1: Don’t miss the deadline. 
It may sound obvious, but set 50 alarms and reminders, highlight the date on your calendars, pin a giant note to your wardrobe door… 9pm, Monday 20 May is the cut-off for submitting your completed entries.  

2: There’s an age limit for It Listers. 
If you’re entering the It List, you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date (Monday 20 May), and proof of age is required at the time of entry. Make sure you’re within range – and if you’re not, remember, there is no age limit for Most Wanted.

3: Re-check the category criteria. 
Each category asks for specific entry content, and how you supply this content differs between them. So, make sure you provide precisely what’s stated within the criteria – and if you’re entering multiple categories, don’t assume the same applies. To further hammer home the importance of this point, we provide our judges with criteria for entry, and this is what they refer to when delivering their scores. Missing content = missing the mark.  

4: Keep to the page counts and timeframes. 
After pouring time and energy into your entries, don’t let an oversight like exceeding the maximum number of PDF pages, or going over the stated video duration, be your downfall. To avoid disqualification, stick within the limits as defined within the criteria for the award you are entering – again, these can differ between categories, so check and check again, to make doubly sure you aren’t over-delivering.  

5: Don’t forget your ‘supporting imagery’. 
It’s a small but crucial detail; each category asks for some ‘supporting imagery’, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We need it, so don’t forget it! For It List categories, this also includes proof of age (such as a copy of the picture page of your passport, your driving licence, or your birth certificate). Omit nothing! 

6: Supply correct – and your OWN – details on the entry form. 
When you upload your entries, you are required to complete an online entry form. This part’s vitally important, because if the judges put you through, we use the details you provide to showcase your success as a finalist and to keep in touch throughout the next stages of the competition. The details must be your own, as the entrant (they cannot be those of a third party – for example, a PR representative), so take a minute to check everything’s present and correct before you hit ‘upload’. 

So, that’s it – six final checks to help you deliver your entries in line with requirements. For general guidance on how to enter, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the ‘entry instructions’ sections at the Most Wanted and It List pages.  

Now, go forth and master MWIT!

Tommy Cunliffe, 2023 judge

We know you’ve got this, but we also know it takes a lot of time, energy and focus to compile an awards entry, so a bit of guidance to keep you on track can only help, right? The following five tips have been gathered from years of experience running the competitions, together with feedback from our judges, so we reckon they’re worth a look. Now, go forth – and go get those Most Wanted and It List trophies!

1. Get to grips with what’s needed first 

Once you’ve chosen the category or categories you’re entering, really take time to understand what the criteria is asking for. Not only is it vital to hit all the asks to be eligible for the next phase, but our judges refer to the criteria while they’re evaluating each submission, deciding who has met the brief brilliantly. They can be a great guiding tool in setting out a clear framework for your submission. 

2. Pack in personality 

Think about what sets you apart from your peers. How can you give the judges a sense of who you really are? What is the unique story you want to tell? Inject tonnes of personality into your entry – including within the language you use, the imagery you include, and the stories you’re sharing. This will all help to ensure what you put forward is as authentic to you as possible.

3. Share learnings as well as successes 

The Most Wanted and It List awards are about your journey, not just a small snapshot in time. It’s as important to include how you got to where you are now, as it is to talk about your present situation and future focuses. Don’t be afraid to include learnings alongside successes, judges love to hear how you overcame obstacles and used the experience to fuel your fire! 

4. Show variety
Demonstrate the breadth of your brilliance! If you’re entering a creative category, have you shown a wealth of different work and skills at play, for example a variety of styles/techniques on a diverse range of people. If it’s a business category, have you shared a good balance of what you offer and achieve? Absolutely shout about your key strengths but consider the full scope of what you offer within your craft too. 

5. Leave time for reflection 

You may feel time is on your side right now, but don’t be fooled! You’ve got a lot of awesomeness to sift through and assemble, so make sure you build in enough time to review your entry, make any revisions, and get it uploaded in time for the deadline.

That’s it! Five handy hints to help you on your way, may it be fun and fruitful, good luck! 

It’s free to enter the Most Wanted and the It List 2024. Entries must be submitted no later than 9pm on Monday 20 May. For category lists and entry instructions, click here for Most Wanted and here for the It List.