Create an Appealing, Blemish-Free Application: Tips from NIAID

This is the fourteenth article in our New Investigator Series.

In earlier articles, we wrote about what it takes to get independent support and how to plan and write your application. Here we focus on how to create an appealing application and what mistakes to avoid.

Summary

■Make your application attractive and easy to read.
■Read and follow instructions to the letter.
■Be aware of potential problems so you can sidestep them.
You may not think it right away, but your grant application has quite a bit in common with a job interview. You want to make a good first impression, put your best foot forward, and come across as intelligent, competent, and confident. And, of course, you want to avoid doing anything that might lead to rejection.

To enhance your application’s chances of success, knowing the qualities it needs to pass muster is essential. That includes everything from looking good to having substance so it appeals to its most important audience: your peer reviewers.

Even with these tactics under your belt, you won’t get far if you aren’t aware of potential pitfalls and how to steer clear of them. With competition so stiff, giving your application a leg up wherever possible could make the difference between getting funded and being passed over.
The Basics: Follow Instructions

One of the most important pieces of advice we can give you when writing your grant is this: read and follow instructions to a tee.

You’ll find them for R01s in the SF 424 Application Guide.

For program announcements (PA) or requests for applications (RFA), check the SF 424 Application Guide and the NIH Guide notice, which has additional information for each funding opportunity announcement
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