Hiring software for board search committees
Your board is hiring its next CEO or executive director. The committee is volunteers with day jobs, the stakes are high, and confidentiality is not optional. SealedApply gives the committee one private place to run the whole search.
The problem with running a search out of someone's inbox
Most committees start the same way: resumes go to the chair's email, someone builds a spreadsheet, and attachments get forwarded to six personal inboxes. A month later nobody is sure which version of the shortlist is current, sensitive files are scattered across accounts nobody controls, and the decision comes down to whoever spoke last in the meeting.
How a search committee works in SealedApply
- One apply link. Post it in your job announcement, on your website, and on LinkedIn. Candidates apply once, without creating an account.
- Sealed applications. Resumes and cover letters are stored encrypted. Only the committee members you invite can open them, and files are never sent as email attachments.
- Everyone weighs in. Each member rates applicants and leaves notes. Averages are shown, and split votes are flagged so you discuss them before you decide.
- Stages the whole committee can see. Move people through New, Reviewing, Interview, Finalist, and Offer so the shortlist is never out of date.
- Blind first pass. Turn on blind review to hide names and contact details while the committee forms first impressions.
- An AI hiring advisor. On paid searches, each application is read against your job description and gets a summary, strengths and gaps, a fit score, and three interview questions. It is advice. The committee decides.
- Less email. Members can get one daily summary of new applications instead of a message for each one.
Built for confidential searches
Candidates for a top job are often employed somewhere else, and a leak can cost you your best applicant. Applications are visible only to the people you invite. Staff do not see them. SealedApply employees do not look unless you ask us for help. Candidate questions go to the contact you choose, and every applicant gets a confirmation in your organization's name. Read our guide to running a confidential executive search.
Common questions
Can committee members see each other's ratings?
Yes. Each member rates applicants from 1 to 5 and leaves notes. Ratings are kept separately and averaged, and split votes are flagged so the committee talks them through.
Can board members who are not on the committee see applications?
No. Only the people you invite to the search can open applications. Staff, other board members, and SealedApply employees cannot see them unless you invite them or ask us for help.
Do applicants need to create an account?
No. Applicants use the link you share, fill in one form, and get a confirmation email written in your organization's name.
Is AI making the hiring decision?
No. On paid searches the AI hiring advisor summarizes each application and suggests who to talk to first. Every decision is made by a person on your committee.
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