board search firms too early in your career, without relevant board experience or credentials, is a common mistake. Timing is critical. You should only contact top-tier board search firms when you have at least a couple of board appointments under your belt.
Once you’re ready, make sure your approach is well-timed and targeted. Board roles can be scarce, so you might not find an opportunity right away. Use the meeting to build rapport and leave a lasting impression that could benefit you in the future.
3. Treat the Meeting Like an Interview
When you meet with a board search consultant, treat it as if it were a formal interview. The consultant is making assessments from the moment you walk through the door—or join the Zoom call. From your appearance and communication style to how well-prepared you are, search consultants make snap judgments about whether they want to work with you in the future.
Make sure you’re on message and articulate your value as a board director clearly. If you’re aiming for a future opportunity, build a connection that will keep you top of mind when the right role comes up.
4. Build Long-Term Relationships
Even if there isn’t an immediate role available, a meeting with a search consultant is still a valuable opportunity to build a long-term relationship. Ask how you can keep in touch and nurture that relationship over time. The key here is to think beyond the immediate—be proactive about staying connected for future opportunities.
5. Be Prepared and Do Your Research
It’s essential to do your research before meeting with any board search consultant. Understand the types of roles they typically recruit for, the industries they work with, and their background. This level of preparation not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures that your conversation is relevant and informed.
Going into a meeting unprepared or unaware of the consultant’s track record can damage your credibility. Show that you’re serious about your board career by doing your homework in advance.
6. Focus on Creating a Positive Impression
When dealing with board search consultants, it’s crucial to focus on creating a strong, positive impression. Think about how you can position yourself as a potential asset to their network, not just someone seeking opportunities. Being a giver, rather than a taker, will leave a better impression. Ask thoughtful questions, show genuine interest in the conversation, and demonstrate how you can add value to the boardroom.
Your goal is to be remembered as a credible, professional, and knowledgeable individual—someone the search consultant would be happy to put forward for future opportunities.
7. Understand the Process
The process of board recruitment is highly judgmental, and search consultants are constantly assessing candidates on multiple levels. This judgment isn’t just about your experience; it’s also about how well you communicate, how prepared you are, and how you interact with the consultant. Always remember that search consultants are tasked with finding the best talent for their clients, so every interaction matters.
You need to present yourself as a serious candidate who understands the responsibilities of board service, is committed to governance excellence, and has the right mix of experience and personality to succeed in a board role.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with board search consultants isn’t rocket science—it’s about common business sense and professionalism. If you want to build a successful board career, you need to understand the paradigm you’re operating in and approach your interactions strategically.
Before you contact a board search consultant:
- Ensure your board experience and credentials are solid.
- Research the consultant and their areas of focus.
- Be prepared to make a strong, lasting impression.
If you get these fundamentals right, you’ll significantly increase your chances of securing a board appointment—and forging valuable, long-term relationships with the key players in the board recruitment space.