We get this question a lot and our suggestions might surprise you. Writing too little can definitely jeopardize the chances of your job proposal is accepted. Writing too much can have the same outcome. At the time of writing this, the average character count of all accepted job proposal pitches (the "Why should the customer choose your job proposal?" section) was 617.7 characters - characters, not words.
Our recommended best practice for job proposals is to provide:
- Thesis - 50 to 100 words explaining your high-level approach to the job
- Sub-headings - Basic outline of the sub-headings (H2's) you plan to include
- Related work - List of public links to related work you've done
We've pulled together some examples of job proposals that have been successful and a few notes about what our team feels is especially great about them. Be sure to review our examples of what bad job proposals look like as well.
Example 1 (250 words, 1560 characters)
"Whether you have a handful of employees or a hundred, trying to get along with the wrong expense management tool is cumbersome and frustrating. An unfriendly user interface leads to time-consuming submission processes. It can also increase the likelihood of user error or even lead to employees not reporting at all due to their pure dread of interacting with the tool.
Perhaps your concern is inaccuracy or fraud, or you're simply looking to opt for a more feature-rich and friendly interface. Whatever the case may be, this guide will enable your small business to pick an expense management tool that pleases everyone."
This article will get right into it, covering these key steps:
- Identifying issues and concerns with their current expense management system (i.e., time-consuming processes, incomplete/cluttered reports, expense fraud, etc.)
- Deciding their technological requirements and necessary integrations. To choose the right tool, they need to know how many employees need to regularly track expenses. They also need to decide whether they need mobile access, etc.
- Getting input from the people who will actually be using the tool regarding usability, expectations, and the ability to grow with the business needs down the road.
- Choosing a tool based on the specifications they identified in the previous steps. I will include a breakdown of features currently on the market, covering user support, reporting, and other important aspects.
The entire article will wrap up in under 1,500 words. I will also include metadata as the client requests.
Why do we like this proposal?
- It leads with a sample intro paragraph. This shows the prospective client your writing style.
- It provides the prospective client with a rough outline.
- It specifies the word count and mentions additional information that will be included.
Example 2 (184 words, 1308 characters)
I have more than eight years of freelance writing experience. I specialize in HR, business management, and marketing topics. Here is a link to some samples of my published work.
https://www.business2community.com/author/sandra-hess
This blog will start by explaining what performance management is and why it is important (boost engagement, motivate employees, improve productivity, and increase retention). The post will go on to explain the importance of adopting an agile performance management process to improve workforce efficiencies. This article will then discuss the best practices for developing an effective strategy.
- Set Clear Goals and Expectations (create a detailed job description, identify the ideal candidate, and develop metrics to measure employee performance)
- Maximize the Onboarding Process (performance management should start on day one)
- Hold Frequent Check-Ins (monitor progress, make sure employee still understands goals and expectations, review employee's career goals)
- Make Real-Time Recognition a Priority
- Invest in Integrated Solutions (employee management software solutions)
- Create a Career Development Plan (training, mentorships, new projects, ways to identify leaders)
- Listen to Your Employees (feedback goes both ways - feedback can help improve performance management strategy)
Why do we like this proposal?
- It tells the prospective client why the writer has authority in the subject.
- It gives a link to similar work (you can link to your Scripted profile for this, we’ll show any published pieces where you have a byline)
- It lays out a very clear outline
Example 3 (246 words, 1420 characters)
Intro: ”Is the garage door shut and locked? Did you arm the alarm before you left? Are you coming home late to a dark house? These are the nagging questions that smart home technology is erasing from modern life. With the right smart devices, you can control just about everything with simple voice commands or a mobile app. It doesn't take any special or skills house, either. This DIY guide will prove that any homeowner can turn their ordinary house into an impressive marvel of innovation where you can enjoy comfort, convenience, and security at a whole new level."
This article will get right into the guide, helping the reader decide which devices they need to do what. I will talk about different software and integrations popular on the market and the capabilities (and average cost) of each so that the reader knows what options will be best for them.
I think a very helpful section of the article will give guidance on what home systems are worth focusing on first, especially for those who are budget-conscious and may not be able to do a lot all at once.
Along these lines, I'll explain certain products that require "smart" replacements in order to be fully automated and connected, like garage doors and alarm systems. This will help the reader with their planning. I'll mention the ability to add sensors, plugs, and switches to make small appliances and other home products as smart as the reader pleases.
Why do we like this proposal?
- It leads with a sample intro paragraph. This shows the prospective client your writing style.
- It lays out a very clear outline and how the writer will approach the content.