The Most Common Mistake in a Board Application—and How to Avoid It

The biggest mistake I see in board role applications?   

Using a professional CV instead of a board CV.  

It’s a common misconception but an important one. These documents serve very different purposes and understanding the distinction is essential if you're serious about joining a board. 

Here’s what sets a board CV apart: 

• Length: keep it concise—two to three pages is ideal 

• Focus: emphasise strategic and governance led experience rather than operational or day-to-day leadership roles 

• Key Achievements: highlight outcomes that demonstrate your ability to contribute at a board level—think oversight, risk, compliance, and strategy 

• References: preferably include board chairs or fellow directors, not former managers or peers 

In my experience one of the biggest challenges for candidates is articulating their experience in a way that’s both relevant and succinct to a specific board vacancy. 

Be direct and be selective, this isn’t the place to list every professional development course you’ve completed since 1995. 

I once reviewed a board application that was 16 pages long. It included every role since 1985 and two full pages of professional development. While impressive, it was completely unnecessary. 

If you’ve been involved in recruiting directors, I’d love to hear your thoughts.  

And if you’re preparing your board CV and would like some guidance, I’m always happy to chat.