How does the Award work?
For a limited period each year AIM accepts submissions from up and coming managers in any industry across NSW and the ACT for consideration for the Young Manager of the Year Award.

Applicants can put themselves forward or be nominated by someone else. The application process involves compiling various items and information, according to the Award selection criteria, and providing this to AIM by the closing date (this year it's Monday 31 October).

Young managers who meet the selection criteria will have their applications assessed and a shortlist of finalists will be developed. The finalists will be interviewed by the judging panel at AIM NSW & ACT in North Sydney in late November. The Young Manager of the Year will then be chosen based on their submission and the outcome of the interview.

The Award (including some great prizes) will be presented to the Young Manager of the Year at a special presentation event in early December.

What are the selection criteria?
The Award is open to young managers aged 18 to 30, from any organisation or industry in NSW or the ACT, who have demonstrated excellence in management.

Young managers need to complete all required components of their application (outlined on the How to enter page) in order to be considered for the shortlist of finalists.

How do I apply for the Award?
It's easy to apply, but there are a few important steps to remember:

1. Compile your supporting documents, including your resume, organisational chart, examples of your professional and personal development and details of two business referees.
2. Prepare your written submission (maximum of five A4 pages) addressing the management judging criteria - remember, this is your time to make an impression.
3. Complete the online application form, uploading all supporting documents.

When is the closing date for submissions?
Submissions close on Monday 31 October 2011.

Apply online, or you can email your submission to youngmanager@aimnsw.com.au, mailed to AIM NSW & ACT or dropped in to the AIM office in NSW or the ACT.

Are there prizes?
As well as the recognition of being named the Young Manager of the Year, there are great prizes on offer to shift your learning and development up a gear. The winner of the Award will receive:

• Receive a tailored learning and development program (to the value of $7500):
  • 360 degree feedback questionnaire and debrief session to discover your development opportunities 
    ($500 value)
  • collaboration with an executive coach to challenge your thinking and help you shape your management future ($5000 value)
  • choice of AIM training programs to give you the confidence to unleash your management potential 
    (up to the value of $2000)
  • time with a management thought leader to share opinions and inspirations
• Keep everything at your fingertips with your new Apple iPad2 with Wi-Fi + 3G 16GB (RRP $729)
• Stay connected as an AIM Personal Member for 12 months, plus receive invitations to key AIM events during 2012 ($379 value)
• Tap into new thinking with an AIM Books gift voucher (to the value of $250)
• Be recognised in AIM's publications, website and any Young Manager of the Year media coverage.

What are the judges looking for?
The judges are looking for you to clearly demonstrate how you have shown management excellence in your career, across all elements of the judging criteria outlined in the application form.

How long has the Award been running?
The Award was launched in 2007 and has seen applications from many successful young managers across a wide variety of industries.

Do I qualify for the Award?
If you live in NSW or the ACT, are a manager aged 18 to 30 - or even own your own business employing more than five people - then you could be the next Young Manager of the Year.

Why should I take part in the Young Manager of the Year Award?
The Award gives young managers the opportunity to be recognised for their leadership and management achievements. As well as opening doors and providing new experiences, the winner will be rewarded with some great prizes that will help them continue to excel.

How are managers nominated for the Award?
Managers can either be nominated for the Award by their employer, supervisor or colleagues - or they can put themselves forward. In each case the young manager will need to complete their application according to the requirements of the Award.

What happens after I'm nominated?
After you're nominated, you need to complete your application according to the requirements of the Award, and submit to AIM by Monday 31 October 2011. You will then be notified in mid to late November if you have been successful in reaching the shortlist of finalists.

Finalists will be required to attend an interview with the judging panel at AIM NSW & ACT in North Sydney in late November. The Young Manager of the Year will then be chosen based on their Award submission and the outcome of the interview.

How long does it take to complete an application?
We have tried to make the application process as straightforward as possible, including limiting the written submission component to five A4 pages. It should not take you more than a day or two to complete, especially if your resume and supporting documentation are up to date. Of course it is up to you how long you would like to spend on putting your application together.

Can I nominate/be nominated for the Award more than once?
From time to time a manager may be nominated for the Award in different years. If the nominee has previously applied and been shortlisted, they are not eligible to re-enter the Awards for a period of two years since their original entry. This allows AIM to have the opportunity to recognise new up and coming young managers.

Are there any costs involved?
There is no cost to apply for the Young Manager of the Year Award, however if you are shortlisted as a finalist you will be required to travel at your own expense to AIM NSW & ACT in North Sydney for an interview with the judging panel.

Do you need to be a Member of the Australian Institute of Management in order to apply for the Award?
No, Membership does not form part of the selection criteria. However many people sign up as Members after their application experience to keep their career momentum going - and of course the winner of the Award will receive AIM Personal Membership for 12 months.