How to Build a Winning NED CV

While building our Boards Desk at Camino, I have had the opportunity of meeting with exceptional executives, of every level, from seasoned Chairs, who have been on this road for more than 10 years to impressive C-Suite executive and Directors who are beginning their non-executive portfolio career and looking to land their first NED role.

The first thing they ask me is how to build the perfect NED CV, especially when you still initiating your journey into board roles. This comprehensive article will guide you into building a NED CV to stand out from the crowd.

?

Before you Begin (put the kettle on)

The Secret Behind the Process

Writing your CV is a great opportunity for you to do some "soul searching", and understand your value proposition. Who you are, where you came from, and what do you bring to the table. That thought process will give you the opportunity to build a document which translates what makes you unique, where will you add the most value and what your purpose is.

Know your Audience

Most professionals at board level have a wide range of experiences, skills, sectors they have worked in and functionals they have led. It is crucial that they tailor that vast knowledge to a specific opportunity they are applying for, or for spaces they wish to get into. As an example, if you wish to be a NED for a private equity backed B2B SaaS business, it is important to include previous private equity funds you have worked with, successful exit and value creation business cases and knowledge of SaaS metrics.

Be Memorable

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools when it comes to grabbing people's attention and getting them to remember what you are trying to say. Your CV is nothing but your career story. Bringing authenticity to it and making it both relevant and personal, will keep the audience engaged and wanting to know more. Being it through a small teaser of your career trajectory mixed with some of your personal achievements, or ice breakers about your hobbies, family or favourite books, make sure you were writing it with your own voice.

?

The Template (Roll up your sleeves)

?Let's divide the CV in 6 main blocks:

1) Your Header

• Contact Details (Name, e-mail, phone number, address and social media links like your LinkedIn).

2) Executive Summary

• This is your written elevator pitch. It's time to gather the reflections and tips mentioned on the first part of the article and put them in practice. Unravel your story, present your purpose, your values, what makes you unique and why your profile is relevant for your target area.

3) Board Experience

• From current to oldest, include your non-executive experience, including your role, period of time on the role, company and short explanation of the company and size, main achievements and legacy left on that role.
• I like to use the STAR (situation - task - action - result) methodology as a guidance.
• Demonstrate you are able to engage with, and promote governance, showing you bring wisdom, strategic mindset and are a critical thinker.
• If you are an aspiring NED, include any board experience such as company secretary, trustee, advisory board, steering committee experience or board level consultancy.

4) Career Experience

• Starting with your most recent corporate experience, include value added and what measurable difference you have made.
• Remember this is an NED CV, so you should focus on more high level and strategic experiences, including attributes and skills relevant to non-executive agendas.
• The STAR methodology tip also goes for this!

5) Education, Certifications, Awards and Memberships

• Tailor this section to different audiences and to what is more relevant for board roles.

6) Extra: Ice Breakers

• I love this! Every time I get a CV with candidates hobbies, fun facts, passions, it add a little twist and makes them more memorable. We are humans, after all.

Some final recruiter tips:

1. Make sure the format of the CV is clean, organized and consistent.
2. Be concise. Three pages is the limit, two pages is the ideal.
3. Get your LinkedIn up to date with your CV.
4. Use keywords like: NED /Board /Strategic Growth /Oversight / Analytical Skills / Business Acumen / Authentic Leadership / Governance.
5. Get someone you trust to read it for you before sending it out.

I hope this helps everyone looking to start their board journey, or those who want to update their CVs for exciting new mandates!