Applying for leadership programs, bursaries or awards: perception and presentation is everything

I have recently had the privilege of participating in two different selection jurys with respect to leadership recognition; the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference and the Loran Scholars Foundation. Though both prestigious initiatives target a different audience, they have a common criteria, which is to reward deserving individuals demonstrating unique leadership capabilities. Simply put, we are seeking for the current and future movers and shakers of this country. 

As I reviewed on paper the applications or met the candidates in person, I have observed some elements  that compelled me to writing this blog. I feel it is important to share these observations (which I have summarized in three tips below) with potential candidates seeking professional development opportunities or students seeking a leadership scholarship and more importantly, with references who endorse these individuals. 

1. "Showing up"

In an interview: Revealing who you truly are, whether in writing or in person is crucial. You have to see it from the viewpoint of the assessor, whom only has about 30 minutes to make up his/her/their mind about the person sitting in front of them. We refer to this as "showing up".  Did the person show up their personality through their answers? Did we get a glimpse into the person's abilities and qualities? What was the feel and vibe of this person while in the room? Getting too-long-winded answers, not being concise or forgetting eye-contact are all factors that may have an impact on how we feel about you. Trust me when I say that this is not voluntary on the jury's part, but the subconscious part of ourselves has a mind of its own and those subtle cues can already nuance at best or deter at worst our perception of you. Let's face it: our interview processes are very much embedded in colonial ways and though they improve all the time to have representation of various identity factors, you may be faced with a panel of individuals that is composed of mostly white people and predominantly male and female- identifying individuals.

In writing: On an application, we do get to see glimpses of your personality. It is in the manner you write, the words you use, the grammar that is either present or lacking, the care of your application. On that latter point: please do take special care with your writing and ensure that two or three people review your application before turning it in. I personally take note of incorrect spelling and grammar, as I hold these candidates to the highest levels of standards of excellence. You are submitting an application into very competitive fields and there are people volunteering their time to do this; the least you can do is show a level of respect by ensuring that your application is showing up at its best. 

2. Levels of sharing As resilience and overcoming adversity are traits sought in a leader, there is often a question regarding this topic during the selection process. I am astounded that many opt to not share or divulge the "real" moments of adversity in their lives and play it safe. I cannot count the number of times that I have reviewed a candidate's response and did not find much in substance, to later on read in their letter of endorsement a passage about how this person showed extraordinary resilience during period X (illness) , Y (passing of a family member) or Z (coming from deprived socio-economic background). When I read these important facts, I always go back to the application and read through to ensure I did not miss anything and sure enough, I do not find a single reference to that era or moment of adversity. Some may argue that certain individuals may find these experiences too painful or uncomfortable to share. I understand that it may be painful the first few times you write or talk about it, but it will serve as a cathartic experience in the long run and help strengthen your case with the jury. My encouragement to you, future candidates, is to choose how you will tell the  narrative (after all, it is your story) which will help you becoming comfortable in sharing it with others.  In short, don't become a blabbering mess, but do opt to dig deeper and share your experiences as they make up who you are today and where you want to go tomorrow. 

3. References The final tip I would like to provide is for both candidates who are choosing their references and for references endorsing candidates. 

To the candidates: It is not really important that you get a letter or endorsement from the Premier of your province or the CEO of a company.  The fact is that these people are often so busy that they do not even have time to write these letters themselves.  What does matter is the content that will be written and that the person writing it knows enough about you. Period.  The other important tidbit is to know in advance (and review before submitting your application) what your references will say about you. If you are asking a teacher or principal to endorse you, ask if they are endorsing more than one candidate for the same scholarship, prize or program. If the answer is yes, my advice to you is to find another person to endorse you. I truly would not worry about the amount of people who will speak on your behalf in the best positive light if you are the person you say you are. 

This brings me to my next point.

To the individuals acting as references: Please consider carefully why you are endorsing candidates. Those who place academic excellence at the top of their list tend to highlight the candidates who are most in alignment with that hierarchy of priorities, even though the bursary is about leadership.  Just so you know: the jury does take notice of such preferences. If evidence is found in favour of the person who has shown the most leadership capabilities, the odds will be in favour of that candidate, regardless of academic achievement. Besides, at this calibre of applications, we are talking of individuals who are all performing at the highest levels of excellence. 

Do you have any tips to share about your interview/selection process? Leave a comment below!