The Application Process
The application process for appointed office varies greatly. Many unpaid and part-time positions merely require submission of a resume, while others entail a formal process that can take up to months to process.
While each city and state has its own process (state by state specifics can be found here), there are some generalities to highlight:
- Written Materials: Candidates for appointed office are asked to complete an on-line or written application, often submitted with a resume. Letters of recommendation or references may be required.
- Review and Disclosure: Some boards require appointees to comply with state financial disclosure laws. They may also conduct checks on background or conflicts of interest.
- Confirmation hearing: Some boards require a governor’s or mayor’s appointment be approved by a state or city legislature and include a public hearing.
Here are some of the questions you can anticipate in the appointment application process (make sure to scroll to the bottom of this chart for more helpful hints):
| Education “List your high school, name and location of college or university, year graduated, and degree” (OK) |
| Work experience “Employment work history – paid, unpaid or voluntary:” (AK) |
| Work experience “Employment work history – paid, unpaid or voluntary:” (AK) |
| Government experience or political or appointed offices held “Are you or have you previously held any local, state or federal government positions, appointments or elected office(s)? If so, please list dates and positions held.” (MO) |
| Political affiliation “Current party affiliation” (FL) |
| Military service “Have you served in any branch of the military? If you have served in any branch of the military, have you received anything other than an honorable discharge?” (NV) |
| Licenses and certifications “Do you hold any professional licenses? If yes, please provide numbers.” (KS) |
| Conflict of interest Have you been affiliated (as an officer, owner, director, trustee, partner, advisor or consultant) with any institutions (corporations, firms, partnerships, business enterprises, non-profit organizations, etc) within the past five years which might present a conflict of interest or appearance of conflict of interest with your requested appointment?” (LA) |
| Criminal record or ethics violations “Have you ever been charged of committing any crime or violation? Have you ever been convicted or have you pleaded guilty to any crime or violation? Have you ever been investigated on allegations of professional misconduct? Have you ever been the subject of any professional disciplinary proceeding or had any professional license or permit revoked or restricted upon a finding of professional misconduct?” (IA) |
| Honors and awards “Please list all scholarships, fellowships, honorary degrees, honorary society memberships, and other special recognitions for outstanding service or achievements” (VA) |
| Affiliations with civic, cultural, educational, charitable, or work-related organizations “Memberships in professional, civic organizations or government boards or commissions.” (WA) |
Put your preparation to work. After spending the valuable time networking, researching and burnishing your resume, make sure to call upon your contacts once you’ve applied for appointed office. Let your network know which position you are seeking and how they can help (making a phone call, writing a letter on your behalf, serving as a reference, etc). Be certain to do them the courtesy of keeping them well informed of your process with regular updates. Also be sure to keep checking in on your application status – your active interest demonstrates your passion for the position and commitment to the process.
So how simple it can be? Click here to access our state directory and find out how you can get started in your state today!
