Top Executive Résumé Writer Mary Elizabeth Bradford runs Ceoresumewriter,com, a global source for CxO Executive Résumés.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of executive leadership, corporate governance and professional impact, senior-level executives are increasingly looking beyond their current roles to seek new avenues for growth, influence and legacy. Many are turning their eyes toward securing board seats, where their strategic decision-making will have a direct impact on shaping the future of the organization. The prospect of sitting on a board of directors can be both exhilarating and challenging, and the key to landing these prestigious opportunities lies in having the right documentation.
First, A Word On Your Approach
Whether this is your first board appointment or your third, you should have your game plan in place. Have you determined which kind of board you see yourself on? Nonprofit, private, international, private equity (PE)-backed, public? Do you have an idea of the core leadership capabilities and skills you want to bring to the board? Have you defined your compensation expectations? Are you familiar with board compensation and how it varies depending on the type of board and company?
The Difference Between A Board Document And An Executive Résumé
Your executive résumé is likely what got you into your executive leadership roles, but to be considered seriously for the best board roles, you must have a professional and compelling board document. Where an executive résumé highlights your duties, oversight and quantifiable accomplishments, an effective board document focuses more on the strategic elements required at the board level, including high-level leadership qualities, such as emotional intelligence, mindfulness and grit. Board nominating committees want to know the kind of leader you are. There are specific content, design and layout elements that many board nominating committees anticipate seeing from qualified nominees.
Understanding The Purpose Of A Board Document
Without the proper board documentation, you may mistakenly convey things that are not true for you, such as lack of true interest or little understanding of what is expected from a board candidate. The purpose of a board document is to present your full career history in a way that emphasizes your board and leadership skills, including your competency relative to guiding and advising a company—with less emphasis on the details of your career history.
Furthermore, categorizing your next-level skills and knowledge, and what committees you feel qualified for and why, increases your chances of being considered a serious candidate. Like executive résumés, your board documents should be tailored to your industry and the role you want to land next.
Crafting Your Board Document
The components of your board seat application will look similar to what you may have used in previous job transitions. You will need a value proposition letter or cover letter; an executive biography; and an outline of your board experience, committee work, board interactions, governance experience, professional experience, thought leadership, awards and endorsements.
Again, these components should be seen through the lens of a board seat versus an executive position. Therefore, the content of the components will not be exactly the same as in your executive career marketing documents. In summary, your board document will specifically blend your core competencies, specialties, interpersonal skills, leadership style and thinking and decision-making capabilities.
Best Practices For Crafting A Compelling Board Document
Have a target in mind.
Every effective career transition, whether at the executive or board level, requires a clear target. Before you start crafting your document, be sure what type of board you want to join, what type and size of organization you wish to contribute to, which industries you are interested in and what stage or life cycle phases you are open to.
Be concise and focused.
Now that you have your target, you can pull examples from your career history and previous board engagement that directly apply to the role. Focus on awards, thought leadership and endorsements that prove you are an expert in that field.
Highlight unique characteristics, skills and experience.
Landing a board seat is usually incredibly competitive. To position yourself competitively, you must communicate the unique value you will add as a board member. Scrutinize each point and ask yourself if any other board of director candidate could claim the same on their board document.
Use a professional tone, style and visual design.
The best board documents will have a unique branding message, categorized key leadership skills, and a compelling format and design that aligns with your target industry, leadership profile and subject matter expertise.
Don’t overemphasize your metrics.
Don’t simply copy all the quantifiable accomplishments from your executive résumé onto your board document. Instead of describing what you did and when you did it, a board document is more about painting a high-level picture of yourself as a transformative leader.
Final Thoughts
Crafting the perfect board document is a critical step in securing a coveted board seat and transitioning into the realm of strategic leadership. By understanding the distinction between an executive résumé and a board document, senior-level executives can effectively showcase the high-level leadership qualities and expertise that will get them noticed by board-nominating committees.
To craft a compelling board document, executives should have a clear target, remain concise and focused, emphasize their unique value proposition, use a professional tone and visual design and back up their claims with evidence. By following these best practices, executives can position themselves competitively and increase their chances of securing a board seat where they can make a lasting impact on the organizations they serve.
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