Securing a board role in today’s competitive market is no small feat. While many aspiring directors set out with the best intentions, too often their strategies fall short. If you’ve been struggling to land the board appointments you desire, it’s time to reflect on your approach and make some critical adjustments.
Here are the top three reasons why your board search strategy might be failing—and how to turn it around.
1. Over-Reliance on Advertised Roles
Many aspiring board directors focus exclusively on advertised opportunities, such as those on the AICD, Women on Boards job boards, LinkedIn, or Seek. While these platforms can be useful, they represent only the tip of the iceberg.
Advertised roles attract hundreds, sometimes thousands, of applications, creating a fiercely competitive environment. Worse still, these listings often represent only a fraction of available opportunities—most board appointments are filled through direct networking and referrals.
Solution: To stand out, you need to go beyond the basics. Start by developing a proactive outbound strategy. This includes identifying target organisations, researching their governance needs, and reaching out to decision-makers like Chairs and existing board members. Networking is crucial, and building relationships with those in the know can unlock opportunities before they ever hit the advertised market.
2. Poor Presentation of Your Brand
Your personal brand is the first impression you make—and if it doesn’t scream “board-ready,” you’re already behind. Many aspiring directors fail to position themselves correctly. When someone Googles your name, do they see a seasoned board member, or do they see your current corporate role (e.g., project manager, CTO, lawyer)?
Your board resume, LinkedIn profile, and online presence must clearly communicate your readiness to serve as a director. If these elements don’t align with the expectations of a board, decision-makers are unlikely to consider you.
Solution: Invest in building a cohesive and compelling board director brand. Your board resume should highlight governance expertise, strategic contributions, and leadership capabilities, while your LinkedIn profile must showcase your achievements in a boardroom context.
Need help? Explore our Tiger Boards Registry, designed to connect aspiring and experienced directors with board opportunities. We also offer a complimentary board career assessment to help you identify gaps and refine your presentation.
3. Lack of Strategic Networking
The phrase “It’s not what you know, but who you know” rings especially true in the boardroom. Too often, aspiring directors put minimal effort into networking. They fail to connect with key players like Chairs, NEDs, and industry leaders—the very people who make board appointments happen.
Without these connections, you’re likely to be overlooked, no matter how qualified you are. Networking isn’t just about attending events; it’s about building meaningful relationships with the right people over time.
Solution: Make networking a cornerstone of your strategy. Attend industry events, reach out to influential figures, and actively participate in professional organisations. Develop a strong presence where decision-makers congregate, and don’t be afraid to ask for introductions or advice.
Making the Shift
If you’re not seeing the results you want, it’s time to adjust your approach:
- Stop relying solely on advertised roles—build an outbound strategy.
- Refine your personal brand to reflect your readiness for boardroom leadership.
- Commit to networking strategically and consistently.
At Tiger Boards, we specialise in helping directors at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re seeking your first board role or looking to elevate your portfolio, we offer tailored services to set you apart.
Take the first step today by signing up for our Tiger Boards Registry or scheduling a complimentary board career assessment. Together, we’ll create a strategy that works and help you secure the board roles you deserve. https://tigerboards.com.au/board-director-registry/
Final Thoughts
Remember, a successful board search strategy isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about being proactive, intentional, and authentic in your efforts. The opportunities are out there; it’s up to you to seize them.
Are you ready to transform your board career? Schedule a call with me today and let’s make it happen. www.calendly.com/kyliehammond/tigerboards
