In today’s highly competitive board market, the quality of your board resume and cover letter can set you apart from thousands of equally ambitious candidates. These documents are not just formalities—they are your first impression and the key to securing meaningful conversations that lead to board appointments.
Key Differences: Board Resumes vs Executive Resumes
A board resume is not a repurposed executive CV. It must focus on what boards care about most:
- Business Strategy: Your ability to influence and implement strategic decisions.
- Risk Management: Expertise in identifying, mitigating, and managing organisational risks.
- Governance: Evidence of your understanding and application of good governance practices.
The first page is crucial—it must capture your unique value proposition, board experience (if any), and relevant credentials. For those without direct board experience, highlight interactions with boards, such as presenting papers, influencing decisions, or serving on committees.
Referees: An Underutilised Opportunity
Unlike traditional resumes, your board resume should feature high-quality referees. Referees serve as champions who can vouch for your reputation and capability. Omitting them with “available upon request” is a missed opportunity to strengthen your credibility.
The Board Cover Letter: A Critical Tool
Many candidates overlook the power of a customised, compelling cover letter. Tailor each letter to the specific board role, addressing the organisation’s challenges and aligning your expertise with their needs. Always submit your cover letter and resume as a combined PDF to ensure a complete and professional application.
Embracing Technology and Personalisation
With AI now screening many applications, incorporating relevant keywords and aligning with the role’s requirements is essential. However, your documents must still reflect your unique voice and personal brand—AI-generated content alone won’t suffice.
Exercise: Assess and Revamp Your Board Documents
- Review your current resume: Does it reflect your unique value proposition?
- Identify gaps: Are your governance expertise, leadership, and strategic impact clear?
- Tailor and refine: Create a master document you can customise for each application.
Final Thoughts
Your board documents must achieve one primary goal: securing a conversation or meeting. If they consistently get you in the door, you’re on the right track. Perfecting your resume and cover letter requires effort, investment, and adaptability, but these tools are your ticket to building a successful board portfolio.