A new member of GPA (Grant Professionals Association ) from Texas asked, in short:
What sets an amazing grant proposal writer apart from an average proposal writer?
She went on to say: “If statistics involving the ‘percentage of grants funded vs. the percentage written’ do not accurately relay a grant professional’s ability to write grants well, then what can a grant professional do to set themselves apart, as capable and worthy of hiring?”
First off, she’s right; a “win rate” of apps awarded doesn’t necessarily show a grant pro’s talent and ability. There’s too many other factors out of their control that affect whether their applications are funded. For a look at some of those factors, read my blog on Win Rate.
But this questioner asks us to go past that win rate stat, and look at what else can set one grant professional apart from another, in the context of the job search.
In my humble opinion, being an exceptional candidate for a grants job (or a consulting gig) comes down to two things. Two different but related things. And they both point to the same strategy: Go out for your Grant Professional Certification (GPC)!
What sets great grant professionals apart from so-so ones?
Whether you have been awarded your GPC designation or are preparing to test for it, it shows:
1. A commitment to your chosen industry
A huge way you can show commitment to the grants profession is by going out for your GPC through the GPCI (the GPC Institute). This nationally recognized certification demonstrates proficiency, sure. It’s a grueling exam with years of prep and hours of testing involved. You need to earn enough points in several different categories to even be eligible to apply to take and sit for the exam.
(One of the categories is Education, and completing the Unlock-Grants course now counts towards five Education points! Those Ed points are not gained overnight; they take years to amass, so looking at professional development opportunities that reap GPC points is a strategy to start early.)
But going out for your GPC also definitely shows you’re in this grants game to stay. Even showing you’re working towards the certification is a huge sign to a hiring manager that you’re a solid and dedicated candidate.
But there are other ways to demonstrate commitment to the grants profession, as you work towards your GPC.
If you’re starting out in grants, have you joined your professional association? Or is there any other way you yourself have committed to being (and staying) in this occupation for the long haul? Have you:
- purchased/downloaded (and read) any professional manuals/articles,
- joined in any online forums,
- attended any professional conferences,
or otherwise invested your own resources (time and money) into developing in your chosen field?
2. A demonstrated willingness to learn
This is linked to #1 — a commitment to your chosen industry — but it’s fair to say that showing your hiring manager that you’re also committed to growing as a professional is a key way to rack up some points.
Included with “willingness to learn” is readying yourself to take the GPC exam, mentioned in #1. And the learning doesn’t stop with just the exam prep stage of the certification process. The act of taking the GPC exam has its own learning curve, as you maneuver your way through the multiple-choice questions, and then tackle the written portion. (There’s only so much studying you can do when having to write on the fly!)
Professional development can take many forms, beyond attainment of your GPC:
- attending a conference,
- listening to a podcast,
- watching a webinar,
- going to professional association meetings,
- reading white papers or journals, etc.
Even talking with colleagues can count, if it’s part of growing as a professional.
You get extra points for sharing what you learn with others. Holding a lunch-and-learn with your colleagues, or something more casual, to cascade what you picked up in your pursuit of professional knowledge, is a sure way to gain favor when shared in a hiring scenario.
Another way to share knowledge gained is through leading a panel discussion or a session, at regional or national conferences, or local seminars or meetings. It’s a win-win even if you’re the presenter; there’s a ton of knowledge to be gained by sharing.
Preparing to present to colleagues means you have to put your knowledge through the mill, try and anticipate any questions or doubts that will be expressed by your audience, and explain what you’re sharing in as organized and meaningful a way as you can. You have to really work on HOW to get the information across, depending on your audience’s skill level, so it’s accessible to all, comprehended, and absorbed.
Being enthused about building your knowledge bank shows it’s not a drudgery, or even an effort. Instead, it shows you’re anxious to get to the top of your profession.
3. A proven ability to solve your own problems
I have taken note that the personality type that makes up someone in the grants profession tends to be one of “problem-solver.” We tend to be independent thinkers, take our responsibilities very seriously, have a high degree of respect for “the deadline,” and are results-oriented.
Does this describe you?
Good. Then your resume should reflect those qualities and you’ll do well in the job interview.
In interviews, HR professionals have a classic question they ask: Can you give me an example of how you overcame a challenge? The “problem-solver” quality we grant pros have is what they’re trying to draw out of their candidates.
Can you show them that you put some brainpower behind getting out of a mess, solving a problem, rectifying a situation? Will those skills translate to your work life in their organization?
An ability to solve your own problems could take the form of pursuing your GPC — whether you’re wishing to switch to a grants career, or double down on your current grants position. Setting goals like earning your GPC and working towards it shows that you’re able to play The Long Game and invest in yourself. It shows you regard your own value for an organization as worth the time and attention it takes to attain this important certification.
For more on the Grant Professional Certification and what it involves, visit GPCI – Grant Professionals Certification Institute (grantcredential.org).
