Used with permission from the Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat
In order for your nomination to stand out against the many others we receive, your nomination should describe what is outstanding about your nominee’s achievements and show memorably and persuasively how and where they have made a difference.
To achieve this, it is important to use specific and concrete examples to illustrate how your nominee meets each of the eligibility and award criteria. Provide examples of how your nominee has demonstrated outstanding character and is a deserving candidate for the honour or award. A compelling nomination should also describe as vividly and precisely as possible the difference your nominee’s contribution has made and show why it has been important.
An ineffective nomination usually includes an extended CV or resume, list of other appointments or awards, educational achievements, and/or a description of their professional responsibilities.
Remember that longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. When presenting your nominee, keep your explanations clear and to the point while ensuring there is enough information for the selection panel to make their decision.
The testimonial letters should be written by individuals who know the nominee well enough to be able to talk about the impact of their achievement from first-hand experience, be current and written specifically for the honour or award you are nominating for, and provide various examples from a range of views and perspectives.
The testimonial letters should not simply state that the authors support the nomination – they need to provide more information about the nominee and their achievement.
It is often perceived that a testimonial letter written by an influential or high-profile individual will automatically give it more weight; however this is not the case if the letter does not specifically address the nominee’s merits.