Tips on Applying to Best Companies Lists

Since 1999, eXpert Survey Systems, Inc. has been the leader in a growing field - helping organizations put together lists of "best companies".  With project experience such as Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers and Best Companies for Women of Color lists, as well as AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 list, eXpert Survey Systems, Inc. has learned a lot about techniques that many great companies use to apply to best companies lists.  These techniques can streamline the process of applying, and improve your chance of being recognized by the program.

To make the application as easy and rewarding as possible for your organization, please read the following collection of tips to make the application process work for your organization.

 

Get started early

Time is usually a factor when an organization decides to apply to a best companies list.  There is a lot do do, and sometimes time is short.  To make the best use of your time, you should:

• Learn from previous applications - Finding and reviewing the application from last year can help you save time by allowing you to anticipate the types of information you will need.

• Get help early from other areas of your organization  - Ask for help right away from areas of your organization that can help you through the application process, such as Communications, IT, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources, etc.

• Look for early application drafts - Many programs will publish a draft application earlier than the actual launch date of the application.  While some areas are subject to change, most will not.

 

Know the process

To make sure that you have all of the information you need to get through the process, you should:

• Learn about the program - Read any available material on the program, its purpose, goals, and what the program is likely to emphasize in its evaluation of the applicants.  Learn about any advocacy role the program has on behalf of the general public.

• Establish a plan for the application process - Develop a plan that includes key dates, tasks, responsible parties, as well as information and materials required to apply.

• Learn about past winners  - Research the companies that have been recognized in past years, especially with regards to special programs they offer.  This is a good way to know what is important in the application process.

• Establish contacts with sponsors/contractors - Speak with the people that are in charge of the programs, as well as any outside contractors that they use, to address any questions you may have, and to make sure contacts are always available.

 

Know your organization

To give your company the best possible chance of being selected to a best companies list, you should:

• Organize your information - Establish a database of information that your company is likely to use in application processes.  This database will be easier to maintain than separate sources of information, and will make it easier to get answers.  Include statistics from Human Resources, information about your programs for employees, etc.

• Gather descriptions of your programs for employees  - Compile a set of up-to-date descriptions of programs for employees, including features, availability, etc..

• Interview employees - Get information from co-workers that use various programs for employees, including what they like about the program, how often they use it, etc.

• Utilize other research sources - Find out about your company by reading benchmarking studies, articles, and even feedback reports from previous best companies programs to find out what your company's strong areas are, and what needs improvement.

• Research previous awards and recognition - Your company may have received awards and/or recognition that you may not know about.

• Encourage other areas of your company to collect more management information - You need all of the information you can get.  Encourage other areas of your company to collect employee survey data, track program usage, etc.