Most freelancers are in the constant search for new clients and projects. They finish one job and immediately start searching for another. That means that freelancers need to write job proposals more often than people who work offline.
Job proposals are supposed to present the freelancer and their skills and give the client a reason to at least call them for an interview. And, while it may seem like such a simple task, writing job proposals can be quite a struggle for freelancers.
This article teaches you all you need to know about writing winning job proposals. Below, you’ll find 5 effective tips and tricks that will help you master this skill.
1. Know the Job Description
One of the most common errors freelancers make when looking for new projects to work on is having one generic proposal that they send to all clients. But, such proposals show no effort or eligibility for working on a specific project.
So, always read the job description and write a new proposal for each one.
Make sure that your proposal:
- references details shared in the job description e.i. I noticed you emphasize teamwork which is one of my strongest skills…
- describe how you can contribute to the project e.i. My experience designing hospitality logos will allow me to design…
- understand their problem e.i. I can see that your current website lacks visuals and I believe that should be our primary focus…
If the client sees you’ve put in the effort to read and fully understand what they need, you’ll stand out from the rest of the freelancers. So, forget about generic proposals and always write fresh, original ones.
2. Super-Short Introduction
Your clients will be reading a ton of proposals. They have no time to waste so every word of your proposal needs to count.
This is why your introduction or greeting paragraph needs to be super-short.
Here’s how to write your opening paragraph:
- greeting
- a few words about who you are
- the reason why you’re applying
Here’s an example:
- Hi John, thank you for reading my proposal. I’m Alicia and I’m a skilled graphic designer with more than 10 years of experience in the hospitality niche. I’m applying for this job because I can design a modern, eye-catching logo that will help skyrocket your restaurant and bring in new customers.
Short, sweet, and to the point.
3. Share Your Relevant Skills
Your proposal doesn’t need to mention everything you’re good at. Just talk about the skills that are relevant for the specific project.
So, only share the skills that matter to this client and their needs.
When talking about your skills, try to:
- add examples of your previous work
- describe how you’d use those skills if you get hired
- stay modest and not overdo it
Also, don’t just go listing general skills. Nobody’s going to like a proposal that says I’m hardworking, experienced, dedicated, and reliable. Instead, be as specific as you possibly can and always make a connection with the project in question.
Here’s what we have in mind:
- “I understand the importance of branding and am able to design a logo that will fit your current minimalist branding approach. My communication skills will ensure your intended message gets across to your customers and strengthens your brand even further.“
4. Offer to Solve a Problem
Every job description will have a problem that needs to be solved. That is actually the task that the client will expect you to handle. Whether it’s to design a log or write a blog post, this task is the key to getting that call for an interview, even if you’re a beginner-level freelancer.
This is why you need to offer to solve this problem.
This should be the final paragraph of your job proposal. Let them know:
- what are your ideas are
- how you’d approach solving the problem
- how long it would take you
- what additional details you’d like to hear to make a more precise assessment
Once the client sees you’re ready to start working on the project almost instantly, they’ll be more open to the idea of discussing it with you or even hiring you.
5. Check Your Accuracy
Finally, you need to make sure your proposal is perfect in every sense, including writing accuracy. If you submit a proposal with an error as seemingly minor as a typo – you’ll end up in the rejection pile.
So, always perform a thorough proofreading and editing session, for each proposal. Pay special attention to:
- punctuation
- spelling
- grammar
- word choice and vocabulary
If you think writing isn’t your strongest asset, you can find helpful resources online. Check out TrustMyPaper, Grammarly, Thesaurus, or SupremeDissertations to see what each can do to improve your writing. Then, submit your proposal, and rest assured you’ll leave a great first impression on potential clients.
Also, remember to keep your proposal as short as possible. If the client can’t read it in under two minutes, they’re probably not going to bother at all.
Final Thoughts
A well-written proposal is the entrance ticket you need for every new project you’re after. It gives the client a first peek into who you are and what you offer. It also motivates them to get to know you better and trust you with their project.
Hopefully, the guide we’ve shared above helped you understand what makes a great and effective job proposal. Start applying our tips ASAP and get those job interviews rolling.
