Recruiting directors

The recruitment process

The most effective method of recruiting directors is to look closely at the requirements of the post. Avoid the easy route of choosing one from among your network of industry contacts, eg from businesses that you partner or trade with. It is very important to choose the right talent for your business, rather than just someone you like. You could also consider advertising in the financial or trade press.

Some agencies or headhunters specialise in helping businesses recruit suitable executive and non-executive directors.

They offer services such as:

• designing job specifications
• running assessment centres for candidates
• shortlisting candidates for interviews
• conducting first interviews
• coaching on running effective boards

You can also discuss ways of finding potential directors with your local Business Link.

The most crucial step in recruiting a director will be the selection process, which may also incorporate an assessment centre and will certainly require you to interview potential candidates. For advice on selecting directors see our guide on recruiting and interviewing.

Make sure you select a director on the basis of merit, and not because of personal relationships or share ownership in the company. Check their references carefully. See the page in this guide on appointing and remunerating directors for information on involving all directors in the decision-making process.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• The different types of director
• Structuring the board
• Choosing a director
• The recruitment process
• Appointing and remunerating directors
• Get the most from your directors
• Here's how I recruited directors with different and complementary skills