Writing a winning awards submission can be a game-changer for your organisation, but it requires a strategic approach to truly stand out. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to refine your technique, these top tips will guide you through crafting a compelling and persuasive entry that captures the essence of your achievements and maximises your chances of success.
Our five top tips for submitting award entries:
1. Understand the Criteria and Tailor Your Submission
- Research the Award Categories: Each award has specific criteria, and it’s crucial to tailor your submission to meet these requirements. Carefully read the guidelines for each category to ensure your entry aligns with what the judges are looking for
- Highlight Relevant Achievements: Focus on achievements that directly relate to the category. For example, if entering a “Best Place to Work” category, emphasise your workplace culture, employee benefits, engagement initiatives, and any unique programs that set your company apart
2. Use Data and Metrics to Support Your Claims
- Quantify Your Success: Judges are impressed by measurable results. Include data on employee retention rates, engagement survey results, productivity improvements, or other key metrics that demonstrate the impact of your initiatives
- Provide Context: When presenting data, explain why these numbers are significant. Compare them to industry benchmarks or previous years’ performance to show progress and success
3. Tell a Compelling Story
- Craft a Narrative: Judges review numerous entries, so it’s important to make your submission stand out. Craft a compelling story highlighting your journey, the challenges overcome, and the positive impact on your organisation and employees
- Use Testimonials: Include quotes or testimonials from employees, leadership, or even external partners. Personal stories can add a human element to your submission and illustrate the real-world impact of your initiatives
4. Provide Supporting Materials
- Include Visuals and Case Studies: Supplement your written submission with visuals such as infographics, videos, and photos that bring your initiatives to life. Case studies that detail specific projects or campaigns can also provide a deeper understanding of your success
- Ensure Quality: Make sure all supporting materials are professionally presented. High-quality visuals and well-designed documents can enhance the overall impression of your entry
5. Review and Edit Thoroughly
- Proofread Your Submission: Attention to detail is critical. Ensure your submission is free from errors, well-organised, and easy to read. Poor grammar or a lack of clarity can detract from the strength of your entry
- Seek Feedback: Before submitting, have colleagues or a third party review your entry. They can provide valuable feedback and help identify any areas that need improvement or clarification
By following these tips, you can create a strong, persuasive submission that showcases your organisation’s strengths and increases your chances of success in these prestigious awards.
Bonus Killer Top Tip: Leverage Employee Involvement in Your Submission
- Involve Your Team: Engage your employees in the submission process. Ask them to contribute by sharing their experiences, stories, and testimonials. This not only provides authentic insights but also demonstrates that your claims are backed by the voices of those directly impacted
- Highlight Employee Advocacy: Showcase how your employees are your best advocates. Whether it’s through testimonials, quotes, or videos, featuring genuine employee feedback can be a powerful testament to your workplace culture and engagement efforts
- Interactive Elements: Consider incorporating interactive elements like employee video snippets or a digital scrapbook showcasing company events and initiatives. These can make your submission more engaging and memorable
By involving employees directly, your submission becomes more authentic, relatable, and credible, giving you a competitive edge.
We asked Emma Bowen-Davies, Director, Everything By Design who helps in-house or agency teams build awareness and brand equity via successful award programme participation for her thoughts:
“Could not agree more with this guide. The awards landscape provides an excellent opportunity to profile employer brands with a great recent story to tell and my only additional advice would be to start the entry production process as early as possible, read the programme guidelines in full – noting details such as draft structure requirements, wordcount and any section weightings – and carry out an advance recce of the entry platform to ensure you have everything covered and at the ready when time comes for upload.”
Wishing you the best of luck with your award submissions. May your hard work and innovation shine through and bring the recognition you and your team deserve.