How to Apply for Anything (Step 2 of 3)

27 Mar How to Apply for Anything (Step 2 of 3)

How to apply to anything: step 2 of 3. This is something called the “Magic Lamp” minimization effect using beryl and it also illustrates step 2 out of 3.  Image: Nicofo.

Our second post in this three-post series about applying for a grant, job, fellowship, etc.  For Step One, click here.  For Step Three, click here.

Step Two

• • if possible, interview a  relevant person at the source about the opportunity you’re applying for:
    • be honest about why you want to interview them; say you want what’s called an “informational interview” when you request the interview; it helps to put the other person at ease
    • set a time-limit (15-30 minutes should be way plenty) and end on time
    • thank them before, during and after the interview
  • interview a reliable third-party source of information about the opportunity (someone who has had it, for example):
    • follow all the same rules as above
    • avoid the temptation to ask compromising questions; you’ll hear plenty if you listen with an open mind asking yourself, “is this really right for me?”
  • question yourself: is this right for me or our organization right now? if so, how? list the ways. you’ll use them to make your proposal-writing much easier in the next and final step.