Unlike hiring other employees, when it comes to hiring a non-exec, you’re looking for someone who can be a confident adviser, a consultant, devil’s advocate as well as much more.

Non-execs will help with operational plans and budgets by providing independent advice and bringing outside experience to your company. They also have knowledge and contacts which can be extremely important when it comes to securing additional finance from banks or outside investors.

But, like when hiring employees, it’s a decision you must put a lot of thought into. After all, non-execs sit on your board of directors, so they will have a regular presence in board meetings.

When hiring non-execs, you will go through the same process as when recruiting full-time employees as they will not be involved in the day-to-day running of your company, but you will be working with them at least once a month. Typically, non-execs will work with your company for two days a month.

What Are You Looking For?

Any good non-exec will challenge your opinion and question your decisions by bringing an objective point of view into consideration. It is therefore crucial to choose one you can build a good relationship with and who demonstrates different skills to the ones you have ad well as the ability to appreciate the strengths that you can bring to the business.

The Hiring Process

So, what should you be on the look-out for when you are hiring non-execs? Obviously, they should have a proven business background, even if it isn’t in the same business sector as your business is in. They must also have excellent financial judgement.

You also need to check that they can commit both their time and effort to your business and they appreciate the balance for short-term profit as well as long-term results. On top of this you should always assess the value non-execs bring on a regular basis – experienced ones may be tempted to interfere where they are not needed. A good non-exec should also be persuasive and be a authoritative influence in your decision making without being over-powering.

Where To Begin The Search?

Headhunters are a good place to start when it comes to finding someone to fill a non-exec role, but you can also try specialist recruitment firms as well as shareholders. Using headhunters does have the advantage over a traditional agency who will focus on hiring employees to all levels as their contacts will come from word of mouth and their database.

How Much Will It All Cost?

Most non-execs are financially stable and more interested in taking on a new challenge than the price they will receive. Fees should therefore be negotiated at the initial contact stage and will likely depend on your requirements and how much time you expect them to commit to your company. you can also often pay in equity.

What Do You Think?

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