I am frequently asked to comment on what executives need to do to position themselves for a
Non-Executive position or career. The following is a quick summary of points to consider:

 
1. Your CV needs to focus on your achievements

• Include not only what you have done but also measures of your success
• make it easy to print; don’t use fancy layouts and fonts, don’t include a photo or anything that increases the size of the file
• one page should be sufficient
• make sure you have verifiable business references ready in advance

2. Get your first position

• you may not be able to go straight to a paid role for a FTSE 100 company!
• think about a voluntary Trustee role for a charity, school, NHS board or a public appointment to get experience and make contacts

3. Making the right impression is all important

• Look, speak and dress the part, act as if you already have what you want
• Make sure you are informed about current Non-Executive issues and what is happening in the market

4. Network to get a paid role

• ask people you meet on other boards how they got their first paid role
• let people know what you are looking for and how they might be able to help you

5. The liability of NED’s needs serious consideration

• some organisations have indemnity insurance; you need to be clear what is covered
• once you are in a role you need to ask questions about governance issues and get the responses in writing

6. Think about doing an executive education course

• it is a great way to develop your abilities
• you will meet a new network of interesting people

7. Finally, be careful with your time!

• a role advertised or 2 days per month can easily involve 4

These notes formed the basis of a presentation by Betty Thayer, CEO of exec-appointments.com, to Women in Banking and Finance, www.wibf.org.uk.

Back