During the interview for the board seat, the panel will probe the board’s ability and ways you can add value to their business. The majority of boards are looking for candidates with a strong level of knowledge in their field as well as a broad perspective and specialized skills that complement those of current board members.
You should be prepared to present examples of strategic decisions you have made at the board level or in committees. It is also possible to be asked about your experience in governance and adherence to ethical standards.
The panel will also require you to give your thoughts on the company’s overall strategy and its position in the marketplace as well as industry trends. You should be prepared to respond to these questions in a concise, compelling manner that will give the interviewers an accurate description of what you think.
The interviewers are likely to ask you about your leadership approach, how you interact with colleagues in a group setting, and if there are any potential conflicts of interest you might have in the boardroom. Make sure that you are aware of any possible conflicts and be able to talk about how you would deal with them in the event of a situation.
Be prepared for a long vetting process. The board may move in a deliberate, iterative way. Director searches can be as lengthy as the searches for CEOs.