In this episode of The NFP CEO, Michelle and Danielle take listeners behind the scenes of recruiting and applying for a CEO role in the not-for-profit and for-purpose sectors.

Michelle shares her experience supporting an organisation through a CEO recruitment process without using an external recruiter and what made some candidates stand out (and others miss the mark). Together, she and Danielle explore the do’s and don’ts of applying for CEO roles, from crafting a standout cover letter to preparing for the board interview.

Whether you’re stepping up into your first CEO role, moving to a new organisation, or sitting on a board overseeing recruitment, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you navigate the CEO hiring process strategically and confidently.

What You’ll Learn

• How to approach CEO recruitment when your organisation decides not to use a recruiter.
• Why building a personal connection before you apply can give you an edge.
• How to stand out with a tailored cover letter and what most applicants get wrong.
• Why “spray and pray” job applications hurt your professional brand.
• What boards are really looking for in a CEO - beyond the job description.
• How to research and prepare for your interview like a pro.
• The importance of showing your alignment with the organisation’s purpose.
• Advice on using ChatGPT and AI tools the right way when crafting your application.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: The NFP CEO: Overview | LinkedIn

Website: thenfpceo.com.au

Michelle Cutler: Michelle Cutler | LinkedIn

Danielle Ballantine: Danielle Ballantine | LinkedIn