• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

Second, disregard the rules.

You’ve probably figured out that my approach to getting a job is unorthodox. Why? Because it works.

Part of the reason it works is because no one will get ahead following directions obviously designed to work against them. Most of the rules that unenlightened, scared, or lazy jobseekers meticulously follow are set up to screen them out, not let them in.

Rules like:

Send resume.

Applications taken online only.

You simply won’t get an interview by following fools’ rules to the letter.

That’s true for proposals too. There’s no standard format. Like resume writing, it’s an art, not a science. Remember that B for Boring file? The fastest way to land there is to follow some textbook approach that won’t get you any closer to the offeror than you already are.

So what can you do?

Interesting the Offeror

This is your first task. Write something that interests the offeror. You find this out by scoping out her web site, then targeting a phone call. Don’t use e-mail, since you can’t control the response as you can in an unexpected or returned-without-knowing-the-subject phone call.

Make the call.

Let’s say your target is a small manufacturing company. Perfect for a proposal:

Receptionist: Getum Enterprises. How may I help you?

You: Is the owner in?

Receptionist: Who’s calling Bruce?

You: It’s personal. (That’s why you didn’t ask for the full name and title on this call. You do the same dance as in Do 1, like two kiwi birds at mating time. Sure enough, the offeror comes on the line.)

You: Hi, Bruce. I saw your web site, and it’s not clear from the information exactly what your company does.

Bruce: We manufacture a variety of security systems. Our products are sold throughout the state.

You: Oh, that’s great. I do web site design and thought I might send you a quick proposal about how you might be able to clarify the nature of your business and make it more inviting for people to use your services.

Bruce: That’s fine. If you want to send it, I’ll take a look. But we’re happy with our web designer.

You: I understand completely. I just wanted to let you know how the site could be improved and would be pleased to give my suggestions to you in a proposal.

Bruce: Okay. I look forward to receiving it.

You: If you or your receptionist have a moment, I just would like to get a few details such as the official name of the company.

Bruce: I’ll transfer you to my assistant, Robbie. He’s out in the back cleaning off the company Splatmobile.

You: Thanks!

Write the thing.

Your proposal should include . . .

The Essentials

1. Identification of who you are

2. Contact information

3. Analysis of what the company presently has. (In this case a web site that’s not communicating its diverse product range.)

4. Your suggestions for improvement, based on your experience and qualifications

5. How you would implement those suggestions

Do, Do, Do, and Don’t!

1. Do include a single-spaced cover letter:

Dear Ms. Offeror,

It was a pleasure speaking with you today. Enclosed is the proposal we discussed.

I’ll call you in the next few days so we can arrange to meet for a few minutes when I’m in the area.

In the meantime if you have any questions, I’ve included my contact information. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

2. Do keep it to no more than three pages. Otherwise, it won’t get read.

3. Do use lots of subheads and bullets.

4. Don’t put a price or an estimate of what it’s going to cost.

Getting It Out

The proposal needs a cover sheet: Blank and titled in the middle of the page: Proposal for High-Visibility Web Site. Don’t say slowposal as the rest should. But it’s tempting to say goposal because every syllable inside will move.

• Type C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T-I-A-L at the bottom of the cover sheet. (Too many people might read it, but one will be the offeror.)

• Staple one