Register on other candidate databases available at:

• Manatū Wāhine - Ministry for Women
• Te Puni Kōkiri
• Ministry for Pacific Peoples
• Ministry for Ethnic Communities
• Office for Disability Issues

Join governance groups or bodies to maximise opportunities for networking.

Customise your CV to include governance roles. If you don’t have any governance roles, highlight any strengths, skills and experience that relate to core governance - such as, but not limited to, strategy, leadership, influencing, finance, risk, and compliance. Your CV is your first impression on us – make sure it’s a good one.

From a reader’s perspective, a CV written in first person (rather than third person) makes it easier to connect and identify with you. We want to know about you from ‘your’ perspective.

Ensure your LinkedIn or online presence aligns with your CV. We may use both to look for more information about you.

Think about what differentiates you, and how to articulate your value proposition and the value-add you bring to the table. Directorships are competitive.

Be targeted in your applications. Candidates who apply time and time again without meeting the requirements in the position specification may gain a negative reputation.

Gain as much senior corporate or leadership experience as possible and don’t give up your day job too early. Industry sector, senior and C-suite experience with Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibility is highly regarded.

Undertake or commit to ongoing professional development within governance – whether reading up on the latest governance thinking and application, or attending an online or face-to-face training course, event or webinar. Identify where your skill gaps are and make a plan to address them.

Look at ways to increase your governance experience and gain credibility through volunteering for a sports, school or local community board. Seek a seat on a subsidiary, not-for-profit board or committee. Look for future director, intern, or emerging director roles to build on your experience.

Develop your networks and professional relationships by attending relevant events, talking to other directors, joining relevant online governance groups, or belonging to community leadership groups.

If you don’t have deep senior level board or executive experience, what different perspectives and thinking can you bring to the boardroom that will enhance an organisation’s performance? Think about your potential value-add.