Entering an award is an exciting opportunity to showcase your achievements, share your story, and gain recognition for your hard work. However, award entries can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time entering. To help you write an awards entry that stands out, we’ve compiled a set of essential tips.
Choose the right award and category
First of all, it’s important you don’t just enter any award you come across. The award must be relevant to your business and your achievements. For example, as a customer-facing company, you may want to apply for customer care awards. If you’re in marketing, then categories like best event marketing are something worth applying for if it’s relevant to you. A great tip is to curate a list of awards your competitors have been shortlisted for.
It can also be beneficial to consider awards relevant to your location. This is especially important if your business relies on local custom.
Read the requirements
Before you write your award, it’s essential you read the entry requirements and terms and conditions properly. Make sure you highlight anything you need to remember and revisit the document as you work your way through the application process. This ensures you follow the guidelines thoroughly, so your application is accepted.
Awards sometimes have entry toolkits for you to follow for each category which are packed with additional advice. If you see one, make sure to use it.
Allow plenty of time
Award submissions can take a long time to write up, especially when you do them properly. Therefore, it’s crucial you give yourself enough time to plan, prepare, write, and proof. The last thing you want is to be running out of time and rush your submission.
Be yourself
Authenticity matters when it comes to awards submissions as it resonates with the judges. Your awards submission needs to show your personality, values, and unique voice. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s style, let your true self shine.
Throughout your submission, convey your genuine enthusiasm and passion for your work. Judges can tell when an entry is written with sincerity and dedication, and with so many submissions to review, you should do anything you can to stand out.
Be honest
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to sound impressive and using phrases like ‘game-changing’ and ‘innovative’, but can you demonstrate it? In an awards submission, you need to explain exactly what you did, why you did it, and the real business results.
Honesty builds credibility, so present your achievements and challenges truthfully without exaggeration. Judges appreciate entries that reflect real experiences and outcomes, so don’t be afraid to mention any setbacks. Use accurate data and genuine results to support your claims.
Involve your clients
Nothing supports your word quite like client testimonials. Including quotes from your clients adds significant credibility and a valuable third-party perspective to your entry. These testimonials serve as real-world endorsements of your work, demonstrating the positive impact you have had on those you serve
Get your entry proofread
You can proofread your entry as many times as you like, but it’s possible to get document blindness after a while, and you could miss some errors or areas for improvement. Have several people review your entry including those who are familiar with the award criteria (if possible) and those who are not. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes and offer valuable feedback.
