A guide to writing a Board Cover Letter
Regardless of the appointment method- via a recruiter, directly with the organization, or even by invitation- your board application must include a board resume and supporting documents. The board cover letter is a particularly significant supporting document frequently used as the initial basis for shortlisting. Getting your board cover letter right will significantly enhance your chances of being appointed, while getting it wrong will have the opposite effect.
Don’t underestimate the importance of Board Cover Letters
Typically, selection panels and decision-makers first read board cover letters to determine if an applicant is worth further consideration. Chairs will review the document to identify potential risks associated with a board candidate.
Successful board applicants know this. They understand the significance of this document and use it as an opportunity to present themselves, showcasing why they should be chosen over other candidates. Furthermore, a strong cover letter demonstrates that you are proactive, intelligent, connected and informed compared to your competitors.
Tips for writing a board cover letter
In the past, board cover letters were often considered sufficient if they briefly introduced you, expressed your interest in the board role, and then referenced details in the attached resume. Consequently, they were often too short, lacked substance, provided no extra value and were frequently overlooked.
Things have changed, and here are my tips for getting it right.
TIP 1
Conduct significant research before writing a board cover letter.
You must conduct substantial research to gain the insights and knowledge required to ensure that your cover letter demonstrates why you are the right person for the board role, how you can help, and how you separate yourself from the competition.
Chairs seek passionate board members. They must be passionate about the organization and the board role. To be effective, the board must encompass shared values and ethics. Research is required to identify and then articulate your common passions, values and ethics.
TIP 2
Ensure your board cover letter is readable.
Keep the document to one page, using standard margins and 11pt font. Stick to a simple fond such as ‘Helvetica’, which has been proven to be the easiest to read. Using fancy fonts is not a way to get your application noticed.
A few exceptions exist to the one-page rule, such as when the application process explicitly requires a document addressing each key criteria, which should not exceed two pages. Following the instructions and providing the requested document is essential in this situation.
TIP 3
Ensure your board cover letter is comprehendible.
It sounds simple, but for a board cover letter to be effective, it must be easily understood and engaging for the reader. Following my paragraph structure below will ensure this.
TIP 4
Ensure that your cover letter is easily accessible.
It should be included as part of your board application. This means not saving it as a separate attachment but as part of one application document, including your board resume and any other requested supporting statement, all in one PDF document.
TIP 5
Add it to your application email.
Including it in the body of your email when submitting your application can be a valuable way to introduce yourself, leave a lasting impression, and differentiate yourself from other candidates.
The content – include these five paragraphs
A compelling board cover letter should include these five distinct paragraphs.
Paragraph 1
The opening paragraph should focus on expressing your enthusiasm and passion for the board position, the organization, and its purpose. Those reading your board cover letter do not want to read general information about the organization, where you saw the job advertisement or the details of the board role you are applying for.
You should be well-prepared with unique information, contacts, and knowledge based on your research and engagement with the organization, sector, and industry. The key is to consolidate this information into a statement that effectively communicates how you can help.
A strong opening paragraph should instantly grab the reader’s attention and showcase positive qualities like enthusiasm, capability, intelligence, and connectedness. Assuming you’ve done your research, you should articulate that you understand the board and the organization’s challenges and needs. This, in turn, provides evidence and comfort to the Chair that you are less of a risk.
Paragraph 2
The second paragraph includes your Board Profile.
Your board profile is crucial because it addresses the five core selection criteria for independent board members. It neatly summarizes your experience, success, achievements, training, and ability to fulfil the desired board role. Insert it as your second paragraph, pretty much as it appears on your Board Resume. Some may argue against duplicating information on your board application, but this paragraph should not be overlooked. It is your answer to why you should be appointed and is critical.
Paragraph 3
The third paragraph is typically dedicated to addressing any potential gaps in your Board Resume, whether they are real concerns, such as appearing too old or too young, over or under-experienced, careers transitioning, seeming too busy, etc. Addressing these concerns is essential to alleviating any worries the decision-makers may have.
For instance, if you are interested in a board role that requires travel or additional committee commitments, you can express your availability to do so. Similarly, if you are currently unemployed, provide an apparent reason for your circumstances (such as retirement or health-related reasons), or in the case of your first board role, detail your qualifications and previous experience.
If you do not meet all of the requirements they are seeking, this paragraph provides an opportunity for you to explain why your unique skill set and experience may be more valuable than they anticipate. Clearly and respectfully make your case here.
Please don’t allow the reader to overlook your application based on biases or misconceptions by providing them with a clear understanding of any gaps in your board resume.
Paragraph 4
In order to stand out, you should include something memorable in paragraph four. Chairs like to have something impressive to share about their new board directors. This paragraph should highlight an interesting or unique aspect about yourself.
The board appointment process is multifaceted, and every appointment is different. It is not always clear what specific element led to the final selection decision. So keep that in mind when considering what to include in this paragraph.
For example, one of my clients received an application from someone who had represented their country in table tennis. Despite table tennis not being the coolest sport, the client interviewed him because he was the most memorable applicant. His table tennis skills didn’t stand out, but rather his overall impression. It raises the question of what extra-professional skills may make you memorable.
Paragraph 5
The fifth paragraph is crucial and differs from the opening paragraph. It is a final summary. It affirms your understanding of what the organization does, plus your connectedness, intelligence, and strategic approach. It also brings attention to your passion for the organization’s objectives or goals. It effectively answers the question, “Why are you applying for this organization instead of another similar one?” This final summary reflects your initial paragraph and is a solid way to conclude your board cover letter.
In Summary
Cover letters are an essential component of board application, particularly in a competitive board appointment market. Whether you are responding to an advertisement, using a recruiter, or reaching out to a company directly, it is essential to provide this one-page document. It should demonstrate your knowledge of the organization, outline its challenges, and demonstrate how you can contribute in a specific and impactful way.
Getting this document right can significantly increase your chances of being appointed to a board. Conversely, getting it wrong will have the opposite effect. If you want me to review every board cover letter you write before submitting your application, our Board Appointment Coaching PLUS Membership includes Unlimited Application Critiquing.
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About the Author
David Schwarz is CEO & Founder of Board Appointments. He has over a decade of experience in putting people on boards as an international headhunter and recruiter. He has interviewed hundreds of directors and placed hundreds into some of the most significant public, private and NFP director roles in the world.
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