Top 10 tender writing tips

Top 10 tender writing tips Read the guidelines:- Most errors in tender writing come

because the guidelines or specifications of the requirements of the tender and on what is required to complete the tender response and lodge in before deadline time just are not read fully. So the very first tip is to read them many times, take notes and understand exactly what they are seeking. When you think you have a complete grasp – read them one more time to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Review the application form:- Review the application form to see what information you need to complete it. Do you need to find information, undertake research, seek out colleagues to assist etc Prepare drafts using Word :- Most Tender response forms are in a PDF format and most have word/character limits. It is very difficult to manipulate information in a PDF document and it is impossible to check word/character limits and indeed to check spelling and grammar.

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Write in first person:- Always write using first person. Use I,

we, us, our. Never say them, your, they etc. This is critical even for an external tender writer to the business/organisation.

Prepare comprehensive answers to questions:- when you have the capacity and availability to prepare a comprehensive well crafted response really is doing you a complete injustice. Don’t just droll on with information that does not relate to the question just to take up space but where you have the options.

Try and add polish to your answers:- I always try and use

works like facilitate, undertake, overview, coordinate, manage as opposed to smaller words like get, do, be, watch etc. I always feel a professional writing style sounds impressive and catches the attention of the reader.

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Fonts/Format :- Always reflect any fonts or formatting in your

documents that are specified in the guidelines or tender specifications. If there are no fonts/formatting specified I always use Times New Roman 12pt and normally fully justify my responses. I believe that Times New Roman looks professional .Times New Roman has a very high recollection aspect. Also to me fully justified writing is a professional look. It is just my preference and what I have always used.

Evidence :- If you make bold statements where possible provide

proof of your claims. Refer to research, refer to supporting documents, provide referee details to support your claims – try and provide some evidence so there is no doubt at all that you have done what you are claiming or you can deliver. You have to walk the walk – not just talk the talk remember.

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Past experience:- Always include references to past

contracts you have delivered which are similar or for similar clients to the tender you are applying for. Prove to them that you have the capacity, skill, experience and expertise to deliver and by giving examples of past contracts of similar size or for similar organisations then this gives comfort that you can handle the tender.

Referees :- Always make sure your referees will support you 1000%. If you say in the tender response the sky is green - your referees need to be sure to say the sky is green. If your referee will not support you completely or if there is any doubt – you can’t have them as a referee.

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Past experience:- Always include references to past contracts you have delivered which are similar or for similar clients to the tender you are applying for. Prove to them that you have the capacity, skill, experience and expertise to deliver and by giving examples of past contracts of similar size or for similar organisations then this gives comfort that you can handle the tender. Referees:- Always make sure your referees will support you 1000%. If you say in the tender response the sky is green - your referees need to be sure to say the sky is green. If your referee will not support you completely or if there is any doubt – you can’t have them as a referee.

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