Strategies for Writing a Board of Directors Resume & Board-Focused LinkedIn Profile

Looking to tips on writing a board of directors resume? In a past article for the Ladders, I discussed three things your board resume needs to attain a seat in the boardroom. I explain the reasoning behind a focus on high-level executive leadership, interest or experience in board membership, corporate governance, corporate identity, connected mission to the organization, and value-add growth. Other areas of importance for a board resume include contracts, media/public image, financial growth/turnaround, and stakeholder engagement.

In the Ladders article linked above, I take you through important key insights from Spencer Stuart’s 2020 Board Index Highlights about the board governance practices of the S&P 500. Diversity is clearly on the rise with 59% of new independent directors hitting the diversity mark. Another key statistic is that CEO experience is not required — 23% of board leaders in 2020 had experience at the SVP or EVP level.

As a result, your resume for a board of directors role must parlay these skills that are separate and distinct from traditional job functions in a sales leadership or business operations targeted role. You must show how you are intersecting between the boardroom and the business infrastructure, and consider points of success.

Looking to have your board resume written by a top recommended board resume writer? Feel free to book a consult with me to discuss how to pivot your executive career into the boardroom.

In the informational items and resources below, I provide a link to prior articles I’ve written about executive bios and how to make them powerful and effective when considering writing a board bio, as well as other actionable steps for writing a board resume, board-focused LinkedIn profile, and transitioning from a legal career to a board career.

Further Reading & Resources:

Want a seat in the boardroom? Here are three things your resume needs

Tips for writing an effective executive bio

Targeting a board seat? Here’s how to improve your LinkedIn profile

How lawyers can prepare for and advance into the boardroom

This blog post was originally written in January 2021 and updated September 2025.