To allow a board of directors of a company to accept a new member they must be sure that the person is a suitable fit for the company. This is why the interview process is a crucial part of the process.
Board members are looking to hear from candidates about their skills and experiences that make them appropriate for the job with a focus on the value they provide. The interviewers often ask questions to evaluate the candidate’s ability to comprehend the complex and sometimes difficult issues that arise as board members.
Therefore, they will be looking to learn how the candidate handles conflict and how they can engage with other board members in a respectful way. Boards often ask candidates how they would handle specific issues, such as shareholder engagement and potential conflicts of interests. They will also want to know if the candidate is ethical and accountable.
Companies usually provide applicants with a checklist of documents to read prior to interview. It’s more than one glance to gain a greater understanding of the company and its board of directors and C-suite executives, industry dynamics, and key risks. The best method of preparation is listening to CEO conversations with analysts and investors, says Deb DeHaas who is who is a two-term board member and chief executive officer of the Corporate Leadership Center. She adds that it’s important for candidates to be able explain why the company is, what it does or the challenges it faces, intrigues them and how their experience can aid in addressing these issues.