Why do you want a career as a board chairman?

"I studied finance in college and have held various roles in finance and management. My goal of becoming a board chairman comes from my desire to positively impact your organization in a leadership role, and more importantly, I want to help make decisions that drive you closer to fulfilling your overall mission."

Being a board chairman comes with great responsibility but also a great sense of satisfaction. The interviewer would like to know your reason or motivation for wanting to become a boards chairman. In your response, discuss the impact you'd like to make, your background that has equipped you for this role, your leadership goals, or even your desire to contribute to the organization's mission. Whatever your reason, make sure your response demonstrates your ability to add value to the organization.

"As a board chairman, I know I will strengthen my leadership skills and be exposed to various leadership styles. I am also very passionate about your mission to do XYZ."

How would you rate your communication skills?

"I would rate my communication skills as a 9. There is always room for improvement, but I have developed strong communication skills over the years by being professional, explaining things clearly and thoroughly, and thinking before I speak. I have spoken in front of groups of all sizes, and email is a regular part of my duties."

The interviewer wants to know your communication skill level. As a board chairman, you will communicate with individuals in and outside of the organization, so this is an important skill. Share your communication skill level for verbal and written communication as this covers speaking in public, talking on the phone, emails, and other forms of communication typically done in an organization.You can also make your answer clear by rating yourself from 1 - 10 on your communication skills. If you have any formal training, be sure to mention that as well.

"My communication skills are an 8. Speaking in front of large groups is the one area I struggle in, but I would love the opportunity to join an organization where I can build my skills."

Do you have experience speaking in front of groups?

"I've spoken in front of large groups of people within my previous organization and my community. While I wouldn't say that I'm an expert, I certainly do not have stage fright when it is time to present. I would enjoy gaining more exposure to public speaking and delivering presentations."

The interviewer wants to know your public speaking skill level. As a board chairman, you know that speaking in front of people will be a regular part of your duties. Feel free to bring a previously recorded video or presentation of you speaking in front of a large group if you have one. Otherwise, be prepared with examples that include the number of people you have spoken to, the range of topics, and the outcome.You can also make your answer clear by rating yourself from 1 - 10 on your public speaking skills. If you have any formal training in public speaking, be sure to mention that as well.

"My public speaking experience is minimal; however, I am currently working on improving my skills. I attend toastmaster events and volunteer to lead monthly meetings within my organization."

What would other co-workers or board members say about your work ethic or character?

"My previous co-workers would say that I am reliable and flexible. I've worked on projects where I've had to wear many hats due to a shortage of employees, and my co-workers always complimented me on my ability to switch gears but remain focused on the project outcomes."

Being a board chairman means working on a unique leadership team, all working towards a common goal. The interviewer wants to know what kind of team member you will be. Think about the qualities that make a good board chairman. You'll likely identify a few that you possess! Share what previous co-workers or board members have said about your work ethic and demonstrate how these qualities align with the requirements of a board chairman.

"My co-workers would say I am honest, dedicated, and a team player. I take my job seriously as I know others are relying on me to do my part."

Why are you the best board chairman for us?

"I believe I am the best board chairman for you because I am passionate about your mission to do XYZ. I've built a solid background in finance and a diverse network of business professionals that will allow me to exceed the expectations of this role. I also understand that this role requires a time commitment that I am committed to fulfilling."

This question is your opportunity to shine! Think about the job description and requirements of the board chairman and think about how your skills and knowledge align with what the organization is seeking. Also, think about your reason for applying to be a board chairman. Share how your attributes align perfectly for the role and express your desire to move the organization's mission forward. Show that you have what it takes and that you are passionate about it!

"I've done my research about your organization, and my background and career goals aligns perfectly for a role as a board chairman. I know that I'll be able to make a positive impact when it comes to your projects focused on XYZ."

Where do you think your strengths fit in with the current board?

"After reading about your organization's history, I understand that one of your pain points has been fundraising. With my previous experience working for a non-profit, I have a knack for finding unique funding opportunities and a strong community network. I feel strongly about being able to expand your reach when looking for fundraising opportunities and will continuously monitor our performance."

Each board member comes with their own strengths. The interviewer wants to know how your strengths will be beneficial to the current board. It's a good idea to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of a board or organization before your interview. This tells you their pain points or areas of struggle that they need to improve. In your response, express how your skills and attributes will impact those areas.

"I think being able to lead others towards a common goal is necessary for every board. I've been successfully doing this in previous positions, and my passion for your mission will drive me to do the same while serving on your board."

Why should we hire you?

"You should hire me because I am unlike anyone else you have interviewed before. When I started my current company, I was the youngest human resources professional they had ever hired. That didn't stop me from being promoted to a leadership role shortly after being hired. I am dedicated to my craft and will commit myself to take at least one business development or leadership-related workshop every business quarter. You won't be disappointed when you hire me."

This question is often a challenge for individuals to respond to when they are unsure or can't articulate how they can benefit the company. If you can't think of ways that you are unique, ask a few friends or family members what sets you apart from other people. Their observations may help you understand how you are perceived. It is also a good idea to think about the highlights of previous job performance reviews. If a supervisor praised you on a particular area that you do well or received recognition for making a significant impact on a project, feel free to mention this in your response if it relates to the expectations of a board chairman. Perhaps you already know what sets you apart! Your answer could include any industry accolades, exceptional achievements, additional industry-related training, a second language, or your involvement in the community. Don't be afraid to brag about yourself a bit. In an interview, you are your most influential advocate.

"Your mission to do XYZ is one that I am incredibly passionate about. You should hire me because I will be fully dedicated to using my network, skills, and knowledge to drive your organization closer to meeting your overall goals."

How will you stay current on trends and developments that may impact the organization?

"Every year I attend a national conference in our industry. At the conference, I get a chance to meet others who are doing the work we do, and I also get to hear about new advances in our industry. It is one of the best ways to hear about trends on the rise."

Staying on top of trends and developments not only allows you to stay ahead of the competition but also ensures you are offering products and services that meet the current needs of your audience. It also ensures your organization is using systems and processes that aren't outdated. Share how you stay current on the latest trends and developments. Some examples may include reading blogs, subscribing to related news providers, attending conferences, and networking with others.

"Staying up to date on trends and developments is very important to me. I subscribe to newsletters and blogs, so new information is sent right to my email regularly."

What do you feel is the most important thing we do for the community?

"After reading stories about your activities in the community, I realize that all of your community efforts have a significant impact, so it is hard to choose one. However, if I have to choose, I'd say that the most important thing you do for the community is XYZ. These efforts help improve the lives of others by not only assisting during times of need but by helping them get on the right path for the future."

The interviewer wants to know how much you know about the organization. Before your interview, take some time to read the organization's website, reviewers, and other news so you can learn what it is they do. This will give you an idea of the organization's history, activities, and communities they serve. Show the interviewer that you've done your research and also be prepared to share what you feel is their most important community effort and why.

"I've witnessed firsthand your impact in the community which is why I would love to join your board. I am especially impressed with your efforts geared towards increasing the capacity to serve others in underserved communities."

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

"I would describe myself as someone reliable, committed, and trustworthy. I pride myself on building successful client relationships, and these are the qualities that have aided in me doing so. I think my references will agree."

For this question, think about the qualities or requirements needed to fulfill the role of board chairman. Then, think about your own qualities that align with these qualities. Perhaps you are driven, ambitious, philanthropic, selfless, dedicated, honest, or possess other characteristics that describe who you are. Ultimately, you want to show the interviewer how you possess the qualities they are seeking in a good board chairperson and member of their team.

"I would definitely say that I am honest, ambitious, and professional. In my opinion, these are also the characteristics of a good board chairman."

What recruitment methods do you use to attract employees or other board members?

"I believe the best way to recruit for new board members is through networking. This gives me the opportunity to educate prospective members about our mission, activities and even invite them to attend meetings to get a glimpse of what they could expect as a board member. This also allows them to see how their skills and experience might benefit our organization."

As a board member, recruitment is something you'll do for new employees and other board members. Part of your job is to be on the lookout for people who can bring their experience and talent to the board. Share how you will attract the best talent for positions in the organization and on the board. Some examples include networking, community events, recruiters, job boards, and headhunters.

"When recruiting for new employees, I like using the new ATS systems that allow you to sort by specific criteria such as location, skills, and education level. This allows me to narrow down my search and find the candidates that possess the exact qualifications I'm looking for."

Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

"I've had to fire several employees over the years, and it never gets any easier. While it may be uncomfortable for me, it's important to adhere to the company's rules. Any time that I've fired someone, I've been professional and made sure that they fully understand the reason for termination and offered words of advice for the future of their career."

A necessary yet uncomfortable part of any supervisory role is having to fire someone who is not meeting the expectations of the position and/or company. The interviewer wants to know if you have experience firing employees and your comfort level in doing so. If you've never fired anyone, that's ok. Share how you would approach the situation if the need should arise.

"Fortunately, I've never had to fire anyone from a job. However, I am comfortable having these difficult conversations and will remain stern yet empathetic when doing so."

Tell me about your board experience.

"I currently hold a leadership position where I have similar responsibilities in my organization. I plan to bring this experience and build on it as a board chairman for your organization."

Serving on a board comes with a host of responsibilities, from monitoring finances to spreading the word about the organization, and experience is often gained by serving on other boards. The interviewer wants to know if you have previous board experience. If you do, share your experience with the interviewer and make sure you highlight your specific experience relative to the areas listed in the board chairman job description. If you don't have experience, feel free to share any experience you may have that is similar to serving on a board, such as leadership positions or serving on committees.

"I currently serve on my neighborhood association's committee. We hold regular meetings to address issues within the community and decide on ways to improve our neighborhood. From this experience, I've been able to hone my public speaking skills and decision-making skills."

What fundraising experience do you have?

"I've contributed to fundraising events by working on the planning committee. I made decisions on logistics, marketing, and scheduling."

Fundraising is a key part of serving on a board. It is used to raise funds for an organization and raise awareness about a particular cause. Share any fundraising experience you may have with the interviewer. This might include planning, organizing, managing the events, or spreading the word about it in the community.

"My fundraising experience comes from my effort in trying to help raise funds for cancer awareness events. I've run in races, sold items, and help spread the word through social media platforms."

What strategies do you use to manage your time?

"I manage my time by using a calendar to keep track of meetings and deadlines. I also set alerts to notify me when these dates and times are approaching. This allows me to prepare ahead of time and ensure I never miss a deadline."

The interviewer would like to know more about the types of tools you use to stay on task and meet deadlines. Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once. Think about how you manage your projects and daily tasks and how those will help you succeed in your role as a board chairman.

"I manage my time by exercising the idea of 'time-blocking.' This approach means that I won't incessantly check my email; instead, I will allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day."

Describe your experience with legal and financial documents.

"As a financial analyst, I have over 5 years of experience with financial and legal documents. I've been responsible for interpreting the information to other managers and have been told that I do a good job explaining information in a way that is easy to understand."

Board members must know how to read financial statements and legal documents to comply with laws and regulations. Share your experience with these types of documents with the interviewer. If you don't have significant experience, you can also share any education you've had pertaining to them.

"While I don't have a lot of experience with financial and legal documents, I did have some exposure during my undergraduate studies. In my business class, we learned about financial documents, so I do know what they entail. Immediately upon assuming my role as board chairman, I will dedicate my extra time to learning how to read financial statements and the legal requirements that we must comply with."

How do you handle difficult personalities?

"I can recall a time where I worked with a difficult co-worker. This individual had become disgruntled after being passed over for a promotion, so their interactions with others became less than pleasant. Even though it was a challenge to work with this person, I could empathize with how they might feel after not being promoted. Perhaps they needed the extra money for their family, or they worked really hard in hopes of earning it, which can be frustrating. In my interactions with this person, I continued to be professional and kept my focus on getting the job done instead of taking their behavior personally."

Working with other people isn't always the pleasant experience we hope it will be. Whether it is a co-worker or someone from outside of the agency, there may be times when you encounter someone with a difficult personality. The interviewer wants to know how you handle these types of personalities and your ability to work with all types of people. Give an example of a time when this occurred and in your response, show the interviewer that you can remain professional, understanding, and patient.

"When dealing with difficult personalities, I stick to the phrase 'kill them with kindness.'"

What makes our organization's mission powerful for you?

"Your mission to provide educational opportunities to underserved communities is powerful to me because I know firsthand that there is a need. Your organization opens up doors for others who might not otherwise have access to the services you offer. Your organization changes the trajectory of so many lives in a positive way."

When selecting members of a board, organizations want people who will be passionate about advancing the mission. Think about why you've chosen this organization. Perhaps you are passionate about the impact it makes in the community, or maybe the purpose resonates with you personally. The interviewer wants to know why you feel their mission is powerful. Express your thoughts and feelings about the mission. Be descriptive and honest in your answer.

"I've read many success stories from people your organization has impacted, so I know your mission is changing our communities for the better."

Do you consider yourself a leader?

"I definitely consider myself a leader. I currently serve in a leadership role, and every day, my mission is to ensure our workforce is working together towards our company's goals. In areas that may be weak, I have been committed to identifying ways to perform better, create stronger teams, and stay ahead of the competition. I will apply this same effort and dedication here in my role as a board chairman."

By definition, a leader can lead others, have authority, and make people work together towards a common goal. The interviewer wants to know if you consider yourself a leader and if you have what it takes to lead people inside and outside of their organization. Whether or not you have officially held leadership roles, you may possess leadership qualities. Be honest in your response and share if you possess the following common qualities of a leader:-Good communicator -Has a vision for the future -Empathetic -Accountable -Expresses gratitude

"I haven't officially held any leadership roles, but my references will tell you that I possess many qualities of a good leader. I'm great at motivating others, communicating well, and seeing the big picture for an organization."

Tell me about your most successful leadership experience.

"One of my favorite leadership experiences occurred while working as a manager in an HR department. The staff had experienced significant turnover, which resulted in low morale, confusion on responsibilities, and minimal team effort. Once I assumed my role, I prioritized identifying and understanding the issues, gathered input from employees, and developed training opportunities. After my first year, morale improved, and employees felt confident in performing their duties."

As a board chairman, you take on a leadership role for your organization. You make important decisions about your organization's services, programs, resources, and most importantly, you work to fulfill the organization's mission and goals. The interviewer would like to hear about a successful leadership experience you experienced. Your response should explain what made the experience successful. If you don't have an example involving you as the leader, share an experience about a leader you've worked with. Your response will tell the interviewer what you deem as successful leadership and give them an idea of the leadership traits you will bring to the organization.

"My previous boss was one of the best leadership experiences I've had. She made every employee feel valued and coached us for more complex roles in the company."

Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.

"In a previous role, I was assigned to a group that was tasked with helping a client restructure their organization. There was no identified project leader, so we lacked accountability with staying on task and meeting milestones. Because I was dedicated to completing the project successfully, I assumed the leadership role in the group. I did check-ins with the team to encourage open communication and ensure we were on schedule to meet the deadline. We were able to meet the client's needs successfully and on time, and everyone appreciated my effort in keeping us all on schedule."

Leadership means being able to influence people and outcomes in any situation. Describe a time when you used your leadership skills to positively impact the outcome of a project. Share what the project entailed and what you did to help advance the project. Keep in mind that your example can be about a time you were officially in a leadership role or a time when you stepped up and assumed a leadership role in a group. Either example should demonstrate the leadership abilities the organization is seeking in a board chairperson.

"A good leader can influence an outcome by being a good communicator, a team player, and keeping their focus on the organization's mission. I feel that I do these things every day and will be committed to doing the same for your organization."

Describe what you have done to achieve a personal goal.

"One of the biggest personal goals I achieved was earning my Master's degree. I wanted to dive deeper into my area of expertise and set a goal of earning my graduate degree to gain specialized knowledge and advance in my career field. I attended classes while working a full-time job which made earning my degree feel even more special considering the hard work and sacrifices it took."

The interviewer wants to know that you can set a goal and achieve it! As a board chairman, this is the essence of what you will do for the organization. Tell the interviewer about a significant goal you set and what you did to achieve it. This can be career-related or personal but make sure your example highlights your hard work, perseverance, sacrifice, and dedication!

"After being hired in my current job, I set a personal goal to be promoted to a supervisory position within 2 years. I knew it would be challenging, but I dedicated my free time to learning more about the business, taking on challenging projects, and mentoring other leaders in the company. I was able to build my supervisory skills and knowledge, and right around the 2-year mark I was promoted to a supervisor."

How do you evaluate the performance of others?

"I evaluate the performance of others based on their ability to perform their duties successfully and on time with minimal assistance. I also factor in their reliability and team contributions. If an employee has put in the effort to improve their skills and knowledge, this is also important to consider."

The interviewer wants to know the methods or thought processes you use to evaluate the performance of others. In your response, share how you factor in performance-based expectations to determine how well an employee or board member performs. In addition to their specific job duties, some areas to mention can include:-Reliability -Teamwork -Knowledge -Problem-solving skills -Compliance -Customer service -Representing the organization

"I evaluate the performance of others by the effort they put into doing their job. Projects can be completed by doing the bare minimum, but it is evident when an employee goes above and beyond to make a good project great. These are the things I consider when evaluating performance."

Describe your time management skills.

"I manage my time by exercising the idea of 'time-blocking.' This approach means that I won't incessantly check my email; instead, I will allow myself to return emails in 30-minute time blocks, four times per day. Setting calendar alerts and personal deadlines for myself has also helped a lot."

The interviewer would like to know more about your ability to manage your time and meet deadlines. Discuss how you prioritize when everything demands your attention at once. Think about how you manage your projects and daily tasks and how those will help you succeed in your role as a board chairman.

"I manage my priorities by creating a list of things that I need to accomplish. This helps me stay on task and never miss a deadline."

How do you handle conflict with other employees or board members?

"I always handle conflict by first understanding the issue because tension can escalate when there is confusion. I keep my communication professional and raise the issue to higher levels of management if no resolution can be made by talking through the issue with my co-worker."

In any work environment, there are times when conflict may arise. The interviewer wants to know how well you handle conflict and your ability to respond professionally in these instances. Provide an example of a conflict you were involved in and share details such as the nature of the problem, how you handled it, and the outcome. If you don't have an example, describe how you would respond in this type of situation.

"I consider myself a team player. I haven't been faced with a conflict with other employees, but if I did, I would work with them instead of against them to find common ground."

How quickly do you make decisions? Give me an example.

"I've never been someone who takes a long time to make decisions. As long as you have the information you need to make an informed decision, pondering over it will only cause you to doubt your decision. I like to make decisions quickly and move forward."

Making the right decision can be time-consuming as you gather details and weigh your options. However, sometimes you don't have the time to ponder! The interviewer wants to know how long you take to make sound decisions. If you are someone who takes a little longer, share why it takes you some time to make decisions. Perhaps you want to gather as much information as possible. Or you want to allow time to consider the consequences of your decisions. If you are someone who can make decisions quickly, share your decision-making method and how you've been successful at doing so.

"My previous co-workers have told me that I am very thorough when I make decisions. My decision-making process consists of obtaining pertinent details, considering outcomes, and choosing the option that best aligns with the company's needs. This has allowed me to make good decisions in the past."

Describe a difficult project and how you overcame it?

"In my previous role as a non-profit director, I faced a difficult challenge related to our budget. We were faced with a financial shortage that caused us to evaluate whether or not we would have the resources to fulfill our mission. With the help of my leadership team, we were able to identify areas where we could reduce funding while still operating successfully. The result was minimal impact to our staffing and operations, and we were able to revisit the areas where we cut costs once we received additional funding."

As a board chairman, there will be times where you are responsible for handling difficult projects. The interviewer wants to know how well you handle these situations. Describe a difficult project that you overcame. If you have an example related to the duties outlined in the job description, it is good to use that one. In your response, provide details of the project, the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcome. Be sure to share how your efforts resulted in a positive impact.

"As a leader in my organization, I am faced with difficult projects regularly. I've learned to respond by being patient, getting all of the details, and making sound decisions based on input from my team, and ultimately by keeping the goals of the company in mind first."

How do you manage stressful situations?

"I always remain calm and look for ways to be more efficient. For instance, if there is an unexpected deadline, I will determine what can be done to meet the deadline. I will write down the steps to ensure successful completion and delegate a few tasks if necessary. In brief, I am always ready to adjust my approach because stressful situations are bound to occur in a professional environment."

The interviewer wants to know if you are someone who can handle stress on the job. Explain how you manage stressful times and your ability to control pressure in the workplace.

"Stress is part of any demanding job, including a board chairman, and I embrace it to the fullest. I take good care of myself and prioritize my workload to maintain a healthy balance in my stress levels."

How do you build effective relationships?

"My personal and professional relationships are built on trust and good communication. Being trustworthy with others allows them to feel comfortable sharing information with you and knowing you'll do the same. I most definitely value my relationships and am sure to nurture those relationships as much as possible."

The interviewer wants to know how well you value and build relationships. Share how you play an active role in nurturing your current relationships. Also, talk to the interviewer about your strategy for building strong and valuable relationships.

"I have strong relationships with my clients and customers. I treat them with respect and am sure to utilize their feedback in ways that make myself and the organization better."

What are your expectations of other board members?

"A board is a leadership team. I will expect the other board members to support each other, professionally represent the organization, have open and honest communication, and work together harmoniously to meet our goals. As a board chairman, I will offer the same to my fellow board members."

Every board member brings their own unique set of skills and experience to a board with the overall goal to fulfill the organization's mission. Share with the interviewer what you will expect from the other board members.

"I expect the other board members to be committed. Every perspective, effort, and skill set is important, and when one person doesn't do their part, others are impacted."

Board Chairman Interview Questions

Go Back

1. Why do you want a career as a board chairman?
2. How would you rate your communication skills?
3. Do you have experience speaking in front of groups?
4. What would other co-workers or board members say about your work ethic or character?
5. Why are you the best board chairman for us?
6. Where do you think your strengths fit in with the current board?
7. Why should we hire you?
8. How will you stay current on trends and developments that may impact the organization?
9. What do you feel is the most important thing we do for the community?
10. What three words would you use to describe yourself?
11. What recruitment methods do you use to attract employees or other board members?
12. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?
13. Tell me about your board experience.
14. What fundraising experience do you have?
15. What strategies do you use to manage your time?
16. Describe your experience with legal and financial documents.
17. How do you handle difficult personalities?
18. What makes our organization's mission powerful for you?
19. Do you consider yourself a leader?
20. Tell me about your most successful leadership experience.
21. Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.
22. Describe what you have done to achieve a personal goal.
23. How do you evaluate the performance of others?
24. Describe your time management skills.
25. How do you handle conflict with other employees or board members?
26. How quickly do you make decisions? Give me an example.
27. Describe a difficult project and how you overcame it?
28. How do you manage stressful situations?
29. How do you build effective relationships?
30. What are your expectations of other board members?

Board Chairman Interview Questions

1. Why do you want a career as a board chairman?

2. How would you rate your communication skills?

3. Do you have experience speaking in front of groups?

4. What would other co-workers or board members say about your work ethic or character?

5. Why are you the best board chairman for us?

6. Where do you think your strengths fit in with the current board?

7. Why should we hire you?

8. How will you stay current on trends and developments that may impact the organization?

9. What do you feel is the most important thing we do for the community?

10. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

11. What recruitment methods do you use to attract employees or other board members?

12. Have you ever had to fire anyone? How did you feel about that?

13. Tell me about your board experience.

14. What fundraising experience do you have?

15. What strategies do you use to manage your time?

16. Describe your experience with legal and financial documents.

17. How do you handle difficult personalities?

18. What makes our organization's mission powerful for you?

19. Do you consider yourself a leader?

20. Tell me about your most successful leadership experience.

21. Tell me about a time when you influenced the outcome of a project by taking a leadership role.

22. Describe what you have done to achieve a personal goal.

23. How do you evaluate the performance of others?

24. Describe your time management skills.

25. How do you handle conflict with other employees or board members?

26. How quickly do you make decisions? Give me an example.

27. Describe a difficult project and how you overcame it?

28. How do you manage stressful situations?

29. How do you build effective relationships?

30. What are your expectations of other board members?