Recently, NZAGE hosted a webinar that discussed the submission process for 2024 Industry Awards, thank you to all those that attended. 

With the 2024 awards season fast approaching, here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways to help you prepare your submissions and stand out among your peers.

Award Categories for 2024

This year, NZAGE is offering a range of award categories, including some familiar ones and one exciting new addition:

1. Best Graduate Campaign
2. Best Candidate Experience
3. Best Graduate Development Programme
4. Best Diversity & Inclusion Strategy
5. Best Innovation
6. Best Employer and Associate Members Partnership (New in 2024)
7. Best Graduate Professional (Based on survey results from the NZAGE’s annual surveys)
8. Best Career Service Professional (Based on survey results from the NZAGE’s annual surveys)
9. Best Career Service (Based on survey results from the NZAGE’s annual surveys)

Whether your focus is on diversity, recruitment innovation or early talent development, these awards provide a platform for every employer and associate member to be recognised.

All the awards are open to employer members. Associate members can submit for the Best Innovation and Best Employer and Associate Members Partnership Awards only.

Submission Process and Key Details

This year, the submission criteria have been emailed to all members. It’s essential to read through these carefully to ensure your application ticks every box, as the judges rely heavily on the outlined criteria when evaluating entries. The word limit has also been adjusted to 1,500 words per submission, giving you the flexibility to keep things concise while still highlighting your achievements.

While some awards, such as Best Graduate Professional and Best Career Service Professional, are based on survey results and do not require formal submissions, most categories require comprehensive entries that detail your initiatives, challenges, and successes.

Here’s a quick overview of the submission guidelines:

• Word Count: Submissions are capped at 1,500 words, reduced from 2,000 in previous years. Remember, your submission doesn’t need to be long – quality and clarity are what matter most.
• Design: Don’t worry if you don’t have a dedicated design team to make your entry visually impressive. A well-written submission with relevant photos or simple visuals will be just as effective.
• Deadline: Submissions must be completed by Friday, 4th October, with no extensions granted. Late submissions will not be accepted, so it’s important to submit on time to ensure your entry is considered.

Award Judging and Integrity

NZAGE takes the integrity of the awards seriously. Submissions will be reviewed by independent judges who remain confidential, ensuring that no board or committee members influence the results. This process guarantees that every entry is judged fairly, based on its own merits.

Key Dates to Remember:

• Submission Deadline: Friday, 4th October (No extensions)
• Finalist Announcement: Early November
• Awards Night: Thursday, 21st November at The Churchill

The awards night, sponsored by Fusion Graduate Consultancy, promises to be a fantastic evening of celebration with the very best in the early talent recruitment space.

We can’t wait to celebrate your achievements at this sold-out event!

If you are an NZAGE member who missed the webinar, email info@nzage.co.nz, and Bronwyn will send you the recording.