At a recent meeting with an experienced non-exec, the conversation turned to the application process in becoming a board member, and how this was often a stumbling block.

In a recent search for a new lay commissioner, a board received 1200 applications for one post!  With only 300 of these subsequently forwarded to current board members to create a long-short list for discussion, competition is rife, and it is important to make your application stand out from the rest.

The numbers of applications for all vacancies are increasing. The recession, unemployment and increased job uncertainty has meant that people are often looking for alternative income sources, or new experiences and personal development, or simply have more time on their hands. This, coupled with an increased awareness of public bodies has seen a huge increase in the number of applications each vacancy sees.

Put the same effort into your board application as you would for a job application. The standards are very high and you need to create a good impression from the outset.

Some simple tips for success:

• Type and print your application – it makes it much easier to read
• Check for spelling and grammatical errors – if this isn’t something you find easy get someone else to check it.
• Look carefully at the advert, and make sure you address everything they ask for in the person spec.
• Think about what you can bring to this particular organisation and write about it
• If the advert is asking for applicants to have a specific interest in something or other, don’t just say you have it, explain more about your thinking on the particular subject. The board is looking for people who have their own perspectives on things, and can express them. This will set you apart from the rest of the applicants.
• Write about your achievement in your own field, and how you will apply this to board business.

These might seem obvious, but many of the 1200 application forms didn’t adhere to them, and only those that did made it to the final shortlist.

What would you add? Any simple tips for success?

We asked senior leaders to share with us the vital traits they have observed in effective chairs of governing bodies. Here are some of their tips:

“The chair may decide that conflict is best resolved outside of the meeting and communicate this to the board, making arrangements for the conflict to be reviewed at an appropriate time.”

“The chair must be absolutely clear about his/her unique, individual role in achieving the organisations goals”

“The chair has a clear view of the ‘big picture’ and stays focussed on that bigger picture.”

“The chair understands the essential purpose of the organisation and its key objectives and priorities, and is entirely focussed on achieving this purpose and achieving these objectives.”

What do you think? What would you add?