how to write a resume for a board position

• • Led strategic operational changes resulting in a 25% increase in efficiency.
• • Managed a $200m budget and achieved a net savings of 10% annually.
• • Implemented agile methodologies which accelerated project delivery by 35%.
• • Decreased overhead costs by 15% by restructuring operational processes.
• • Raised customer satisfaction by 20% through the implementation of new service standards.
• • Managed relationships with external vendors, reducing supply chain costs by 30%.
• • Streamlined workflows, resulting in an average reduction of 24% in turnaround times.
• • Led a team of 30+ associates, contributing to an increase in productivity by 18%.
• • Oversaw budget of $50m while maintaining optimal resource allocation and expenditure.

5 Board of Directors Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your board of directors resume must clearly showcase your decision-making acumen. Reflect your experience in guiding companies strategically. Demonstrate your leadership capabilities within complex structures. Highlight your proven track record of overseeing successful outcomes.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Demystifying the board of directors resume format, decoding the board of directors resume experience section, spotlighting your board of directors hard and soft skills, highlighting education and certification on your board of directors resume, crafting the board of directors resume summary or objective: a blend of achievements, aspirations, and uniqueness, extra sections to boost your board of directors resume, key takeaways.

One primary challenge faced by Board of Directors when crafting their resumes is effectively conveying the breadth and depth of strategic oversight and decision-making responsibilities they hold in a concise manner. Our comprehensive guide provides explicit step-by-step instructions and examples on how to highlight these core competencies, enabling board members to succinctly communicate their roles, achievements, and impact.

Here's what you'll read within our professional resume guide:

• Board of directors resumes that are tailored to the role are more likely to catch recruiters' attention.
• Most sought-out board of directors skills that should make your resume.
• Styling the layout of your professional resume: take a page from board of directors resume examples.
• How to write about your board of directors achievements in various resume sections (e.g. summary, experience, and education).

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While a touch of creativity can be appealing, it's the clarity and relevance of your board of directors resume format that truly resonates with recruiters.

To ensure your resume not only captures attention but also maintains it, consider these four streamlined steps:

• If your career boasts a wealth of pertinent and recent accomplishments, the reverse-chronological resume format is your ally. It naturally emphasizes your experience, placing your most recent roles at the forefront.
• Design a straightforward header: incorporate your contact information, a headline reflecting the position you're vying for or your current designation, and a link to your professional portfolio.
• While brevity is key, if you're targeting a senior position or have accumulated over ten years of industry-relevant experience, extending your resume to two pages is permissible.
• To ensure consistent formatting across various platforms, always save and submit your board of directors resume as a PDF.

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Consider incorporating design elements like icons or charts to enhance your resume's visual appeal and readability. But remember, the key is subtlety; don't let design overshadow content.

Essential events manager resume sections for a comprehensive overview:

• Header: Enables recruiters to swiftly access your contact details and peruse your latest work portfolio.
• Summary or Objective: Offers a snapshot of your career milestones and aspirations.
• Experience: Demonstrates alignment with job prerequisites and highlights your tangible contributions.
• Skills: Captures the full spectrum of your expertise, making you a compelling events manager candidate.
• Education & Certifications: Bridges potential experience gaps and underscores your dedication to the field.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Board-Level Experience: Prior experience as a Board member or high-level executive leadership roles that demonstrate strategic decision-making capabilities.
• Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of the industry related to the organization's focus, including its challenges, opportunities, regulations, and key players.
• Specific Skill Sets: Skills required for the board’s specific needs, such as financial acumen, legal knowledge, M&A experience, or digital transformation expertise.
• Leadership and Governance: Demonstrated ability in leading an organization, managing crises, and understanding corporate governance principles and best practices.
• Diversity: Diversity in terms of gender, race, age, and thought. This broadens the range of perspectives and can contribute to more effective decision-making.
• Resume Layout

Once you've settled on your resume's format, the next step is detailing your professional journey.

Many board of directors professionals grapple with this section, especially when balancing between extensive or limited experience. Here's a roadmap to navigate this:

• Limit bullet points under each job role to six, focusing on high-impact contributions.
• Highlight achievements that resonate with the job's requirements, rather than just listing duties.
• Detail any on-the-job certifications or skills acquired and their relevance to your growth.
• Choose impactful verbs for each bullet, avoiding overused terms like "managed".
• Infuse relevant keywords from the job posting, especially in the context of accomplishments.

For more insights, explore these curated examples from seasoned board of directors professionals:

• Led strategic planning initiatives resulting in a 20% increase in market share within three years.
• Implemented cost-saving measures that reduced operational expenses by $1.5 million annually.
• Oversaw the successful acquisition and integration of two companies, expanding the organization's global reach.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive corporate governance framework, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Collaborated with executive team to formulate and implement long-term business strategies.
• Drove revenue growth by 30% through the development and execution of innovative sales and marketing campaigns.
• Negotiated high-value contracts resulting in multimillion-dollar partnerships with key clients.
• Directed cross-functional teams in the successful launch of new product lines, expanding the company's portfolio.
• Established strong relationships with industry leaders, facilitating strategic collaborations and joint ventures.
• Implemented performance metrics and tracking systems, leading to a 15% improvement in overall productivity.
• Spearheaded the development and implementation of a customer relationship management (CRM) system, increasing client retention by 25%.
• Led a team of project managers in the successful execution of complex technology projects for clients worldwide.
• Managed vendor relationships, optimizing procurement processes and achieving cost savings of 15%.
• Identified and capitalized on emerging market trends, resulting in a 40% growth in revenue within two years.
• Developed and delivered executive-level presentations to the board, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Led the design and implementation of an employee development program, resulting in a 20% increase in employee satisfaction and retention.
• Managed cross-functional teams in the successful execution of large-scale IT infrastructure projects.
• Optimized IT operations through the adoption of cloud-based solutions, reducing annual maintenance costs by 30%.
• Developed and implemented cybersecurity protocols, protecting the organization from potential threats.
• Implemented data analytics systems, enabling data-driven decision-making and improving operational efficiency.
• Formulated and executed corporate expansion strategies, securing partnerships with global organizations.
• Oversaw financial planning and budgeting processes, resulting in a 10% decrease in operational expenditures.
• Led the development and implementation of a sustainability initiative, achieving a 25% reduction in carbon emissions.
• Established governance policies to ensure ethical practices and compliance with industry regulations.
• Collaborated with the executive team to drive innovation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Led the negotiation and execution of strategic partnerships resulting in a 30% increase in revenue.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy, elevating the company's brand presence.
• Managed cross-functional teams in the successful launch of new products and services.
• Implemented efficient supply chain solutions, reducing delivery times by 20% and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Analyzed market trends and customer insights to identify growth opportunities, resulting in a 25% expansion of the customer base.
• Directed the development and execution of a global sales strategy, increasing annual revenue by 40%.
• Managed key client relationships, driving the successful completion of multimillion-dollar projects.
• Oversaw the expansion into new international markets, establishing a presence in five countries within three years.
• Implemented data-driven decision-making processes, resulting in a 15% improvement in sales forecasting accuracy.
• Led a high-performing sales team, providing coaching and guidance to achieve individual and team targets.
• Developed and executed a comprehensive talent acquisition strategy, resulting in a 25% reduction in time-to-hire.
• Implemented performance management systems, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Designed and delivered leadership training programs, enhancing employee engagement and productivity.
• Led diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in a 20% increase in representation of underrepresented groups.
• Established strategic partnerships with educational institutions to attract top talent and support workforce development.
• Led the development and execution of a product roadmap, resulting in a 30% increase in revenue.
• Managed cross-functional teams in the successful launch of innovative software solutions.
• Oversaw quality assurance processes, ensuring high standards and customer satisfaction.
• Implemented agile methodologies, improving product development efficiency by 25%.
• Established strategic partnerships with technology vendors, expanding product offerings and market reach.
• Led the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing $10 million in grants and donations.
• Managed a diverse team of fundraising professionals, achieving annual revenue growth of 15%.
• Cultivated strong relationships with major donors and philanthropic organizations, resulting in ongoing support and partnerships.
• Implemented donor management systems, streamlining processes and improving donor engagement.
• Developed and executed marketing campaigns to raise awareness and support for the organization's mission.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the number of board members you've effectively managed; this signals your leadership capacity and ability to oversee a team.
• Specify the size of budgets you have overseen, as it demonstrates financial acumen and responsibility.
• Mention the amount of risk mitigation measures you've enacted to show your ability in crisis prevention and management.
• State the percentage growth or change in company value during your tenure to highlight your contribution to business growth.
• List the number of strategic initiatives you've led or participated in to illustrate your experience in driving strategic direction.
• Note the number of corporate policies or governance guidelines you've helped develop or implement, signaling your understanding of regulatory compliance.
• Detail the number of key business partnerships or alliances you've assisted in forming to underscore your networking and negotiation skills.
• Quantify the number of special projects or committees you've spearheaded to display your initiative and problem-solving abilities.

Strategies for candidates with limited or no experience

Even if you're light on experience, other facets of your board of directors resume can resonate with job requirements:

• Education: Detail skills acquired that dovetail with job expectations.
• Internships & Temporary Roles: Spotlight roles that underscore your relevant expertise.
• Skills: Address both foundational and nuanced job qualifications.
• Strengths & Achievements: Illuminate the distinct value you bring, even if you're newer to the industry.
• Resume Keywords
• Resume Buzzwords

Your experience section should be a testament to your professional growth. If your career journey isn't particularly linear or impressive, focus on detailing specific skills and the tangible outcomes of your responsibilities.

Hard skills denote your technological proficiency and expertise in specific tools or software. These skills are often validated through certifications and hands-on experience.

Soft skills , on the other hand, reflect your interpersonal abilities and how you navigate workplace dynamics. These skills are cultivated over a lifetime and can be more nuanced.

Why the emphasis on both? Hard skills demonstrate your technical competence and reduce training needs. Soft skills suggest adaptability and cultural fit.

To optimize your skills section:

• Forego basic skills like "Excel" in favor of more specific proficiencies like "Excel Macros".
• Highlight core values and work ethics as soft skills, indicating what you prioritize in a professional setting.
• If relevant, create a distinct section for language proficiencies.
• Balance hard and soft skills by crafting a strengths or achievements section, illustrating outcomes achieved through both skill sets.

To assist you, we've curated a list of skills highly sought after by recruiters. Ensure you integrate those that resonate with your expertise and the prospective employer's needs:

Top skills for your board of directors resume

Strategic Planning

Financial Management

Corporate Governance

Risk Management

Business Acumen

Legal Compliance

Fundraising

Mergers & Acquisitions

Stakeholder Management

Performance Measurement

Communication

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Negotiation

Decision Making

Time Management

Collaboration

Adaptability

When detailing your skills, align them with the job's requirements. Emphasize unique technical proficiencies and provide examples of your soft skills in action.

Your education section is a testament to your foundational knowledge and expertise.

• Detailing your academic qualifications, including the institution and duration.
• If you're still studying, mention your anticipated graduation date.
• Omit degrees that aren't pertinent to the job.
• Highlight academic experiences that underscore significant milestones.

For board of directors roles, relevant education and certifications can set you apart.

To effectively showcase your qualifications:

• List all pertinent degrees and certifications in line with the job requirements.
• Include additional certifications if they bolster your application.
• Provide concise details: certification name, institution, and dates.
• If you're pursuing a relevant certification, indicate your expected completion date.

Your education and certification sections validate both your foundational and advanced knowledge in the industry.

Best certifications to list on your resume

If you're in the process of obtaining your certificate or degree, list the expected date you're supposed to graduate or be certified.

• Coursework on Resume
• Major Minor on Resume

Whether you opt for a resume summary or objective depends on your career trajectory.

• If you have a rich tapestry of relevant achievements, a resume summary can spotlight these accomplishments.
• If you're relatively new or transitioning, a resume objective can articulate your aspirations and how they align with the role.

Regardless of your choice, this section should encapsulate your unique value proposition, blending your technical and interpersonal strengths.

Resume summary and objective examples for a board of directors resume

• Seasoned CFO with over 20 years of experience in spearheading financial strategy and operational efficiency for Fortune 500 companies. Proven track record in driving revenue growth, reducing costs, and improving business processes. Experienced in global business operations and M&A. Led a successful IPO netting $1Bn for XYZ Corporation.
• Accomplished Non-Executive Director with 15 years' experience in the tech industry, skilled in fostering strategic collaborations. Successfully guided ABC Inc.'s transition to cloud computing, resulting in a 40% increase in operation efficiency. Excels at advising on digital innovation and strategic planning.
• Clinical Research Scientist transitioning into board-level roles, leveraging extensive knowledge of biotech research and regulatory compliance. Facilitated FDA approval for a groundbreaking cancer drug, impacting millions globally. Proficient in risk management and strategic decision-making.
• Award-winning journalist seeking a paradigm shift towards corporate governance. Possesses a deep understanding of media, public relations, and crisis management learned from two decades in the field. Instrumental in influencing public opinion during high-profile investigative reports at DEF Media Group.
• Eager to apply academic knowledge and leadership skills learned as Student Council President in a boardroom setting. Built a strong foundation in business ethics, corporate finance and governance from pursuing an MBA. Passionate about contributing fresh perspectives and youthful dynamism to board-level discussions.
• Recent law school graduate aspiring to contribute legal expertise in a corporate board environment. Well-versed in corporate law, governance, and compliance. Adept at negotiation, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Committed to ensuring ethical business practices and shaping company policy.

Recruiters love candidates who offer more. Share your personality or extra industry credentials. Consider adding:

• Projects showcasing standout work.
• Top awards or recognitions.
• Relevant publications .
• Hobbies and interests that reveal more about you.
• Pay special attention to the tiny details that make up your board of directors resume formatting: the more tailored your application to the role is, the better your chances at success would be;
• Select the sections you include (summary or objective, etc.) and formatting (reverse-chronological, hybrid, etc.) based on your experience level;
• Select experience items and, consequently, achievements that showcase you in the best light and are relevant to the job;
• Your profile will be assessed both based on your technical capabilities and personality skills - curate those through your resume;
• Certifications and education showcase your dedication to the particular industry.

Looking to build your own Board of Directors resume?

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More From Forbes

How to write a board resume that markets you as a 'next-gen' voice.

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According to the U.S. Spencer Stuart Board Index, boardrooms are “reshaping themselves with fresh skills, qualifications, and perspectives .”

I underscore the last word in the aforementioned quote to impress upon you that to win a seat at that board table you are after, you must craft your resume through unique lenses. To revive your board profile, discard the traditional narrative, and communicate a personal, modern and mobilizing board candidacy. Make your resume serve as a vessel for your distinct leadership voice.

As an executive resume writer and career coach, I've seen that contrary to what many believe, a CEO or C-suite resume is not a board resume. To earn election as a vital member of a board of directors, you must stand out by marketing how your board voice is distinguished from other candidates and how you will add value. While this is true for all executive resumes, the following are the specifics you should include in your board resume to pivot it from "corporate governance" to "shareholder champion."

Illustrate your shareholder value.

The role of the board of directors is to protect and grow shareholder value. In alignment with the board’s goal of optimizing shareholder returns, you must pivot your executive resume to accentuate that you have delivered solutions, made savvy decisions, and designed strategies and executions that augmented cash flow, market share, profit, stock value, capital gains, etc.

In other words, show how you can contribute to total shareholder return. To highlight shareholder value, quantify the "before" and "after" (i.e., before your tenure and after your tenure or year-over-year changes). You can introduce these numbers in a graphical chart, or you can create a side box to showcase quantifiable impact.

Highlight your executive titles.

When you present your executive experience on your resume, highlight your job titles. For example, if you served as CEO of three major corporations, don’t bury that information on page two or three. List those job titles upfront.

Here is an example of how you can summarize job titles in one bullet on page one:

• Adept architect of best-in-class corporate governance practices. Led four publicly traded $7B+ companies as CEO, CFO and President.

Show off your accomplishments.

If you are ready to embrace a board seat, then you’re likely a veteran leader who can offer a wealth of experience. This often means that a lot of twists and turns carved your career journey. How do you hone in on what is most critical to share with committee members?

When you list your executive employers, focus your career bullets around the following:

• Financial leadership through transitionary phases.

• Business modeling and remodeling.

• Corporate culture creation, financial turnarounds and profit optimization (with before and after examples and metrics).

• Technology modernizations (digital, social and artificial intelligence).

• Market share growth and brand equity growth (create contrast by comparing performance against competitors).

These details should be included in the "experience" section of your board resume. This will help you narrow down the experience you should promote so that your resume doesn't become too long-winded or come across like a typical corporate resume.

Don't forget your soft skills.

Marketing your leadership style, vision and philosophy, along with your leadership character, will help those who recruit for the board of directors explore if you would fit their culture dynamic. Align a few of your relevant traits and leadership philosophies with their needs. Here are some of the most common soft skills my board-level clients have listed on their resumes:

• Curiosity, exploration and innovation to show they have an inquisitive mind.

• Determination, decisiveness and resiliency to illustrate their focus on solutions.

• Agility, responsiveness and relatability to provide examples of their current leadership style.

Share your experience as a board member.

If you have chaired or served as a member of a board before, list this information first; you can do so in a highlighted section on page one. Speak to this experience in your executive summary.

Beyond just listing your board experience, include information on the organizations themselves, such as type of entity, sector and mission. With that, explain how you participated. For example:

• Did you lead board recruitment?

• Have you developed board processes and procedures?

• Were you involved in change initiatives?

According to Spencer Stuart’s 2018 board index highlights, S&P 500 boards are responding swiftly to the needs of organizations amid a rapidly changing business landscape, equating to the pursuit of more diversity and availability of more first-time board seat opportunities. In 2018, there were 428 new directors appointed to S&P 500 boards, of which 35.5% were C-level leaders, and first-time directors comprised 33% of all new directors.

If you have thought about applying for a board position for a while and you are ready and willing to commit time and effort to serve as a member of a next-generation board of directors, I believe this is an exciting and ideal time.

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