5 Ways to Improve Your Tender Application Writing

Whether you’re a seasoned tender application writer or someone who is new to the game, we can all improve our tender application writing skills.  Competition for tender applications is at an all-time high, so you need to nail your tender writing application every time.  Want to improve your tender application writing for maximum success?  Here are our top five recommendations.  

1.  Separate Yourself From the Crowd

Chances are, your tender writing application is one of potentially hundreds of similar applications.  So, ask yourself, “Why should my organistaion receive this tender application ahead of other organisations?”  If you think you can complete a project more quickly, then say so.  If you feel like you can deliver a project in a more cost-effective manner, then highlight this.  If you have an outstanding track record in completing similar project, make sure you mention them and have references from satisfied customers!  What is it about you, that makes you distinct from every other organisation that is applying for the same tender?  Your tender writing application is all about reassuring your funding body that their money will be put to better use with you, than with all the rest.   

2. Nail Your Accreditation, Policies and Compliance

Writing good policies and procedures may not be the most enthralling task, but it is essential to your success rate as a tender application writer. Having a full range of policies and procedures (such as workplace health and safety, staff code of conduct, bullying, harassment and discrimination policies… I could go on and on), demonstrates your commitment to maintaining high standards.   It may not be a fun job, but it’s a must!  

Also, having accreditations provides a great boost to your tender writing application.  It demonstrates that you know exactly how to do a job and are qualified to do it.  Additionally, every aspect of your bid should be compliant.  That means you must have all the supporting documents that show that your company conforms to any relevant legislation.   

3. Keep it Simple, Stupid!  

Sometimes, in an effort to sound authoritative, we can be tempted to use big words and complex technical jargon.  Sure, we all want to be taken seriously and be respected as a tender writer, but using unnecessarily flowery language, won’t do that.  If your tender application reviewer has to use a thesaurus to understand what you’re saying, your application is more likely to end up in the bin.  No one cares about your attempts to bewilder your readers with your eloquent and boundless vocabulary.  The best tender applications are simple, straightforward and easily understood.  Period.  How do you do that?  Try a few of these ideas: 

· Don’t use vague words and empty phrases – E.G.: nearly, almost, about, approximately or roughly

· Don’t use jargon, technical language, acronyms, or clichés

· Don’t use words you wouldn’t use in normal, everyday speech, meaning there is no need for a thesaurus

· Use short words, short sentences, and short paragraphs to help readers follow along and stay engaged

· Where possible, use charts and graphs to help explain your points – these also help break up text and make documents easier to read. They also communicate more powerfully

· Use headings and subheadings to break up huge blocks of text

· Don’t be overly formal. You should write conversationally while staying professional.

4. Proofread Your Tender Application to Death

I labour this point again and again to tender application writers, but it is literally the simplest way to improve your application. Nothing erodes your credibility faster than poor spelling, grammar and punctuation.  If you can’t be trusted to produce an error-free tender application, then why would an organisation give you their hard-earned money to use?

Sure, spending several hours doing careful proofreading might not be your idea of a good time.  Spelling, punctuation and grammar don’t come naturally to everyone.  But, when it comes to tender application writing, it pays to pay someone to do it for you, especially if you don’t have the gift yourself.  In fact, getting someone to take a second look over your work makes perfect sense.  Chances are, if your tender proposal doesn’t make sense to your editor, then it won’t make sense to the funders. Get your work checked!  

5. Get Professional Help

It’s a fact.  Organisations that enlist the help of professional tender writing services win more tenders. Red Tape Busters are specialist in grant and tender writing and can help your organisation or business win grant funding or achieve successes with tenders. Visit http://www.redtapebusters.com/  for more information. We are specialists in providing the following services:

· Lobbying;

· Tender Writing;

· Grant Writing;

· Resumes/Job Applications;

· Organisational/Business Development.

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