If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community or industry, serving on a board of directors can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. But before you can join a board, you need to convince the hiring manager that you’re the right person for the job. That’s where a board member’s cover letter comes in.
A board member cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a position on a board of directors. It’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, qualifications, and motivation for wanting to serve on the board. It’s also your chance to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization and its goals, and how you can contribute to its success.
But writing a board member cover letter can be challenging, especially if you don’t have much experience in this area. How do you craft a cover letter that stands out from the rest and gets you noticed by the hiring manager? How do you highlight your strengths and achievements without sounding arrogant or boastful? How do you tailor your cover letter to each board position and show that you’re a good fit for the organization?
In this article, we’ll show you how to write a winning board member cover letter that can impress recruiters and get you hired. We’ll also provide you with a sample board member cover letter that you can use as a template for your own application. Follow these steps and tips to create a board member cover letter that will get you results.
Step 1: List your contact information
The first thing you need to do is list your contact information at the top of your board member’s cover letter. This includes your full name, address, phone number, and email address. You can also include your LinkedIn profile or website if you have one. This will make it easy for the hiring manager to reach out to you if they’re interested in your application or want to schedule an interview.
Here’s an example of how to format your contact information:
John Smith
123 Main Street
City, State Zip Code
(123) 456-7890
john.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Step 2: Write an opening paragraph
The opening paragraph is where you introduce yourself and state why you’re interested in the board member position. This is your chance to grab the hiring manager’s attention and make them want to read more. To do this, you need to include some relevant information that shows why you’re qualified and motivated for the role.
Here are some things you can mention in your opening paragraph:
- Your current or previous position and how it relates to the board position
- Your relevant skills or expertise that match the board’s needs or goals
- Your passion or interest in the organization’s mission or vision
- A referral or connection that led you to apply for the position
Here’s an example of how to write an opening paragraph:
Dear Board President,
I am writing to express my interest in joining your board of directors as a marketing expert. I have over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation and social media management, which I believe would be valuable for your organization. I am passionate about helping nonprofits increase their online presence, reach new audiences and generate more donations. I was referred to this opportunity by Jane Doe, who is a current board member and a former colleague of mine.
Step 3: Write the body paragraphs
The body paragraphs are where you expand on your qualifications and achievements and explain how they relate to the board position. You should aim for two or three paragraphs that highlight your most relevant and impressive accomplishments. You should also use specific examples and data to back up your claims and show your impact.
Here are some things you can mention in your body paragraphs:
- Your previous or current board experience and how it prepared you for this role
- Your leadership or management skills and how they helped you lead or collaborate with others
- Your problem-solving or analytical skills and how they helped you overcome challenges or find solutions
- Your communication or interpersonal skills and how they helped you build relationships or influence others
- Your creativity or innovation skills and how they helped you generate new ideas or implement changes
Here’s an example of how to write the body paragraphs:
As the founder and CEO of ABC Marketing, I have successfully led and grown a team of 20 marketing professionals who serve over 50 clients across various industries. I have also developed and executed effective marketing strategies that increased web traffic, conversions and revenue for our clients. Some of my notable achievements include:
- Increasing web traffic by 300% for XYZ Nonprofit, a social justice organization that advocates for human rights
- Generating over $1 million in donations for DEF Charity, a health care organization that provides free medical services to low-income communities
- Creating and launching a viral social media campaign for GHI Foundation, an environmental organization that promotes sustainability and conservation
In addition to my professional experience, I have also served on the board of directors of JKL Association, a professional network for marketing leaders. As a board member, I was responsible for overseeing the marketing committee, organizing events and workshops, and managing the budget and finances. I also helped to create and implement a new membership model that increased retention and engagement by 50%.
Through these experiences, I have gained valuable skills and insights that I can bring to your board. I have learned how to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, how to adapt to changing needs and expectations, and how to leverage data and technology to achieve results. I have also developed a strong sense of vision and purpose that guides my decision-making and actions.
Step 4: Write a closing paragraph
The closing paragraph is where you summarize your main points and restate your interest in the board position. You should also thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration and express your enthusiasm for hearing from them. You can also include a call to action, such as requesting an interview or inviting them to contact you for more information.
Here’s an example of how to write a closing paragraph:
I am confident that I have the skills, experience and passion to be an asset to your board of directors. I am eager to learn more about your organization and its goals, and how I can contribute to its success. Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Step 5: Sign off with a formal salutation
The last thing you need to do is sign off with a formal salutation, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards”. You should also include your full name and signature below the salutation. If you’re sending your cover letter by email, you can skip the signature and just type your name.
Here’s an example of how to sign off:
Sincerely,
John Smith
What Strategies Should I Use to Write a Winning USPS Clerk Cover Letter?
When it comes to writing a winning usps clerk cover letter, there are several strategies you can employ. Firstly, start by addressing the hiring manager and introducing yourself. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, paying attention to details that match the job description. Use a professional tone, and make your letter concise and well-structured. Lastly, proofread your letter carefully to ensure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. Mastering these strategies will increase your chances of landing the USPS clerk job.
Board Member Cover Letter Sample
Here’s a sample board member cover letter that follows the steps and tips above:
John Smith
123 Main Street
City, State Zip Code
(123) 456-7890
john.smith@email.com
linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Dear Board President,
I am writing to express my interest in joining your board of directors as a marketing expert. I have over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, content creation and social media management, which I believe would be valuable for your organization. I am passionate about helping nonprofits increase their online presence, reach new audiences and generate more donations. I was referred to this opportunity by Jane Doe, who is a current board member and a former colleague of mine.
As the founder and CEO of ABC Marketing, I have successfully led and grown a team of 20 marketing professionals who serve over 50 clients across various industries. I have also developed and executed effective marketing strategies that increased web traffic, conversions and revenue for our clients. Some of my notable achievements include:
- Increasing web traffic by 300% for XYZ Nonprofit, a social justice organization that advocates for human rights
- Generating over $1 million in donations for DEF Charity, a health care organization that provides free medical services to low-income communities
- Creating and launching a viral social media campaign for GHI Foundation, an environmental organization that promotes sustainability and conservation
In addition to my professional experience, I have also served on the board of directors of JKL Association, a professional network for marketing leaders. As a board member, I was responsible for overseeing the marketing committee, organizing events and workshops, and managing the budget and finances. I also helped to create and implement a new membership model that increased retention and engagement by 50%.
Through these experiences, I have gained valuable skills and insights that I can bring to your board. I have learned how to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, how to adapt to changing needs and expectations, and how to leverage data and technology to achieve results. I have also developed a strong sense of vision and purpose that guides my decision-making and actions.
I am confident that I have the skills, experience and passion to be an asset to your board of directors. I am eager to learn more about your organization and its goals, and how I can contribute to its success. Thank you for your consideration of my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
John Smith