To apply for an Athena opportunity
Ensure your Athena member profile is completely up-to-date, especially the Background & Experience section.
Go to the Opportunities section found in the dropdown menu at the upper right corner of your screen.
Click on the opportunity you are interested in, then click on Apply Now at the bottom of the description. You can apply to both New and Reviewing/Interviewing opportunities. You are not able to apply to opportunities that are currently On Hold.
You will be asked to upload your CV and board bio and write a 250 word pitch summary explaining how you meet the requested qualifications.
For the pitch summary:
Remember to write in the third person (bio style) and target your pitch summary to the opportunity and its requirements as much as possible.
Do your pitch summary offline first as this is in lieu of a cover letter. Make sure it's great, and then add it to your submission.
If you need guidance on writing your pitch summary, connect with a coach or request support from our team at [email protected].
5. Once you've added all the information, click "Apply to the Opportunity."
6. You will be notified when the application is received by Board Support team
and/or if you've been presented.
If you successfully clicked Apply and were able to upload all required material, then you're all set!
Remember, a board seat is never guaranteed, and for the most qualified candidate, it can take 2-3 years to land a board role.
Our members who have the most success are the ones who put much time and dedication into this process. Networking, expanding your thought leadership, and cultivating your personal brand are important things to consider throughout your membership with us. We give you the tools to do all of this - but ultimately, you own your path forward. The members who are successful are those who apply all that they learn to achieve their next milestone.
If you run into any issues on the application screen, please ensure that you do not have pop-ups blocked. Also, check that you are using a current browser and that you do not have any notifications appearing to update any plugins. In the event you encounter any issues, please reach out to [email protected] for further assistance.
What's Next?
Your application package will be reviewed by the Board Support team. If you are chosen as a candidate, you will be notified via email.
Once you have been presented for a board opportunity, please know that the selection process may take time, and weeks (or even months) can go by without receiving feedback. When we hear back from the client regarding who they would like to interview, you will be notified.
If at any time you have questions about your status, please contact [email protected].
How important is my LinkedIn profile when applying for opportunities?
It is VERY important as it is often the first place anyone will look when you apply to an Opportunity. It reflects your leadership, industry, and operational expertise. It also showcases your thought leadership (posts, articles, companies you follow, etc.) and network. Companies are looking for a good cultural fit and this may be easier to see on LinkedIn than your resume. We always include LinkedIn profiles in our submissions and most companies will check them out prior to reviewing documents or setting interviews.
Not sure how to create the greatest impact on your LinkedIn? We can help! At Athena, you have the option to purchase a Branded Career Portfolio. This includes a powerful CV, bio and LinkedIn alignment. If you want to make your executive artifacts synced and stand out, let our writers do the work.
In the event I am not selected for an opportunity, invited to an interview, or selected for a board, will I get any feedback?
We share feedback with you whenever possible, and that information is available when we send members status update emails. Some companies and boards are better than others at offering feedback. Feel free to reach out to the board support team if you have questions.
How do I evaluate an offer to join a board?
Many women in our community are anxious to join a board. However, that doesn’t mean that the first board opportunity that comes your way is the right one. Recently, a member asked us how she would know if an offer to join a board is the right fit. Use these questions as guideposts as you evaluate a board opportunity.