Hello! I am applying for exceptional promise route and got 2 of my categories rejected. I currently work for a major tech company that impacts billions of people globally every day and am responsible for a product that impacts several million every day. Therefor any work I complete has a global impact. Would love any advice on how to appeal correctly!
**Reason 1 -MC **
The letters of recommendation from [company] colleagues speak positively about the applicant’s professional achievements, but do not demonstrate broader industry recognition beyond the immediate workplace. The evidence shows high levels of professional performance as a product manager, however lacks independent recognition such as speaking engagements at high-profile technology events, industry awards, or other recognition that would establish the applicant as a potential leader in the field.
My evidence
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Reference letters not just from ‘colleagues’ but senior tech experts who are Director, C Suite, and VP level at major tech companies. (I have only worked at one company since starting my career so all of the references came from experiences from that one company, but 2 now work at other companies holding senior positions)
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In depth explanation of a product I led (20+ engineers) with news clippings in Tech Crunch and the Verge discussing the product, references backing up the crucial role I played in the launch, and selection to speak in front of entire company (700+) about my work
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In depth explanation of 2 initiatives I led outside of my normal responsibilities (but still within my company) that were recognized by the CEO and received over 100k in funding that demonstrated how technology companies can save lives (mental health support) and lead sustainability initiatives (proposed and passed company wide sustainability policy, setting an example for other tech companies) → this work backed by several C suite executive references and emails
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Example of salary that is 98% higher than the UK average as a result of the projects above + direct quotes from senior/ director engineering partners showing my work was beyond my level
My argument
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Other recognition that establishes applicant as potential leader does not need to just come from speaking events or awards. I have showed the following independent recognition :
- References from global senior executives (don’t work at current company anymore)
- News clippings from Tech Crunch and the Verge showing impact of the products I led
- Emails and evidence of working directly with C suite executives of one of top tech companies applauding my work
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MC examples given do not require all evidence to come from beyond the immediate work place. Exact quotes of acceptable evidence and what I submitted
- Evidence of leading team inside a digital tech company with references from “senior global executives inside the company… [or] news clippings”
- References 1 and 2 + Tech Crunch / the verge quotes
- Salary that “demonstrates how you have made a significant impact in the sector beyond your day to day activities”
- Screenshots from CEO, senior, and c suite executives praising my projects completed outside of my day job/ explaining how it goes beyond my level
- Outside of your normal job, you led “tech led industry initiative evidenced through senior executives”
- Examples of initiatives I led outside of my normal responsibilities with C suite recognition (emails) and influencing company policy
- Evidence of leading team inside a digital tech company with references from “senior global executives inside the company… [or] news clippings”
- I also have speaking opportunities with 350+ attendees but chose not to include as evidence because I had no screenshots that show proof of speaking/ attendance numbers. However, they are backed by one of my referees. I believed my projects outside of my work + testimonials from CEO of large tech company were stronger
OC2
The X programme is a valuable initiative, but is directly related to the applicant’s workplace at X and primarily focuses on career exposure rather than advancing the digital technology sector.
Similarly, the nonprofit work shows strong social impact, but the evidence does not demonstrate how these activities have contributed to the advancement of the digital technology sector.
Evidence provided
- Sole product leader of emerging nonprofit that uses digital platform to address malnutrition in a scalable way
- Examples of digital product I improved + external sites showing how it is pioneering digital solutions for healthcare
- Created mentorship program that served 50+ underrepresented students and paired them with employees at my company. Program includes:
- Direct matching between students and tech industry professionals
- Hands on tech project students had to complete
- Career panels with industry professionals
- Onsite visit to tech HQ
My argument
- Nonprofit I work for is advancing the sector by developing technology that creates scalable solutions for malnutrition treatment. This is an example of advancing technology for social good. Cite podcast that mentions how the nonprofit is structured like a startup
- OC2 requires that I give examples of work beyond my day to day profession. I am a product manager for product x, creating mentorship programs is completely out of scope for my role. Cite exact quotes from evidence and reference letter from external project leader
Some of the work I completed was done outside of my day to day job but still within the scope of my company (eg I was not paid, completed the work outside of my working hours, but started the initiatives using the company platform or company)
In my application I emphasized numerous times (with reference letters) that this work was not part of my day job and I was not compensated for it, but the evaluators still count it as my ‘day to day job.’ Is there any other way I can make it more clear to them? Is there any other way I could strengthen my arguments? Thanks so much!
