Application tips
Nine tips to prepare for your Fellowship application
1. Set aside some time
Take the time to write a detailed application that does justice to your achievements and experience. This helps the assessor to thoroughly understand your professional abilities and, if you give detailed responses, reduces the likelihood of them asking for more information.
We recommend setting aside three to five hours. Don't worry, you can save your progress on the form and return to it later.
2. Get to know the Competency Framework
Our Competency Framework explains how CRS professionals can be effective at their work. Take the time to understand the four Guiding Principles and the five Core Competences and think how your experience relates to these areas. Your application will flow much more easily if you have a good grasp of the framework.
3. Use examples more than once where relevant
Use as many different examples as you can to demonstrate your experience but don't be afraid of using the same example more than once if it is relevant. You will have learned and experienced numerous different things on any one project, programme or initiative so use your application to show this. In each situation make a point of explaining how it is relevant to the specific Guiding Principle or Core Competence in the question you are answering. This will help your assessor make a clear connection.
4. Talk about your achievements
We want to know about your achievements and involvement, not necessarily those of your organisation.The two can be closely related so make sure your application emphasises your role and how you contributed. If you mention using a consultancy during a project, please also describe how you interacted and the final outcome you achieved with their support.
5. This is about more than time served
A minimum of five years served in a relevant role or roles is an essential criteria for becoming a Fellow, but your application must also demonstrate your experience, achievements, and the influence you have had. This helps the assessor to make a fair judgment on your application for Fellowship.
If you have a relevant Masters or PhD, you could be eligible for the Academic Fast Track.
Read about the Academic Fast Track
6. Keep it clear
Try to use plain English in your application and avoid jargon wherever possible. Explain any specific technical elements if you think it's necessary.
Try to keep your responses concise and to the point but not so short that they downplay your achievements. Remember, your assessor is relying on your descriptions to gauge whether you meet the criteria. Write your responses to help them.
7. Update your CV or LinkedIn profile
We ask for your career history or a link to your LinkedIn profile, so keep it up to date for the assessor.
8. Read the ICRS Code of Conduct
All members and Fellows must uphold the Code of Conduct. It sets expectations for honest and ethical behaviour while upholding and promoting the reputation of the Institute and this profession.
9. Commit to Continuing Professional Development
Fellows commit to Continuing Professional Development to ensure your skills and knowledge are up to date and fit for the job at hand.
We ask that you plan and record your objectives, progress, and reflections on your learning in a CPD Log. We don't set target hours or points for CPD.
10. Have a look at our Fellow application guidance
Visit the Fellow application page to download the guidance and keep it at hand when filling the form.
