1. Identify Nuffield’s goals.
As simple as it sounds, applicants often don’t fully understand what the broader goals and objectives of Nuffield are.
If your application is written with consideration to ‘giving back’ for example, this will go some way to increasing your chances of gaining an interview.
2. Get your Nuffield referees sorted soon.
There’s still time to get your three referees locked in. This is something that often needs a little time, so if you don’t have three lined up yet, make it a priority.
3. Include what you’ve done for your rural community or assisting others.
Tell us about it. We’re often surprised to learn of the above and beyond participation some applicants have done without mention in their application.
Have you served on any boards, committees, in any community organisations? Any rural groups, or in any voluntary capacity? Have you written any articles?
Dig, think, tell us.
4. Keep an eye on the close date – 13 August.
For some reason time seems to be getting away on us all at the moment. This next few weeks will be no different. Take five minutes to plan your approach to applying.
Start planning what needs to be done and by when. Aim to finish on Friday 11 August – or sooner.
5. Get in touch with our Mktg and Comms Manager.
Our Marketing and Communications Manager can help you through any queries you may have. He’s within earshot of Programme Manager Lisa Rogers, so you get Lisa’s 6+ years’ experience as well.
We just asked Lisa for a gem, and she said,
“Be very explicit about what being awarded a Nuffield Scholarship will allow you to do for the sector, not necessarily what it will do for you.”
Who knows, five minutes on the phone with the Rural Leaders Team, or a quick email, might be the difference.
6. Focus on your strengths.
Find ways to both answer the questions accurately and get your ace cards down.
An average application isn’t necessarily a badly written one, however, it is definitely one that doesn’t get across how suited you are to being a Nuffield Scholar. That said, you might want to pay attention to this next tip for a well written application.
7. Check your application.
Spell check. Grammar check. Read check – how does your answer sound when read aloud?
Check the questions. Check your answers. You get the idea.
8. Read a few back issues of the Rural Leader.
Not as strange as it sounds. The Rural Leader has much information entwined throughout its many pithy missives that may spark topical responses to application, and potentially, interview questions.
Of note are the Ideas That Grow podcasts and Alumni in the Spotlight articles. School up – read the Rural Leader.
9. If you know a Nuffielder, get in touch with them.
As Kate Scott, 2018 Nuffield Scholar, said of the Nuffield Alumni, (they are) ‘A network open to you picking up the phone or flicking them and email’.
Kate may have been talking about being part of the Alumni, but if you know, or know of, a Nuffielder, reach out and ask their advice.
Good luck with your application.
Photo credit Nick Morrison via Unsplash.
