Reply With QuoteI'd start with LinkedIn and start trying to connect with people in the job industries she's interested in.
Also there is a few people who write CV's on there but then you still need to tailor it to the job you're going for.
Is there anybody that could help with a CV aiming at Non-Executive Director Roles?
Hi all,
Is there anyone here that's any kind of expert in CV-writing? A friend of mine isn't doing so well at applying for new jobs. She has good experience but hasn't been getting past the first stage after multiple attempts.
I was therefore wondering if anyone can help, or knows anyone that could advise her.
She is looking for non-executive director (NED) opportunities. She was a CEO of a charity, is currently in the Royal Navy Reserves and is a pharmacist.
If there's anyone that could help, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
I'd start with LinkedIn and start trying to connect with people in the job industries she's interested in.
Also there is a few people who write CV's on there but then you still need to tailor it to the job you're going for.
Call me an old cynic. But surely NEDs are found via connections and relationships. Recommendations and so on. Those openly advertised (and not a done deal) must be a tiny proportion of the market.
This was my understanding of how it worked, and certainly how my father had a few in his time, way before LinkedIn existed.Originally Posted by Jubal
Very sought after positions for the remuneration vs days worked. I see them as one of the last of the old boys networks / school tie clubs, but like you I may be cynical here.
With regards to CVs I’d have imagined being a CEO should have pulled the right skills to the forefront but my knowledge of how commercially astute charities are has been tainted by what I’ve read over the years, which is probably extremely unfair but may also be a bias she is coming up against.
My missus is looking at a few at the moment and they're all through contacts, mainly through the higher end executive search companies (Spencer Stuart, Egon Zehnder etc). Whilst I'm sure there's still an old boys network there, most boards are keen to show an element of diversity so the old school tie won't always cut it.
I don't think there is a secret recipe over and above the usual CV writing guidance. My wife just updated her standard work one when she recently applied (successfully) for a NED role.
What industry is she looking to work in? The specialist recruiters within that industry will have a decent insight.
If she doesn't have NED experience, a voluntary NED role with a charity (her CEO experience would stand her in good stead) would be a good addition to the CV.
Diversity should be on her side...
Thanks for the replies. I feel you’re probably right regarding the contacts. I’d imagine most are only advertising outside as they probably have to, but already have someone for the role. I’ll forward all this on to her.
virtualnonexecs.com
They even have a mentoring/cv service to get the first Non-Exec role.
FWIW:
You: Help me write a CV for a UK non-executive directorship
ChatGPT: Certainly! Crafting a CV (Curriculum Vitae) for a non-executive directorship requires showcasing your leadership, governance, and strategic skills. Here's a template to help guide you:
[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, Postcode] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [LinkedIn Profile, if applicable]
Professional Summary: A seasoned and results-driven executive with a proven track record in [industry/sector], offering extensive experience in leadership, corporate governance, and strategic management. Adept at guiding organizations through growth, transformation, and governance challenges. Seeking a Non-Executive Director position to contribute expertise and leadership to a forward-thinking board.
Professional Experience:
[Current/Last Position] - [Company Name], [Location] Job Title | Start Date – Present
- Highlight key responsibilities and achievements related to leadership, strategy, governance, and any specific accomplishments that demonstrate your value.
[Previous Position] - [Company Name], [Location] Job Title | Start Date – End Date
- Repeat the format for all relevant positions, emphasizing accomplishments that align with non-executive directorship requirements.
Board and Governance Experience:
[Board/Committee Position] - [Organization Name], [Start Date – End Date]
- Specify the board or committee roles you've held, emphasizing your contributions to governance, strategic planning, and risk management.
Education:
[Degree] - [University Name], [Year of Graduation]
- Mention your highest qualification, degree, and university attended.
Professional Certifications:
- List any relevant certifications, such as corporate governance or directorship certifications.
Skills:
- Governance and Compliance
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Risk Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Leadership and Team Building
- Financial Acumen
- Communication and Negotiation
- Change Management
Professional Memberships:
- List any relevant professional memberships or affiliations.
References:
Available upon request.
Remember to tailor the CV to the specific non-executive directorship you are applying for, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align with the requirements of the role. Highlight measurable achievements, such as successful strategic initiatives or improvements in governance practices. Ensure the document is concise, well-organized, and easy to read.
PM on its way.
Thank you all so much for the replies. I've passed everything on to her, and she's much more positive after reading it all. It's helped me to understand it all more as well so I can reassure her.
Hope you all had a great Christmas
If I can offer a lazy afterthought, I suggest she reads the syllabus for the FTs NED program to get a sense of the breadth of the role.
Best of luck with applications.
I would love to read a copy of that syllabus. Do you have a web-link?
Have messaged you.
Thanks!
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