I was nominated for a yearly award at my workplace. We have about 30 employees, with about 10 people eligible for the award. I don’t know if I want to continue with the process, but I probably should. What would you do in my shoes?

Here’s the info:

It is an honor to be nominated but I don’t think I deserve it this year, I nominated someone else that I think deserves it much more.

To receive the award, we have to complete an application, which involves our resume, a 4-8 paragraph paper, data reports, and an observation by a “panel of judges.” This is due in a week and I’d have to complete it at home on my own time based on my work schedule this week. I don’t mean to sound lazy, but I feel like that’s a lot to ask in a short period of time when I think someone else deserves it.

The award has no money attached to it.

It would be nice to be recognized for my efforts. There were other years that I was nominated and I think I deserved it, but there was some shady stuff that went down that year and the bosses circumvented the competition/application process.

It would be nice to have on my resume for next Spring when I look for other jobs.

I think there are only 2-3 other nominees so I have a good chance of getting it.

ETA: If I didn't complete the application, I'd write a letter to my superiors about why I believe the other person deserves it more. My admin didn't nominate me for the award, someone else did.