Top 10 tender writing tips

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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 havent 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. Dont 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 cant 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 cant have them as a referee.
•  

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