Winning an award can boost your personal brand, showcase your achievements, and open new opportunities. But how do you write a compelling award application that stands out from the crowd? Here are some best practices to help you craft a winning submission.
The first step to writing a compelling award application is to understand the criteria and expectations of the awarding body. Read the guidelines carefully and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements, deadlines, and format specifications. Identify the key themes, goals, and values of the award and align your application with them. Highlight how your achievements match the criteria and demonstrate your impact, innovation, and excellence.
Ensure clarity and conciseness in your application. Emphasize real-world impacts and specific outcomes of your achievements, and always tailor your narrative to the award's values and mission.
The second step to writing a compelling award application is to tell a story that showcases your personality, passion, and purpose. Don't just list your facts and figures, but explain the context, challenges, and outcomes of your achievements. Use specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence to illustrate your points and make them memorable. Show how your achievements have benefited others, solved a problem, or created value. Use a clear and engaging tone that reflects your voice and brand.
The third step to writing a compelling award application is to be concise and clear in your writing. Avoid jargon, acronyms, and technical terms that might confuse or alienate your audience. Use simple and direct language that conveys your message effectively. Edit your application for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to break up your text and make it easy to scan. Stick to the word limit and avoid unnecessary details.
The fourth step to writing a compelling award application is to show your uniqueness and what makes you different from other applicants. Don't be afraid to showcase your personality, values, and vision. Share your motivations, inspirations, and aspirations. Explain what drives you, what you are passionate about, and what you hope to achieve. Show how you have overcome obstacles, learned from failures, or challenged the status quo. Demonstrate your creativity, originality, and authenticity.
The fifth step to writing a compelling award application is to get feedback and proofread your submission. Ask someone you trust, such as a colleague, mentor, or friend, to review your application and give you honest and constructive feedback. Listen to their suggestions and make improvements where needed. Proofread your application several times and check for any errors, typos, or inconsistencies. Make sure your application is polished, professional, and error-free.
One thing I often found challenging was editing drafts to comply with the usually tight word limits for the submission. (Especially after receiving suggestions for additions from stakeholders as you get closer to the deadline). Could ChatGPT help with this or a more experienced writer? Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Plus remember you don't have to take everything on board - sometimes less is more ?
Remember, an external perspective can often highlight overlooked details. A fresh pair of eyes not only ensures accuracy but enhances the quality and impact of your application.
The final step to writing a compelling award application is to celebrate and track your achievements. Whether you win or not, you should be proud of yourself for applying and showcasing your work. Celebrate your efforts and share your application with your network, clients, or partners. Thank them for their support and recognition. Track your achievements and keep a record of your applications, feedback, and outcomes. Use them as learning opportunities and as evidence of your personal brand.
The fact that you entered an award shows you're proud of your work. Everything is a content opportunity so don't wait until you hear about the results. Talking about an award entry you just submitted and why you believe it's great deserves a mention on your social and blog. Share the news with your peers, clients and colleagues. Whether you get shortlisted, win, or don't receive any recognition, it's still worth celebrating your submission.
I created a few winning award entries in my time as marketing director for a digital agency. Here're 3 tips that can help you to create a successful award entry; ?See this as a team effort. You want to get all the stakeholders involved early so that you can efficiently gather all the information ? When you're at the editing stage, sit back and reflect on this: have you added enough that could truly excite the members of the judging panel? It's not an easy job to go through so many entries, you want to give them something that they really enjoy hearing about. ? There might be times when you're running late with your submission. Don't give up. Reach out to the organisers and ask for an extension.