“What are the two most important things to do after you submit your application to serve on a government board or commission? Thank those who helped you, and be patient.”
– Emily Bowerman, SC WIL Appointed Office Director
TIP: If you applied for a position through MatchBoard, you can check on the status of your application at any time online. Simply click “my applications” on the MatchBoard website to see where you are in the process.
Remember all those people we recommended you talk to throughout the application process – like clerks, your representatives, coworkers, and more? Now is the time to thank them for their support and advice. It’s more than just good manners; it’s a demonstration of your character. Showing you care is essential, especially when officials are deciding whether to appoint you.
The wheels of government move slowly. Don’t panic if you don’t hear back right away. Following up with the clerk or other staff members is acceptable. Remember that silence doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t being considered. County and town councils meet once or twice a month and may only consider applications during certain times. The legislature is only in session from January to May. The Governor’s office manages hundreds of boards with a limited staff. Check in every so often with the staff member overseeing board appointments, but be patient.
If you are appointed, congratulations! A couple of next steps for you are:
- Share the news with those who assisted you during the process, and thank them again.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn with the new position.
- Review any handbooks or training materials you were given. You may even have an orientation to attend.
- Familiarize yourself with Robert’s Rules of Order. Most boards use some version of Robert’s Rules for their meetings. You don’t need to become an expert. Just peruse how meetings should be conducted.
Additional Resources
Roberts Rules – Robert’s Rules of Order is America’s foremost guide to parliamentary procedure. It is used by more professional associations, fraternal organizations, and local governments than any other authority.
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