Proxy Statement
A Proxy Statement is an important business document that companies send to their shareholders before annual meetings. It's like a comprehensive information package that explains important company decisions, leadership compensation, and voting matters. When someone lists this on their resume, it typically means they have experience in preparing, reviewing, or managing these crucial documents. This is especially important for roles in corporate governance, executive leadership, or investor relations. The term might also appear as "SEC Proxy" or "Form DEF 14A" in job descriptions.
Examples in Resumes
Led team responsible for preparing and filing annual Proxy Statement for Fortune 500 company
Managed disclosure requirements and drafted sections of annual Proxy Statement and DEF 14A
Coordinated with legal team on SEC Proxy preparation and shareholder communications
Typical job title: "Corporate Governance Professionals"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Corporate Governance Professionals
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where executive compensation details in the proxy statement might face shareholder criticism?
Expected Answer: The candidate should discuss strategies for transparent communication, working with compensation committees, and preparing clear justifications for decisions while maintaining compliance with SEC requirements.
Q: What steps would you take to improve the proxy statement preparation process?
Expected Answer: Look for answers about streamlining data collection, implementing better review procedures, earlier preparation timelines, and using technology to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the key components that must be included in a proxy statement?
Expected Answer: Should mention director nominations, executive compensation, audit committee reports, shareholder proposals, and voting procedures, showing understanding of SEC requirements.
Q: How do you ensure accuracy in proxy statement disclosures?
Expected Answer: Should discuss review processes, fact-checking procedures, coordination with various departments, and compliance checks.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of a proxy statement?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a document providing shareholders with important information for voting at annual meetings and required company disclosures.
Q: What is the typical timeline for preparing a proxy statement?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of the annual cycle, basic preparation steps, and general filing deadlines.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of SEC filings
- Assisting with data collection
- Document formatting and editing
- Basic corporate governance concepts
Mid (2-5 years)
- Draft proxy statement sections
- Coordinate with different departments
- Understanding of SEC requirements
- Shareholder communication support
Senior (5+ years)
- Full proxy statement oversight
- SEC compliance management
- Executive compensation disclosure
- Corporate governance leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of SEC filing requirements
- Lack of attention to detail in document preparation
- Poor understanding of corporate governance principles
- No experience with stakeholder communication
Related Terms
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Who’s Really Running Your Interviews? How to Reduce Bias in Remote Hiring
Resume Optimizations that Candidates Do to Get Past AI Hiring Filters
The Secret Weapon in Your Office: How Employee Referrals Transform Hiring
