Applying for an IAIP or Other Organization Award? Here’s How to Make Your Application Stand Out
Have you ever applied for an award through IAIP or another organization? Do you carefully plan your application, or are you more of a last-minute submitter? If you are a planner, you are more than likely to accurately update your submission application. If you are a last-minute submitter, your award submission may be rushed and more likely to miss some items that could cost you some points and ultimately miss out on the award. Let’s take a moment to consider the application process from the judges’ perspective and explore some practical tips to strengthen your submission.
Gathering Your Information
Before you begin your application, have the award form in front of you and carefully read the award description to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications. Review each section to determine what documents, information, and timelines are required.
If you track your achievements in a log, it will be easier to recall dates and details. Under your online IAIP profile, your education history is listed along with the years attended. Keeping your profile updated will provide a record of your attendance at Council, Regional, and International levels, as well as any committees you have chaired or participated in and positions held. Once you have gathered the necessary information, you are ready to proceed.
Accuracy Matters
As a recruiter who has reviewed thousands of résumés, one of my biggest frustrations is when applicants write “see résumé” in the employment history section of a job application. A résumé is not a legally binding document, meaning an employer has no official record to verify its accuracy. It also suggests that the applicant did not want to take the time to properly complete the form.
The same principle applies when submitting an award application. Always fill in the required fields as accurately and completely as possible. If you run out of space, expand the table or attach additional sheets. If you use a separate sheet, include your name, the award title, page numbers, and references to the specific sections and questions you are continuing. Do this for every section to ensure clarity for the judges.
Ease of Use for the Judges
Judges reviewing award submissions should not have to piece together your information like a puzzle. Follow the instructions carefully, provide only the necessary details, and avoid unnecessary elaboration. Judges may have to review many applications, and they can only score based on the required criteria—extra details will not earn you additional points.
Be Specific
Avoid generalizations. Instead of vaguely mentioning that you attended conferences, meetings, or training sessions, provide exact numbers and details. Judges should not have to interpret or infer your level of involvement. Being precise could mean the difference between winning and missing out by just a point or two.
Follow the Guidelines Exactly
If the application asks for a specific year, provide that year. If it requests details for the last five years, including only information from that period. Judges are bound by the stated criteria and cannot award points for details that fall outside the required scope.
Your Story: The Essay
Sometimes, the deciding factor between award recipients comes down to the essay and how well it flows in the judges’ eyes. A well-written essay may give an applicant the extra point or two needed to win.
If the application requests an essay of 500 words or less, stay within that limit. If it asks you to answer specific questions, answer each one fully, ensuring your response flows naturally rather than feeling choppy. Think of it as telling a compelling story that captures the judges’ attention. Your goal is to maximize the points awarded for this section.
If the application instructs you to select one of the provided questions, choose only one—do not answer both. If it says to answer each of the following questions, be sure to address each question and ensure you have an accurate response.
Final Review: The Finishing Touches
So, you’ve completed your application. Are you truly done? Take a final moment to review everything carefully:
- Have you thoroughly completed each section?
- Is all required information clearly outlined and detailed?
- Is your application signed?
- Have you proofread your essay to ensure it meets the word limit, no spelling errors, it is grammatically correct and flows smoothly?
- If you attached additional pages, are they properly labeled with your name, the award title, and page numbers?
If you can confidently answer yes to all these questions, then your application is ready for submission.
By taking the time to complete your application thoroughly and accurately, you make it easier for the judges to evaluate your qualifications—and ultimately increase your chances of success.
I hope you find this information helpful, and if you are applying for an award, I wish you the best of luck!
Christine Chandler Tillett, aPHR, CDP, CLP, CRIS, MLIS, TRIp, CIIP is the Human Resources Director and Risk Manager for Charles Dunn Company. She is a past International Insurance Professional of the Year and Risk Management Professional of the Year. She was the 2021 Region VII Insurance Professional of the Year and in 2024 named Region VII Hall of Fame winner. She was named one of the Elite Women in Insurance in 2021 by Insurance Business America and in 2019 made the HOT 100 list in the Insurance Business Magazine. Christine has been a member of IAIP since 2005 and served in multiple positions at the local, council, and regional levels. She is a past Region VII RVP and is currently serving as the 2025 Region VII HUB Co-Chair. She is a dual member of Insurance Professionals of Los Angeles, Inc. (IPLA) and Insurance Professionals of Orange County (IPOC).