If you're thinking of applying to the IRM UK BA of the Year Award, you might find these 10 top tips useful.

Go for it!

1.  If you are in two minds about applying, ask yourself the question: 'Why not?'.
2.  Check if your company has a structured application process for applying to BA of the Year. I applied independently, but many companies have processes and offer help with applying.

Sell your skills and abilities

3.  Pay attention to the questions asked on the application form and answer them carefully. Make sure you address each question.
4.  Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and sell yourself and your skills and capabilities as a BA. Write in the 1st person – the judges want to know about your work, not just team successes. This may not come naturally. If you find it difficult, try writing your application as if you are writing about somebody else.  

Make the time to give your application the attention it deserves

5.  Allow plenty of time to complete your application. Visit it and revisit it- this is an iterative process. Also, ask a colleague or friend to review the application form.

Highlight your successes

6.  Don't just think about your day-to-day project work, also think about your contribution. What do you give to the community and the industry?
7.  Write succinctly but make sure you provide enough information to give a good account of your successes.

If you get to interview stage, practice makes perfect

8.  If you get through to the interview stage, make sure you prepare thoroughly, and know your subject and your own application inside out.  
9.  On the day of your interview, it's normal to be nervous. It will help if you have already practised answering potential interview questions in front of a mirror, a friend, your partner… or even your dog.  

Be ready to make a difference

10.  If you are a finalist or winner, be prepared for publicity both internally in your organisation and externally too. You might want to use the profile you gain from becoming a finalist or winner to be an ambassador for the BA community. You will have a platform, use it to make a positive difference.

With thanks to past BAOTY winner, Sandra Leek.

Find more information, and the downloadable entry form for BA of the Year 2024 here.