How to Write a Proposal Writer Resume (With Example)

Updated 29 March 2023

Proposal writers, also called bid writers, draft and edit documents that convince other businesses, organisations or individuals to take certain actions, such as entering into a business agreement or becoming a sponsor. A career as a proposal writer requires strong writing and editing skills and the ability to multitask and meet strict deadlines. Learning how to craft a resume can help you demonstrate these key strengths alongside your relevant experience and training. In this article, we provide an in-depth guide to writing a proposal writer resume, include a template and detailed example and give tips for writing an effective resume.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to write a proposal writer resume

Follow these steps when writing your proposal writer resume:

1. Insert a header

Your header sits at the top of your page and includes contact information, such as your first and last name, phone number and email. Note your home state or territory and the city or town where you live. To emphasise your area of expertise, mention a formal title or key qualification beside your name. For example, you might write, George Brown, Proposal and Bid Writer. Including accurate and recent contact details means that a hiring manager can contact you easily to ask further questions or schedule an interview.

Find proposal writer jobs

2. Review the job description

Tailoring your resume to each position helps you highlight your relevant capabilities, qualifications and experiences. Proposal writers can work across many industries and types of organisations, so each job posting may require different knowledge areas and skills. For example, a company that provides engineering services to other businesses might seek a candidate who has previous experience in writing construction tenders. By reviewing each position and adjusting your resume, you can include relevant keywords and distinguish your resume from those of other candidates.

3. Select an appropriate layout

Consider how you'd like to present your information on your resume. Your circumstances and experiences are likely to influence the type of layout you choose. If you're an experienced proposal writer, a reverse-chronological format can help you highlight your competence and expertise. It prioritises your job history, presenting each role in order of most to least recent. A second option is a functional format, which displays transferable skills and education first. It encourages recruiters to focus on your qualifications and relevant aptitudes rather than your professional experience.

4. Include a professional summary

Professional summaries engage a reader's attention by condensing your strengths and professional experience into two or three lines. Place your summary at the top of the page, beneath your header. It can include information about your skills, qualifications, major accomplishments and years of experience. To demonstrate an important strength or characteristic, begin your summary with one or two words that describe you as a proposal writer, such as creative, efficient or proactive.

5. Summarise your experience

By explaining how you've used your proposal writing skills in previous roles, recruiters can imagine how you might also benefit their own business or organisation. It's typical to present your experience in reverse-chronological order, beginning with your most recent role. Underneath each job title, include bullet points that summarise a key duty or notable achievement. For example, you could write, secured deals for 90% of tender responses. Even if you have limited experience as a proposal writer and are using a functional format, you can still address this area by selecting past roles that involved transferable skills.

6. Identify technical and interpersonal skills

While many sections of your resume can highlight your skills, you may share key skills under their own heading. This can provide the recruiter with an immediate glimpse of your suitability and personal characteristics. You can include interpersonal skills, such as relationship building and communication, or technical skills, such as editing and formatting. Employers often include desirable skills in a job posting, so reviewing it may help you decide what to include in this section. Matching your skills to those in the job advertisement can also help you incorporate keywords, which may improve your chance of progressing to an interview.

7. Include education

Formal training at a Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institution or university shows hiring teams you have the fundamental knowledge and skills to succeed in your role. While some proposal writing positions may not require a qualification, including formal training can give you an advantage over other candidates with similar levels of experience. Many courses can prepare you for a career as a proposal writer, including those that focus on communications, marketing and creative writing. There are also specific proposal writing certifications you can complete. Additional training shows your dedication and knowledge of a bid writer's responsibilities and duties.

Resume template for an experienced proposal writer

Here's a template you can use as a guide when writing your resume:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications and achievements as a professional.]

Experience

(For the most recent role, list 5 experience items. For previous roles, list 3.)

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree and Major] | [Name of School or University]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification Name], [Host Organisation] – [Year completed or expiration date]

Resume example for an experienced proposal writer

Use this example to help you draft your resume for a proposal writing position:

Nora Jennings, Certified Bid and Proposal Writer +61 3 9555 5555 | norajennings@email.com | Hobart, TAS

Professional Summary
Thorough and proactive proposal writer with over four years of experience and a nationally recognised certification. Proven experience in crafting winning proposals that give accurate representations of a company's solution, capabilities and economic benefits. Seeking to contribute strong writing, researching and editing skills, alongside excellent collaboration, to the Proposal Writer position at DeMont Solutions.

Experience
Proposal Writer | October 2020–February 2023
Bordant Intelligence | Hobart, TAS

drafted, formatted and edited compelling, customer-focused proposals to secure over 20 business agreements in two years
created proposal shells and templates in line with company requirements, allowing team members to integrate their inputs and ensuring an efficient response process
managed a small writing team and delegated tasks, certifying that a document was complete before each deadline
reviewed current business policies and practices to ensure bid responses were 100% compliant
gathered and collated information from various interested parties to develop thorough and accurate proposal response documents

Bid and Proposal Coordinator | August 2018–September 2020
Strive4Nature | Hobart, TAS

drafted unsolicited proposals to secure donors, leading to the formation of three key agreements
initiated customer-focused pamphlets to raise awareness of current issues and encourage individuals to act, resulting in a 10% increase in organisation membership
mentored junior writers and marketers, improving the quality of output and contributing to a dynamic and collaborative workplace culture

Education
Bachelor of Marketing | Plimtown University

Certifications
Certificate of Bid and Proposal Writing, Devide Online Learning – 2020

Tips for enhancing your resume

Here are some tips to enhance your resume:

Use short sentences. Short sentences help a recruiter to focus on your relevant strengths, skills and achievements. Using powerful action verbs and specific, measurable examples make your sentences precise and easy to understand.
Proofread your resume. Proofreading ensures your final document is easy to read and looks professional. To demonstrate your attention to detail and strong writing skills, check that your grammar and spelling are correct and your information is accurate.
Focus on personal achievements. Prioritising specific accomplishments can show recruiters why you're a stronger candidate than others with similar qualifications and experience. In your work experience section, include achievements that have clear and measurable outcomes, such as increasing a company's percentage of winning proposals.