How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter (Plus 5 Real Examples)

Senior Content Marketing Manager at Loopio

First impressions are important—especially in the world of proposals.

That’s why writing a good cover letter is an essential step towards winning a bid. In the request for proposal (RFP) process, this single-page letter marks your first opportunity to grab a prospect’s attention and make it clear that your company is uniquely positioned to solve their problem. So if you’re currently using boilerplate copy… Stop. Immediately .

In this blog, you’ll learn how to write custom proposal cover letters that grab a prospect’s attention and increase your chances of winning RFP responses . Plus, five examples of real proposal cover letters from industry pros.

In this article, you’ll learn: 

What is a Proposal Cover Letter?

  • What to Include in a Proposal Cover Letter
  • How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter
  • 5 Real Proposal Cover Letter Examples ⭐

Next Steps: Build Quality Proposals Faster

A proposal cover letter is a single-page document used to pitch your business offerings to a potential client. In it, the customer can tell whether you’re genuinely engaged and have done your research—or if you’ve simply copy and pasted generic language from past business proposals.

It’s also your first opportunity to convince a client to why they should continue reading your proposal. Considering the average team spends 32 hours writing a single RFP response , it’s critical that your proposal cover letter makes a good impression.

“This is the most important five paragraphs one can write as it’s the only part everyone will read. You must knock it out of the park or you’ll lose.”

Eileen Kent, President, Custom Keynotes LLC

What Should You Include in a Proposal Cover Letter?

Like any good cover letter, your proposal should open with a unique offer or positioning. It’s important to establish early on why your team is best suited to solve a client’s problem.

A strong proposal cover letter includes:

  • A greeting : Introduce your company and what you do.
  • Clear summary: Describe your value propositions at a high-level. Be sure to connect these points to your client’s needs. ( Also known as an executive summary. )
  • Personalized offer: Explain to the client what you can uniquely provide to solve their problem.
  • Relevant references: Help the prospect understand why they should choose you over competitors.
  • Visuals: If you have a designer on your team, include visuals that help emphasize the most important content on this page. For example, use callout boxes to make value propositions stand out for busy procurement teams who are skimming the page.

From the offer you present, to the visuals you include, the details in your proposal cover letter should be all about the client. The goal is to show how your company shines before they even get into the details of your proposal. Demonstrate the qualities that you bring to this potential customer by starting out your relationship on the right foot.

Jon Williams, Managing Director of Strategic Proposals , shares the key points you should concisely hit to be successful.

“Thank the customer, show enthusiasm, demonstrate senior sponsorship, briefly introduce win themes–and then shut up and leave the rest to a brilliant exec summary!”

business proposal writer cover letter

How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter

From reading the RFP thoroughly, to outlining a clear offer, there are six critical steps that seasoned proposal professionals recommend you take to craft a quality cover letter. ( Psst…you can fast-track these steps by using AI for proposal writing . )

Step 1: Read the RFP Cover to Cover

This step seems obvious, but it’s surprising how many teams skip it. You must read the RFP thoroughly, from cover to cover, before beginning your letter.

While reading, take note of any recurring themes from your prospect. Perhaps they focus on quality of design and ease of use. Or maybe they emphasize needing certain functionalities or features—whatever the case, Kori Warriner of KCI Technologies recommends you consider the following questions as you read through the request for proposal:

Questions to consider:

  • What is the client’s reason behind the project? (revitalization, aging infrastructure, etc.)
  • ​​Where is the funding for the project coming from?
  • Does the client have any hot-button issues regarding the project?
  • What is the desired end-result?
  • What would speak to the client? (retirement-friendly, aesthetics, budget, etc.)
“You need to make the client feel as though you are speaking directly to them.”

Kori Warriner, Marketing Coordinator

While questions may differ by industry, the idea remains the same. Reading the RFP thoroughly helps you better understand the problems your prospect is facing. Which in turn help you paint a clearer picture of how your company can support them.

(It can also help spark ideas for win themes, or specific language, that truly resonates with the prospect—more on that later.)

“Instead of saying ‘we are pleased’ or other overused statements such as that, I introduce my company, and then switch back to talking about what we can do to help the client reach their goals,” Kori explains.

Step 2: Capture Your Prospect’s Attention Early

Chances are, your prospect is extremely busy. They’re likely to skim your proposal cover letter—which is why you should focus on making it memorable. Use it to create a connection to your prospect and capture their attention early in the proposal.

In the structure of a proposal , the first paragraph is the best place to earn your reader’s attention, shares Senior Proposal Consultant Kelly Allen.

“Try to capture the reader in the first paragraph by relating to them in some way. If they are a current client, leverage your relationship. If not, demonstrate a clear understanding of what they need.” Kelly Allen, Senior Proposal Consultant, UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group)

Step 3: Use Clear, Competitive Win Themes

Once you identify their distinct needs, you can formulate which key themes need to be identified in your cover letter. Then, narrow it down to the most persuasive reasons that your prospect should choose your proposal over a competitor. Eileen Kent, President of Custom Keynotes, explains that these are also known as “ win themes ”.

Win themes should be based on what the customer told you they wanted. Position yourself as the one company that can deliver exactly what your prospect is looking for. To do this well, it’s essential that you also understand what your competition is doing.

Here’s how to brush up on what your competitors are offering:

  • Review competitors’ websites
  • Read competitors’ financial statements
  • Look at review websites like G2 or Forrester reports including your competition
  • Ask if clients are willing to share competitors’ past RFPs (You never know, unless you ask)

At this stage, you’ll want to focus on how you can stand out from the competition. Eileen also recommends acknowledging any elephants in the room. By that, she means anything that the client may consider your team’s weakness.

She recommends addressing weak points head on to leave a good impression, “The elephant in the room could be your business size. Address it by talking about how you formed a tight team who have exceeded performance expectations, and worked together for years, so they see that as a strength instead,” she explains.

Step 4: Provide a Personalized Offer

Now that you’ve grabbed your prospect’s attention, you need to maintain it. Do this by outlining clear benefits, which speak directly to their pain points in an enticing and clear way.

You should outline how your product will positively impact the buyer and identify what they will get out of your partnership.

“Choose the top 3-5 features of your solution and describe how they will benefit your customer in a single line. Be direct: Here’s what we offer. Here’s how it will solve your problem.”

Cristina Miller, Proposal Writer, Gallup

Step 5: Use a Strong Closing Statement

Your closing statement should be concise, reiterate your capabilities, and highlight the value you deliver. But don’t forget that it’s also an opportunity to connect with your prospect through the proposal process.

“To build a connection, you have to ignore outdated writing advice and not be afraid to use real language” says Rebecca Baumgartner, Sr. Manager, Proposals, PFS .

“Whoever is reading your cover letter can immediately tell if you’re hiding behind jargon or parroting the language of the RFP because you don’t understand what they need,” she explains.

“But when you write authentically, you have the opportunity to show the client you’ve been listening.”

“A great cover letter isn’t stuffy or formal–it’s a conversation between real people, a chance to put aside the technical language of procurement and connect with the human being on the other side.”

Rebecca Baumgartner headshot

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

When crafting your proposal cover letter, there are a few final checkpoints to leave your prospect with a good impression.

Graphics aren’t necessary for a proposal cover letter, but they can be helpful. For example: highlighting a quote from a customer in a different font, or using callout boxes to emphasize your key value propositions. Use visuals that help to emphasize your main points, not distract from them.

Here’s what Izane Cloete-Hamilton, CPP APMP, of nFold recommends.

  • Use a company letterhead
  • Address the letter to the individual specified in the RFP
  • Sign the cover letter from a senior person at your company
  • If the response is from a strategic partnership between two companies, use dual signatures
  • Ensure your letter is no longer than one page
“Sign the proposal cover letter from the highest-level person with signature authority, preferably someone that the customer knows personally.”

Izane Cloete-Hamilton, nFold

Proposal Cover Letters (5 Real Templates)

Now that you know what steps to follow, it’s time to look at some real examples of business proposal cover letters. While you don’t want to copy a boilerplate letter, these templates may provide helpful guidance for your next proposal.

Here are the types of proposal cover letter examples you’ll see above:

  • Real proposal cover letter example from a security company
  • Example proposal cover letter for an amusement park
  • Real proposal letter & executive summary from an enterprise design consultancy
  • Winning cover letter example from KCI technologies
  • Another proposal cover letter example from a security company

Looking for a sample grant proposal cover letter? Check out this article .

“Remember, your cover letter isn’t about you, it’s about your client. Let them know that you understand them. Then you can talk about how your company can solve their potential challenge.”

Rachelle Ray, RMR Consulting

To make more time for writing winning proposal cover letters, you’ll need to make some efficiency gains in your overall RFP process. Start by setting your team up with a proposal software that can improve speed and collaboration amongst your team.

Take Aspen Medical for example. Their business development team started using Loopio’s proposal platform in October of 2019. Within a few short months, they were putting together proactive proposals in just 15-30 minutes and seeing a big return on investment (ROI).

In fact, a survey of 165 companies RFP ROI found that those who consistently use proposal software have achieved results of:

  • 51% more RFP responses
  • 42% less time spent answering proposal questions
  • 85% of companies win more business

If you’re looking to improve the pace of your next proposal, try Loopio’s software.

Improve Your Proposal Writing 📝

Want to learn how to master your craft? Read more about proposal writing skills or how to craft a repeatable RFP response template .

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How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter: Examples + Free Template

Posted by: Cinthya Soto

Proposal cover letters are brief overviews that introduce the more in-depth content of a proposal. Cover letters are normally the first page of a proposal, making them the first impression you will give and your first opportunity to convince the reader to work with you. These letters directly communicate with the client and set the stage for the following proposal details.

If your proposal cover letter is not convincing enough, the reader might not read your entire proposal and choose a competitor. That’s why understanding the do’s and don’ts of proposal cover letter writing is crucial. 

In this blog, we’ll teach you how to structure and write a proposal cover letter, what makes a good and a bad proposal, and we even provide a free downloadable template for your firm to use. 

What Is a Proposal Cover Letter? 

A proposal cover letter is a letter that accompanies an RFP response or bid submission. Its primary purpose is to introduce the proposal, explain its relevance to the recipient, and persuade the reader of the value and credibility of what’s being offered. It sets the tone for the entire proposal, so make sure it’s well-crafted. 

The cover letter needs to be persuasive and blow your prospect away because it provides a first impression. Since it’s often the first thing the recipient will see, it plays a key role in the recipient’s decision to even consider reading the full proposal. 

The cover letter is frequently the initial opportunity for your proposal to align with the reader’s objectives. While it goes on top of the proposal, it shouldn’t be confused with an executive summary that outlines the main highlights of your proposal. 

Why Your Proposal Cover Letter Matters 

Your proposal cover letter is made up of the most important paragraphs you’ll ever write because it’s the section everyone will read. That’s why it’s essential to nail it, or you stand the chance of losing the project. A cover letter helps busy clients decide if they’re interested in reading the complete proposal. Therefore, having a winning proposal cover letter is equally important as the actual proposal. 

The proposal cover letter gives you a chance to leave clients with a memorable first impression. While proposals lean towards factual information, cover letters offer a more personal touch. Establishing an emotional connection from the beginning significantly increases the likelihood of the reader engaging with your entire proposal. 

What Should Be on a Proposal Cover Letter? 

Though the specifics of your proposal may vary based on the nature of your offer and your sector, the proposal cover letter should consistently stick to the following structure: 

Contact Information 

It’s essential to include your contact details, including your name, email, and phone number, as well as your organization’s information such as its name, email, phone number, website, and even its social media handles. For bonus points, include the link to your LinkedIn profile in the heading too so the reader can get a deeper understanding of who you are. 

Make these details easy to find by placing them at the top or bottom of the cover letter, ensuring they’re in a bold and easy-to-read font so potential clients have no problem finding them. Using the company’s letterhead for the letter not only ensures the inclusion of this information but also gives a professional touch. 

Greeting 

This is your chance to introduce your company and what you do. It’s your first opportunity to make a positive impression and establish a connection with the reader. 

Begin with a concise statement about your company. This could be your mission statement, a brief history, or an overview of what makes your organization unique. This is your chance to highlight areas where your company excels, which helps you establish credibility. 

Additionally, highlight your primary areas of specialization or the main services/products you offer. This will give the reader a clear understanding of your role and what you do. 

Summary  

Often, decision-makers are drowned in proposals, and they might not have the time or patience to go through every detail initially. A concise summary ensures that they can quickly understand your proposal’s primary objectives and value.

You should provide details about your value propositions at a high level and connect how they meet your client’s requirements. By summarizing how your proposal addresses the client’s specific challenges or needs, you can instantly resonate with them, emphasizing that your solution is tailored to their situation.

Offer 

Continuing to the offer, this is where you should further explain how you can provide a personalized solution. Clarify to the client the unique value your solution brings to solve their problem. 

Having captured your potential client’s interest, you now have to focus on keeping it. Achieve this by highlighting the clear benefits that directly compellingly address their challenges, making it easy to understand. 

While you’ll be mentioning how your work will benefit the prospect, you should also explain what they will win from choosing to work with you. 

Here are some tips on how you can accomplish this: 

  • Select the three to five primary attributes of your solution 
  • Explain their advantages for your client in a concise statement 
  • Be straightforward– This is what we provide. This is how it solves your issue 

References 

In situations where multiple firms submit proposals, having strong and relevant references can set you apart from competitors. It offers an added layer of reassurance to prospective clients about your experience and competence. Essentially, relevant references help the client understand why they should choose you over others. 

References also show the prospective client or partner that others have trusted you and that you’ve delivered results. By showcasing references from satisfied clients or partners, you demonstrate that you have been trusted in the past, which can solve any insecurity or concerns the potential client might have. 

Visuals 

Visuals aren’t a must for proposal cover letters. However, they can enhance its impact by emphasizing crucial information. If you have a designer on your team, you can incorporate graphics that highlight the key points of the letter. 

Some examples of what this might look like: 

  • Highlighting a customer satisfaction quote in a different font to make it stand out 
  • Using callout boxes to draw attention to your key value propositions (especially helpful for busy teams skimming the page) 
  • Using the company letterhead
  • Including the signature from a senior person at your company 

Conclusion 

Similar to introductions, many cover letters tend to focus more on the body content than the concluding paragraph. However, ending on a powerful note is as crucial as creating a compelling start. It’s recommended to conclude your cover letter by highlighting a significant benefit and the value your project will offer to the company. 

Additionally, when wrapping up your proposal cover letter, always encourage them to continue by reading the complete proposal.

How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter 

Now that you know the structure to follow on the proposal cover letter, it’s time to go into the details of how to write a proposal letter. 

Powerful First Sentence 

Starting with a powerful opening sentence can grab the reader’s attention immediately, encourage them to continue reading, and make your proposal stand out among the endless others they may have received. It’s beneficial to use impactful verbs and straightforward wording to ensure your initial sentence remains engaging and brief.  

Demonstrate You Understand the Problem 

In any proposal, it’s essential to demonstrate to your client that you understand the problem they’re facing. Highlight their goals and the reasons behind your collaboration. Present the company’s challenges in an easily comprehensible manner. Dedicate a section to focus on the company’s concerns, and later in the cover letter, you can introduce the proposed solutions. 

Offer to Discuss the Proposal Further 

Before ending your cover letter, you should stress your readiness to dive deeper into the proposal and address any questions or concerns the reader might have. Additionally, this serves as a chance for you to propose a face-to-face meeting with the potential client to further increase your chances of landing the project. 

Thank the Issuer for the Opportunity 

In the cover letter, you have the opportunity to express gratitude to the proposal’s recipients. Recognizing their participation in the process and expressing appreciation for the opportunity not only demonstrates courtesy but also signals to all reviewers that you’ve closely read the RFP guidelines. 

Persuasive Closing

After completing the structure and details of your proposal cover letter, end with a persuasive closing demonstrating your understanding of the next steps. Clients want to understand how you’ll assist them in achieving their objectives and the next steps for moving forward. This demonstrates to them that you can simplify the process by detailing the necessary steps to advance. 

As mentioned earlier, you’ll want to encourage the reader to read the entire proposal. However, you should also mention the opportunity to discuss the proposal further. Some examples of what this might look like include: 

  • “We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further.” 
  • “Once you’ve had an opportunity to review our proposal, please don’t hesitate to reach out and follow up with any questions.” 
  • “Our team will be following up in a week for an update and see if there are any additional ways we can support your team. “

Signature 

Don’t forget to include a signature! But who signs it? Who signs the proposal cover letter varies based on different factors. The person who has the relationship with the client is in charge of the strategy, and probably carried out the research leading to the proposal is typically the one that should sign the proposal cover letter. 

However, it’s recommended that you have the proposal cover letter signed by the individual with the highest authorization level, ideally someone the client knows. 

Otherwise, you should consider having the executive director of your organization sign the cover letter and include their contact details for professionalism. People to consider for signing the proposal cover letter include: 

  • Executive director 
  • Account manager  
  • Executive of executives 
  • CEO (a strategy used by small firms or when the RFP represents a large portion of a responder’s annual revenue) 
  • Someone with a senior title 

What Makes a Good Proposal Cover Letter?

So, now we know how to structure a proposal cover letter and how to write one, but how can we make it stand out? Here are some tips you should follow to craft a good proposal cover letter. 

Capture Reader’s Attention Early 

Within the framework of a proposal, the first paragraph is the best chance you have to catch your reader’s interest. This means the introduction is one of the most essential parts of your proposal cover letter. It’s crucial to catch the reader’s attention immediately, so think of an engaging way to introduce yourself and your company. You can do this by finding a way to relate to them or showing that you understand their needs. 

Mirror Clients’ Words and Phrases 

When writing a proposal cover letter, it’s essential to align your language with the client’s terminology to show that you understand their needs. Failing to do so might not only display a lack of alignment and agreement. 

Prioritize the Prospect 

A common mistake is making a proposal letter about yourself. Clients aren’t focused on your achievements or your professional journey. They want to understand how you’ll assist them in reaching their objectives. Therefore, the cover letter should focus on how you plan to help the client in reaching their objectives.

If you do want to mention special company achievements, make sure they are relevant to your client’s objectives and provide value. 

Get Straight to the Point

Keep it simple. Be clear and avoid any uncertainty. Being unclear can break trust quickly. So, gather all your information before writing, so you don’t sound unsure. Make sure what you write is accurate. You’re the expert. Write confidently and avoid wasting your client’s (or your) time by putting unnecessary information in your proposal cover letter. The goal is to have clients read to the conclusion and sign. 

Stand Out From the Competition

The proposal cover letter shows that you understand the client’s worries. It helps you be different from others and encourages clients to read your entire proposal. After reading the cover letter, they can then look at the more detailed parts.

Moreover, the proposal cover letter is your first chance to highlight your value proposition and what makes your offer unique compared to others. For the cover letter, you should focus on how you can distinguish yourself from competitors.  You don’t want to “sound” the same as the competition. 

RFP Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid 

Now that we’ve seen what makes a cover letter good, let’s take a look at what makes a cover letter bad. Here are the proposal cover letter mistakes to avoid. 

Repeating the Executive Summary 

Avoid repeating content from the executive summary within your proposal cover letter. Each document — the executive summary, proposal, and cover letter — should be separate. Repetitive information can damage the impact of your message and possibly bore or discourage the reader. 

Not Utilizing the Right Software 

When creating RFP responses, you need to manage digital assets while keeping everything accurate and up to date. With the right software, like a DAM system , you can store and manage all your project images, videos, and other media in one place. This makes it easy to find and incorporate the most relevant and impressive visuals into your RFP to make it more compelling.

With a DAM, you can quickly search, access, and integrate assets from the software directly into your RFP documents. This means that with the right DAM integrations for your industry, you can create documents in seconds with pre-designed templates. 

Additionally, a DAM helps ensure that all images and media used are in line with your brand guidelines and accessed by the right people. 

TIP: Want to know more ways a digital asset management (DAM) system can help you create RFP responses and win more clients? Read our Ultimate DAM Guide now. 

Not Reading the RFP Multiple Times

Overlooking details is the first challenge in the RFP response process. The data presented by the client within the RFP serves to guide and inform your proposal. Hence, it’s crucial to carefully review the RFP multiple times to ensure all essential elements are seen and there is no critical information missing. 

Moreover, if you don’t follow the client’s RFP guidelines, they’ll most likely ignore your response, and all your effort will be lost to those who did thoroughly read the RFP.

Not Understanding the Client’s Needs 

This might seem like a general mistake, but it’s a big one. If you don’t understand what the client wants, your whole response won’t matter. For this reason, you need to read the RFP carefully to know what the client looking for. Don’t send a proposal that’s missing details or doesn’t match what they need. 

Making the Length Too Long 

Your cover letter should always be one page unless you’re dealing with a long proposal of 100+ pages. If you do end up with a longer cover letter, it might be because you are including too much detail. Instead of describing every detail of your proposal (save that for the executive summary), focus on the top three aspects that will catch the reader’s attention. This will leave the reader wanting to know more, encouraging them to read the entire proposal.  

Proposal Cover Letter Examples 

It’s time to take a look at good proposal cover letter examples to help you further understand what is expected. 

Construction Proposal Letter Example 

Here is a construction RFP response cover letter example that works: 

Sample construction proposal letter

Source: Examples   

Architecture RFP Cover Page Example

Here is an architecture RFP cover page example that works: 

Sample architecture rfp cover page

Source: Utley Strategies 

Engineering Cover Letter for a Proposal 

Here is an engineering cover letter example that works: 

Sample engineering cover letter for a proposal

Free Cover Letter for Proposal Template 

Below, you can download a FREE proposal cover letter template made for the AEC industry from OpenAsset partner and proposal writing guru, Rachelle Ray. Just enter your name and email for immediate access.

AEC Cover Letter Template

Responding to an RFP? The downloadable RFP cover letter sample has the structure you need for a proposal cover letter that wins more clients. 

How to Create Quality Proposal Cover Letters Every Time 

Creating quality proposal cover letters every time isn’t an easy task. However, as the #1 DAM for AEC and Real Estate, OpenAsset can help you find, share, and use the digital assets you need to create high-quality AEC proposals quickly and easily. 

With dozens of integrations and useful features, OpenAsset makes it easy to share and manage the heavy amounts of digital assets needed to create winning proposals . 

Get your free downloadable proposal cover letter template today. And if you’d like to learn more about our DAM technology, you can reach out to one of our digital asset experts today to schedule a demo . 

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Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example

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Start your Proposal Writer cover letter by addressing the recipient by name, if known. If not, use a formal salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." Follow this with a compelling opening line that grabs the reader's attention. This could be a brief statement about your passion for proposal writing, your years of experience, or a significant achievement in your career. For example, "As a seasoned Proposal Writer with over 10 years of experience in crafting compelling proposals that have secured millions in funding, I am excited to bring my skills and expertise to your organization." This not only shows your enthusiasm but also gives the reader a snapshot of your qualifications. Remember, the goal of the first paragraph is to engage the reader and make them want to learn more about you.

The best way for Proposal Writers to end a cover letter is by summarizing the key points of the proposal, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, and providing clear next steps. This could include a statement of intent to follow up, or an invitation for the recipient to contact you for further discussion. Always end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best Regards," followed by your name and contact information. This approach not only demonstrates your professionalism and eagerness for the project, but also makes it easy for the recipient to reach out to you, increasing the chances of your proposal being accepted.

A cover letter for proposal writers should include the following elements: 1. Introduction: This should include a brief introduction of yourself or your organization, your role, and a brief overview of the proposal. It should also include the name of the recipient or organization you are sending the proposal to. 2. Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of the proposal. This should be a concise statement that explains why you are sending the proposal and what you hope to achieve. 3. Summary of the Proposal: Provide a brief summary of the proposal. This should include the key points or highlights of the proposal, and it should be written in a way that entices the reader to want to read the full proposal. 4. Benefits: Explain the benefits of your proposal. This should include how your proposal will solve a problem, meet a need, or provide a benefit to the recipient or their organization. 5. Call to Action: Include a call to action. This could be a request for a meeting, a request for feedback, or a request for the recipient to take some other specific action. 6. Contact Information: Include your contact information. This should include your name, title, phone number, email address, and any other relevant contact information. 7. Professional Closing: End the cover letter with a professional closing. This could be a simple "Thank you for your consideration," or something similar. 8. Signature: Sign the cover letter. This could be a digital signature or a scanned image of your handwritten signature. Remember, the cover letter is your first chance to make a good impression. It should be professional, well-written, and free of errors. It should also be tailored to the recipient and the specific proposal you are sending.

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How to write a proposal cover letter [with example]

Kelly Barnard

Like the devilishly tempting Hostess Ding Dongs treat, a proposal cover letter has to be short, sweet, and dense. Unlike that aforementioned hockey puck of delectability, proposal cover letters cannot be mass-produced. To write a proposal cover letter with nary a wasted word, you first need to understand its strategic significance in the overall proposal.

I’ve spent more than 17 years on proposals and have written hundreds of proposal cover letters. When I started, we printed out proposals and created huge binders to share with reviewers. Reviewers would open the binders to see the proposal cover letter, then an RFP executive summary , and then dig into the proposal itself. Binders are part of a bygone era; there’s been a big digital shift since I started.

Requests for paperless submissions and the growing popularity of online portals has altered the strategic significance of the proposal cover letter. It’s gone from a “must-have” element, to a “nice-to-have” one. My background is predominantly healthcare and insurance. Anecdotally, maybe only 30% of requests for proposals (RFPs) in healthcare and insurance request executive summaries while most volunteer that a cover letter is optional. If they give you an option, take it.

Some online portals don’t even give you an opportunity to include extra documents like cover letters. In such cases, you now have to include the cover letter as part of your proposal PDF. At the same time, RFPs are more complex than ever, requiring more details in submitted proposals. Issuers expect you to have your content in order, and a lot of it.

Speaking of issuers and what they’re looking for in proposal cover letters: They don’t need information that they can find on your website, that they can Google, or that sounds canned. They want to make sure you’ve reviewed the RFP requirements, and it’s absolutely essential to hit them with that up front, in your proposal cover letter. Especially if your solution meets all of the issuer’s requirements. Emphasize that fact simply and directly.

What is a proposal cover letter?

The proposal cover letter is meant to frame up your RFP proposal. It’s not a rehashing of the proposal or executive summary . It’s a vehicle to thank the issuer for the opportunity to respond, to say, “We’ve seen your business requirements and composed this proposal because we think we’re the best partner for you.” Think of it as the bow on your RFP proposal package.

Whether paper, PDF, or stone tablet, one thing that hasn’t changed about the proposal cover letter is that it’s your first opportunity to declare the value propositions that differentiate yours from competitive proposals. These value props will be the threads that weave through your proposal, from cover letter, to executive summary, to answers to questions.

As far as length, I aim for a page and a half when I write proposal cover letters. Try to keep it under two. Go longer only if a template or specific framework for the cover letter is provided by the issuer, which is sometimes the case in government RFPs.

Why a good proposal cover letter matters

RFP reviewers will be looking for deviations in responses. Deviations among responders as well as deviations from their (the issuers) requirements.

When you can write a cover letter and state, “After reviewing the RFP, we are confident that our solution meets all requirements and detail that fact in our proposal,” you make a compelling argument for reviewers to concentrate on how your proposal illustrates how you solve problems. They’ll notice cover letters that do not mention something that direct, and will review those proposals to look for where the solutions fall short.

When should you write the proposal cover letter?

It’s page one so it should be written first, right? Not necessarily. I’m a proponent of writing the executive summary first, the cover letter second, and then building the proposal. Certainly review the RFP first so you can determine what it’s asking for. But don’t just jump into a response from there. Take the time to establish the value props that will make it a cohesive proposal.

Writing the executive summary first helps you formulate your argument and determine which content you’ll need for the proposal. Once you know what you need to be persuasive and how you can solve the issuer’s problem, then you can develop the three-to-five value props (I try to boil it down to three solid, unique value props) that you can define in the proposal cover letter.

Who signs the proposal cover letter?

Notice I didn’t title this section, “Who writes the proposal cover letter?” The person who writes it and the person who signs it may not be one and the same.

If your proposal team is fortunate enough to have a dedicated writer, then have them write the letter based on input from the frontline sales rep. Whoever writes the letter must be fully informed of response strategy and have intimate knowledge of the proposal and executive summary. Strategy, voice, and style need to be consistent across all documents (cover letter, executive summary, and proposal).

Who signs it depends on a variety of factors. In most cases, the frontline sales rep will sign the proposal cover letter. They have the relationship, own the strategy, and likely conducted the discovery that informed the proposal. However, it’s not uncommon for an executive sponsor such as a VP of sales to sign. The thinking being that executive reviewers may appreciate seeing a proposal that’s been vetted by a fellow executive.

There are also those cases when the executive of executives, the CEO, signs the letter. There are two common scenarios for this play. One, the RFP may be large enough to represent a significant percentage of a responder’s annual revenue. Two, the responding organization is concerned with appearing relatively small, and in an effort to improve its stature, seals the proposal with a CEO’s signature.

There’s definitely some gamesmanship at play here. Even so, the name on the letter will never overshadow the content of the proposal.

7 steps to write a proposal cover letter

The compact nature of the proposal cover letter makes it difficult to fit everything in one or two pages. Good writers are valuable assets in these instances. Every proposal cover letter should contain the following sections:

  • Thank the issuer (and broker, where applicable) for the opportunity.
  • Recite your understanding of the opportunity to validate that you reviewed the RFP requirements.
  • List your abilities to meet requirements. If you can meet all of them, lead with that fact.
  • Describe your value propositions. You’re trying to portray that, “This is what we bring to the table, and that’s why we’re the best choice.”
  • Provide a high-level future snapshot of what business will look like after your solution is chosen.
  • Conclude with a persuasive delivery of your understanding of next steps: “We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further.” Show that you’re able and willing to move forward in the sales lifecycle.
  • Sign it from the frontline sales representative or executive sponsor. This should not look like a form letter from the organization as a whole.

3 common mistakes to avoid

Beyond the mistakes of not including a proposal cover letter at all or writing one that’s too long, proofread your next letter for the following mistakes before sending it.

  • Avoid repeating anything from the executive summary or proposal. Those documents need to live on their own, just like the proposal cover letter.
  • Don’t waste space with your resume. Something like this… Responsive’s growing list of 600+ clients including 40+ Fortune 500 organizations continue to take advantage of our one-of-a-kind Unlimited User licensing model, expanding their usage on the platform to scale organizational success. With Responsive as their team’s support system, every day they break down silos by facilitating collaboration and efficiency in their RFx response process ….is boilerplate that can appear elsewhere in the proposal or not at all, given that it’s likely available to the issuer on your corporate website.
  • If a broker is involved, thank them, too. The proposal cover letter is also an opportunity to directly address the issuer. This can be particularly valuable when a broker is involved. Some issuers rely on RFP brokers to sift through responses to make sure only the best possible solutions get serious consideration. Ignore these brokers at your peril. While the response and executive summary will address the issuer and the problem at hand, the cover letter is where you can give a nod to the broker. Acknowledging their involvement in the process and thanking them for the opportunity as well will at the very least alert all reviewers that you paid close attention to the RFP requirements.
  • Don’t guess. Make sure you or someone on your team does the legwork and discovery to inform your response strategy. The more you have to guess, the longer the letter will take to write.

Proposal cover letter example

Feel free to use the proposal cover letter example below as a template for your next letter. One of the many advantages of proposal software such as Responsive is the automation of the cover letter process. Don’t get me wrong, you still have to write it, but RFP software helps:

  • Access and write in the template within the platform (no need to toggle back and forth between a word processor and whatever application you’re using to build your proposal)
  • Include identical brand elements as the proposal and executive summary
  • Add the cover letter to the front of the proposal and/or executive summary when you output it for submission

When you use the following example, you’ll need to swap out the RFPIO-centric items with your own company and solution information as well as the custom value props for that specific proposal. The three value props highlighted in the example are Salesforce integration, data security, and customer support. For your letter, these will be specific to your solution and the problem stated in the RFP.

Hi [Issuer(s) first name(s)],

Thank you for considering Responsive as your potential vendor for RFP automation software. We are cognizant of the effort it takes to make a selection like this, so we very much appreciate the opportunity. First and foremost, Responsive meets all of the requirements detailed in your RFP. That’s illustrated in greater detail in this proposal. In the meantime, the following capabilities make us confident that Responsive is the most qualified company and solution for [issuing company name’s] [RFP title].

  • Helping businesses improve and scale their RFP response process for greater efficiency. The time and resource savings reported to us from our clients has allowed them to participate in more proposals and provide high-quality responses that create additional revenue opportunities.
  • Automating the import and export functions, centralizing content for RFPs, and facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders.
  • Managing knowledge and content through our AI-enabled Content Library .
  • Giving clear visibility into the entire RFP process through reports and dashboards—including project status and progress, and analytics for actionable insights.

We know that it’s important for [issuing company name] to find a solution with a strong integration with Salesforce. This proposal details Responsive’s integration with Salesforce , and how it will work for you. In addition to that, Responsive’s open API allows for integrations with many other technologies for cloud-storage, collaboration, and other desired platforms.

We also take your data security concerns highlighted in the RFP very seriously. You can be assured that your data will be safe and accessible. We work with a variety of enterprise customers and understand the necessary level of security that is required. From the beginning, we made it a priority to build security right into Responsive’s technology, which we continue to maintain. We are SOC 2 and ISO27001 certified, while continuing to pursue other best-in-class certifications to ensure security.

Regarding your requirement for ongoing support following implementation: When it comes to customer support, our technical and account managers are high performers. We have an expert group of 110 nimble programmers and developers who are always ready to provide quick technical fixes (that you can request right within the solution). Our reliable and attentive account team is ready to fully support [company name] should we move forward as your vendor.

Upon deploying Responsive, it’s intuitive user experience is simple to get used to. You’ll also get free access to Responsive Academy for all your training needs, now and in the future. Getting started is as simple as loading that first project. The whole team will be collaborating from there. As your Content Library grows, machine learning will provide more and more automation opportunities. It won’t be long before you see a drastic uptick in proposal quality and number of proposals submitted.

If you’re interested in comparing our solution to other comparable tools, we recommend that you visit software review platform G2 Crowd’s top RFP Solutions grid . This information is based on user satisfaction and places Responsive at the top in all categories.

We look forward to the opportunity to discuss our proposal further. We appreciate your consideration, and wish you luck on your selection.

Thanks, [Signee’s name] [Signee’s title]

You should have it “cover”-ed from here

If you’ve done your research and client discovery, and you know the value props specific to the RFP that you’ve already reviewed, then letter writing will go fast. The better you know the client and people involved, the easier it is going to be for you to tailor the proposal cover letter, the executive summary, and, most importantly, the RFP proposal.

To learn more about how Responsive can help you write better proposal cover letters, schedule a demo today!

  • [Guide] RFP proposal software for small businesses
  • How to maximize ROI of a strategic response management platform
  • Guide to a great RFP response process

business proposal writer cover letter

Kelly Barnard

Kelly Barnard is the Response Management Strategist at Responsive. With nearly 20 years of experience working in sales and RFP response management, Kelly is passionate about improving processes and leveraging the power of RFPs to help organizations meet revenue goals.

Ready to see Responsive in action?

Find out why leading response teams across the world turn to Responsive for their Strategic Response Management and RFP software needs.

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How To Write a Killer Proposal Cover Letter

business proposal writer cover letter

In general, the three pieces of your proposal that will be read and examined properly are:

  • Cover letter / Introduction / Executive Summary

This isn’t a guess. Hundreds of thousands of proposals have been sent using our software Better Proposals and we’re able to pull together statistics from that. We’ve learned that most of the time people spend on a proposal is in those three areas.

business proposal writer cover letter

This is the meat of your proposals and the content your customer is most interested in. Make their agreement process easy by spending some extra time on these sections. 

Of course, when using Better Proposals, the extra time  isn't a lot since we speed up your proposal process and give you more time to spend on the creative process. 

Digging Deep

That said, the most important thing to include in your proposal letter is that you understand the reader's needs and long-term goals.

This extends beyond simply telling them that they want a quote on a [fill in the blank]. 

In your meeting with the prospect, you should be digging deep into why they really want it. What are the underlying reasons behind it?

I've spoken about this in this video detailing why most people write their introduction or cover letter wrong.

Try to understand the benefits they expect you to bring them, their budget and whether they have some examples for the solution they want you to provide.

You should know all of this before you even start writing your proposed solution.

Let's look at an example

Your client might say “we need a new website because ours is outdated”. Okay, but what will an up-to-date one do? “Bring us more leads”. Okay, so what you really want is more leads.

You see? And you can go far deeper.

“What’s wrong with the number of leads you’re getting at the moment?” “Why is that even a problem?”

What you might find is that they’re scared their new competition across the road is going to put them out of business in a year if they don’t act fast. Now you have the information you need.

At this point, your proposal letter is about addressing the REAL fears, situations and options rather than at just a surface level.

Clients love to hear their own words in your proposal letter. It gives them confidence in their choice and shows them that you listened.

Now, the rest of your proposal is going to contain details about your plan, your pricing, why you’re different and your case studies. That's what all the best proposal examples include.

If your proposal letter addresses their real issues then you can guarantee that it's going to be read cover to cover.

What is a cover letter?

In the world of business proposals, a cover letter is the initial part of your proposal where you explain that you know the client’s situation and you know exactly how to solve their problem.

The best proposal letters I’ve seen weren’t written with amazing language. What made them stand out is that the person writing them listened carefully to the client before sitting down and writing the proposal letter. 

They highlight how their process will help the client achieve their long-term goals. 

business proposal writer cover letter

My advice is to use simple language all through your document. Avoid technical jargon and make sure that the client understands everything that is being said.

After all, they will have less technical knowledge than you and also, people tend to mistrust things they can't understand. 

Why do you need a cover letter?

Simply put, the client reading the business proposal needs to get engaged to read the whole thing before signing.

You could just give them a detailed specification right from the bat, but that will make the client too focused on numbers and specific results.

The proposal letter shows them that you’re listening and it gets them “hooked” to start reading.

After they’re done with the cover letter, they can move on to the more technical bits in the detailed specification.

Make sure to keep your proposal letter short, not longer than one page. You should keep your client in mind when you write a proposal letter. Don't expect them to give you too much of their time. 

The connection between a cover letter and a business proposal?

In general, the cover letter is the part that comes before the actual business proposal. Sometimes, this is called a cover letter but we prefer calling it the introduction.

In other words, the cover letter is the first and perhaps the most important element of a business proposal.

Every good business proposal needs to have an introduction. We talk about introductions quite often in our articles, but don’t get confused - it’s the same thing as a cover letter.

The elements of a business cover letter

There are several things that every great cover letter needs. Here are a few to get you started:

  • You need to talk about the client - not yourself. Don’t brag about your projects, awards, portfolio, etc.
  • Talk “back” at the client - use their own words and expressions from your meetings and discovery calls
  • Don’t get too technical - leave that for the next section
  • Keep it short and to the point - the aim is to get clients to read through to the end and sign.

When addressing the problem at hand, don't place the blame on your potential client. They know that there is an issue that needs fixing and that's why they asked you for a business proposal. 

You're here to fix the issue, not dwell on it. Keep your introduction positive and set your client up for a good reading experience. 

The cover letter structure

business proposal writer cover letter

While the content of your proposal will depend on the offer and your industry, the proposal letter should always follow this guide.

Opening sentence

This is the most important part of your proposal. I personally prefer to hit them on the head with a sledgehammer and get right to the point.

Shock them into reading on and learning more. Here's an example using a website design quote:

“You’re busy so I’ll get to the point. The purpose of your new website is to generate enough leads to give your sales team such an easy job they crush your competition without even trying. I’m aware that sounds obnoxious but the rest of this document will explain where that confidence comes from. The website is a means to an end. Anyone can make you a new website but what you’re after isn’t just a pretty picture. You need results and that’s what we do. We’re a results based company and ultimately so are you.”

You're saying something strange. You're suggesting that the website isn't important - that's supposed to be your core skill (in this example), but what happens when you do this is you come across like you're telling them something they shouldn't know.

Like it's a secret.

What happens when someone tells you a secret? You trust them.

Vibe of the letter

The vibe should be direct and void of any indecision. Nothing breaks trust faster than indecision.

This is why it's so vital that you get the information you need beforehand so you're not writing with 'maybes', 'sometimes' and 'ifs' in your voice.

Be sure about what you're saying.

You are the expert. Write like one.

Another mistake that people often make is focusing too much on themselves in the proposal letter. Your client doesn't care about your accolades and what inspired you to go into your line of work. 

Think about it like this. If you reach out to a cleaning agency, you would want to receive a proposal that outlines their services and prices. 

You're not looking forward to reading a proposal letter that explains how the owner got their passion for cleaning. 

The clients want to read about how you'll help them reach their goals and what your next steps are.

When you're closing your proposal's cover letter , always invite them to read the rest of the proposal.

Without fear of it sounding generic, I always like to see people pointing their readers in the way of the case study they've included. It proves that you are the perfect company for the job .

It's a nice lead-on.

Proposal letter template

Now that you know exactly what to write in your executive summary, let's see it in action in this proposal letter example. 

When you use Better Proposals to create and send business proposals, you severely speed up the whole process. 

Since all of our documents are web-based, they get sent as secure links to your clients. Once they open the business proposal, they get treated to a beautifully designed cover page. 

It helps you give a good first impression. 

After the cover page, your client will open the introduction page. If you received a formal request for proposal (RFP), you'll know exactly who to address. 

business proposal writer cover letter

Once you do that, highlight your reason for sending the proposal - i.e. the problem at hand and your solution for it. 

As you can see in our proposal letter template, you should keep it brief and get straight to your points. 

business proposal writer cover letter

Since you won them over with a great first paragraph, you can continue your proposal introduction by addressing the process you plan on using. 

After you write a proposal letter once, you'll see how easy it can be when utilizing our software and educational materials. You can find the right proposal letter template and customize it to your needs. 

Cover letters set the tone for the rest of your business proposal, so make sure you do a good job and don't ruin your chances of gaining a new opportunity to work. 

Common proposal introduction mistakes

The elements that affect your executive summary are:

  • your industry
  • whether a client issued a formal request for a proposal
  • does your proposal include a contract

The industry

Your industry will dictate the tone of the proposal, as well as specific details in your executive summary. If you're selling software, you need to explain how you'll research the market and find ut the targeted audience. 

Don't expect the prospect to know every intricate thing about your industry. You need to find the right balance for the amount of information you'll share. 

If the person you're sending the proposal to didn't request it, you need to address the reason for contacting them straight from the beginning. It would be a good idea to address the value, cost and timescales. 

You could also sign your proposal letter in order to make it more personal. 

Proposal software

When you're using proposal software, you don't want the client to print out your document. Because you want them to read the proposal online and utilize the digital signature option in order to speed up the sales process. 

If you want to make sure your recipient is reading your proposal on a screen, keep it in mind when creating the proposal letter. It should be easy to get through, meaning you should break up your text with visuals. 

business proposal writer cover letter

Furthermore, printing can affect the conversion rate of your proposal. Our research shows that printing decreases your conversion chances by 88%.

What to include in the rest of the proposal?

Once you write a great introduction, you need to focus on the rest of your business proposal.

If you want to win clients' hearts and create a winning proposal, we suggest focusing on benefits, showing the value of your products and services and knowing the clients' budget.

We suggest you start by reading our guide on proposal writing. It will give you great insight into how to win new business. 

business proposal writer cover letter

Utilize our ideas in order to create professional-looking proposals that will help you win the job and achieve success.

Our guide includes proposal details that will help you set yourself apart from the competition and give you ideas on bettering your business proposals. The more professional your sales documents are, the easier you'll sell your solution. 

Extra tip 

Make sure to use proposal AI, which will give you actionable tips on how to improve your business proposal. It works by comparing your documents to other successfully sent proposals from our platform.

Writing a great proposal letter is one of the most important skills that you can have as a salesperson or business owner.

If you can do this effectively then you simply increase your sales and win better jobs, more often and at a higher price point. The more professional your business proposal is, the better your chances of winning over a client's heart are.

There are some great examples in the Example Proposal Templates section of our site. I encourage you to take a look and crib from them what you like.

business proposal writer cover letter

If you like what you see, sign up for a free trial and streamline your sales process.

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How We Redesigned the Better Proposals Website and Product in 21 Days

For a while now we've felt like the Better Proposals website and system could do with a little love. A spruce up here and there, tidying things up, removing old stuff - a spring clean as such

How to Write a Sales Proposal That Wins Clients' Hearts and Business

How do you convince clients you're the right person for the job? We’ll show you how to guide them from opening your proposal to signing it.

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How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter

Simon Islam

Do you want to make a good first impression with your business proposals? If that’s the case, you cannot neglect your proposal cover letter. The success of your business proposals relies solely on how much attention you pay to every detail and how much effort you put into drafting it.

One key to drawing the attention of readers is to write a high-quality online proposal cover letter. If you are the one in charge of proposals, then you must learn how to make them as enticing and interesting as possible.

In this article, we will teach you how to create quality proposal cover letters and we will also tell you why using our software can help. So, keep on reading.

How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter

What Is a Cover Letter?

As you may know, a business proposal has multiple parts, respectively:

  • Cover letter
  • Executive summary
  • The background of the company
  • An assessment of the needs
  • The goals of the project
  • Plan of implementation
  • A breakdown of the costs and budget
  • Plan of evaluation
  • Project sustainability

The cover letter of a business proposal is the part that acts as an introduction. It summarizes the most important details of your business proposal, proving to your clients that you are aware of their issues and that you have the right solution for them. In other words, it will present your client with your business offerings and why they matter.

The cover letter should also be good enough to convince your client to continue reading the proposal document. As you already know, first impressions matter. So, without putting effort and hard work into creating a fantastic cover letter for the business proposal, you are unlikely to persuade the client into reading more.

If you take a look at a proposal introduction letter sample, you will notice that what makes it so great is the attention to the client’s desires. Before writing any proposal application letter, you must listen to the customer and understand their needs.

Writing a cover letter for a proposal doesn’t have to involve complicated language. You can go for simple wording without getting too technical. The goal is to make the client understand what you are trying to communicate.

Why Do You Need a Cover Letter?

Before you check for proposal templates to draft your document, let’s see why you need a cover letter, to begin with.

Just like you, your clients are busy individuals. If you make them read tens of pages generated by an online proposal software, they are likely to run for the hills. They must know what they are getting into, and you should help them understand that the proposal is beneficial to them.

So, whether you use a proposal online software or not, you should always create a cover letter. It is your chance to make a good first impression and convince the reader that not only do you understand their problems, but you also have the right solutions for them. This way, they will keep on reading the full document.

The proposal cover letter allows you to be more personal and empathize with your clients. Meanwhile, business proposals are more factual. What better way to establish an emotional bond with your clients if not by relating to them on a more personal level?

Once you get clients hooked on the cover letter, they will most definitely be ready to proceed with the rest of the business proposal. They will go deeper into the technical specification of the process.

With good proposal letters, you can gain new clients without spending too much money. This can be a great benefit when you are just getting started with your business and don’t have a huge budget to spend on client acquisition.

With your proposal program of choice, you should ensure the cover letter is straight to the point. While you may be tempted to create a long and compelling proposal cover letter on your online proposals software, you will have better chances of success if you keep it short.

Clients are more likely to be attracted to brief proposal cover letters that don’t take too much of their precious time. So, if possible, check out some proposal cover examples before writing yours.

The Connection Between a Cover Letter and a Business Proposal

As already mentioned, cover letters are placed before your business proposal. More specifically, they are the introduction to your business proposal, making them the most relevant part of the document.

You cannot jump straight into a business proposal without introducing its contents first. This is why cover letters are so important – they provide your clients with some details about what is inside the document.

“Cover letter” and “introduction” are used interchangeably sometimes because these two terms refer to the same thing when it comes to business proposals. You might want to check out a sample proposal cover letter to prospect before drafting your very first cover.

Elements of a Business Cover Letter

Before you learn how to make a cover letter for a proposal, you must find out what the document includes. Here are the different elements of a proposal cover letter:

  • The cover letter must be very short and concise, without dragging on. Clients will want to get a quick insight into the business proposal, not spend hours reading an introduction.
  • The language should be simple, without technical and complicated terminology. The business proposal will take care of the technical side.
  • Refrain from bragging about your business and all of its accomplishments. The focus should be on the client.
  • Use some of the expressions and words from the communications you have already had with the client.

A great tip would also be to not blame the client for their issues. Your purpose is to present a business proposal that can help find a solution for that problem, not put the blame on the potential client and make them feel bad.

Cover Letter Structure

 write a proposal cover letter

So, are you ready to find out how to write a cover letter for business proposal?

Before you start drafting your cover letter, you should ask a few questions that will help you during the writing process. For instance, you should find out:

·  What is the source of the funding for the project?

·  What reason does the client have behind this project?

·  What would the client relate to the most?

·  What is the final result that should be achieved?

Send your client a list with all your queries. Once you understand all these problems and find the right answers, you are ready to proceed.

Here is a general structure that most cover letters should follow:

1. The opening sentence First things first, you should open your proposal cover letter with the right question. You can begin by addressing the client’s problem right away so that you don’t waste any precious time. Then, follow it with the solutions you have for said issue. Another great method would be to get straight to the point. This is guaranteed to keep your clients engaged and make them interested in your offer. These solutions are their ultimate goal so give them what they want.

2. Keeping the right tone You are the expert, so you should sound like one. Therefore, you cannot afford to use a confused tone when writing the cover letter – you must be 100% sure about every detail you include there and back everything up with arguments.

In this case, it would be extremely helpful to get all the information you need before the drafting process even begins. Otherwise, you risk failing to gain the client’s trust.

Once again, you should focus on the client, not on your business and all you have managed to achieve throughout the years. You will have plenty of time to prove your worth. The client’s purpose is to find something that would solve their issues. They don’t want to spend time reading about a proud business owner who puts themselves on a pedestal.

Don’t make this mistake if you don’t want your potential client to just ignore your proposal cover letter.

3. Closing the proposal cover letter Once you reach the end of the cover letter, it is time to convince them to keep reading the business proposal. This is the ultimate goal of the document handed to the client, but you must word your invitation the right way.

So, you can direct them to the case study, where they will find all the project’s details and technicalities. If you manage to convince them that you are the solution to all of their problems, you are on your way to success.

The Bottom Line As you can see, the cover letter acts as the hook of the proposal. So, you must ensure it’s as qualitative as possible. If you need some help in creating your business proposal and cover letter, you can always opt for Proposa to provide you with useful templates and features. Our site speeds up the process of creating these documents, reducing your stress and ensuring you don’t waste time.

Build digital proposals quickly and easily with Proposa. Analyze who's opening your proposals and what they're looking at. Start building proposals better, smarter, and faster.

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Proposal Cover Letter: Samples to Get the Contract

proposal cover letter

A proposal cover letter is a document used to introduce your company’s products and services to a prospective client. A proposal cover letter allows customers to determine whether you are genuinely engaged with them and have done your research—or whether you have copied and pasted generic language from previous proposals. 

Proposal cover letters are important for grant requests or businesses. You may also have to send a proposal cover letter to a customer, depending on the kind of business you intend to get from them.

Before you write proposal cover letters, introduce your organization to the recipient. Ensure the introduction of your letter is catchy and explicitly spells out what you want the recipient to know about your business and what you hope to get from them.

How to Write Project Proposal Email and Samples

When Is It Appropriate to Send a Proposal Cover Letter? 

Proposal cover letters should be used for companies and foundations but not grant applications to the federal or state governments. Funders want what they ask for, and they seldom ask for proposal cover letters in addition to the grant application. There are two characteristics of an excellent cover letter. Your proposal cover letters go straight to the point quickly and do not duplicate any material already included in the proposal.

It is recommended that you compose the proposal cover letters after you’ve finished the proposal and are in a thoughtful frame of mind. While you examine your big success (the completed financing request), let the creative, right half of your brain kick in and link your emotions of accomplishment to the person who will assist you in bringing your ideas to fruition.

How to Write a Business Proposal Email 7 Samples

How to Write Proposal Cover Letters

  • Use a Letterhead Take advantage of the letterhead provided by your organization. Make sure that the cover letter and the completed grant application both have the exact date on them. This is the day on which you will submit your grant proposal to the recipient. Using the precise date on all of the papers in your proposal documents ensures consistency.
  • Address it to the right recipient

When writing your recipient’s address, write the name and title of the foundation or corporate contact person, address, city, state, and zip code of the funding source. Call or send an email to double-check the accuracy of the information you’ve received. Because this kind of information changes regularly, and you must have the most up-to-date name and address . 

  • Use the proper salutation In your greeting, use “dear” followed by the personal title (Mr., Mrs., dr., etc.), followed by the last name of the person you’re writing to. You must address it to a specific individual. Check with the foundation or corporate office to ensure that you are speaking with the proper individual and that you have the correct personal title. These particulars may seem inconsequential, yet they are critical. 
  • Write the cover letter

Your opening paragraph should be straightforward and focused on a single point. Introduce your group (using its legal name, which will serve as your corporate name and explain to the funder why you are asking for the funds you are requesting. Describe your group’s mission and activities in a sentence or two, followed by one research-based statement demonstrating why what your organization does is needed. 

Add one or two extra short paragraphs to your essay. Describe the goal of your project and how it aligns with the mission or financial priorities of the donor. Include the fact that your company’s board of directors is enthusiastic about the idea. 

Make use of a concluding phrase such as “sincerely.” If possible, the letter should be signed by the executive director and the board president, if applicable. Type the signer’s first name, middle initial, last name, and work title in the space provided below the signature. Although the ed or board president should sign the letter, add the contact information for the person who will be most suited to answer queries after the last paragraph. 

How Long Should a Proposal Cover Letter be?

Keep your cover letter to one page, with three or four paragraphs, and keep it concise. The tone and content of your cover letter may differ significantly if you’ve been requested to submit a comprehensive proposal after the submission of a letter of inquiry or if this is your organization’s first approach to a specific foundation.

Proposal Cover Letters Sample 1

Proposal cover letters sample 2, proposal cover letters sample 3, proposal cover letters sample 4.

Fundamentally, the cover letter should be forward-thinking, simple to read, and compelling enough to entice the reader to read the rest of the proposal. Avoid placing any barriers in the path of the reader that might dissuade them from continuing to read. 

About The Author

business proposal writer cover letter

Jim Blessed

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business proposal writer cover letter

indy university

4 Tips To Creating a Proposal Cover Letter (& Templates)

Emily Schmidt

Once you've put together a  proposal , it's common to think, ‘Now what?'. We're here to answer what's the best cover letter you can send with your proposal to close a deal. 

Within a proposal cover letter, there are a few different components that you need to consider.

  • A cover letter is more casual than an  executive summary
  • It's structured like a letter and has a greeting and sign off
  • Not focused on strategy, but is more conversation
  • Should focus on the unique strengths that you can bring to a project

In this blog, we'll be covering how a proposal's cover letter differs from a job application letter, how it's structured, and the tips that'll help you close deals.

But first, let's go over what one is and why it's so important in getting your business proposal read.

What is a cover letter?

Cover letters help you grab the potential client's attention quickly. It's a short, single-page document that includes an overview of the most critical details of your proposal. If you haven't yet written the proposal, we have a sample business proposal you can read here with some templates to help you get started.

The goal of a great cover letter is to convince the client to read the rest of your proposal, so you'll want to make the writing as interesting as possible. You can mention any critical details you think will help you land the job, including your past results, skills, and education. You should also cover the key aspects of the project you're pitching. Think of it as a stripped-down version of an executive summary.

writing an executive summary

Why is a cover letter important?

Clients can be very busy. A cover letter helps clients decide whether they're interested in reading the entire proposal. This means that having a strong cover letter is just as important as the business proposal itself.

Take this as an opportunity to give clients a great first impression. A business proposal tends to be more factual, while a cover letter has the benefit of being more personal. By sparking an emotional connection early on, you'll have a much higher chance of them reading the whole pitch.

A good proposal can also help you get your foot in the door of larger companies, even if you don't have a connection to anyone working there. Just warm up a cold pitch by attaching a cover letter to an unsolicited business proposal.

This is especially important at the beginning of your career, since you may not have the funds to reach clients through traditional marketing. Cover letters can be a powerful way to land clients without having to spend any money on new client acquisition costs.

We have some tips that'll make this process easier, but first, it's important to talk about the traditional structure of a cover letter.

How to write a proposal cover letter

Let's briefly walk through the structure, since the information you'll include will be slightly different from a traditional job application cover letter.

A proposal letter looks like this:

Contact information

Introduction.

It may seem pretty standard, but the information in a business proposal cover letter will be a bit different from other cover letters. Here's a closer look at each paragraph:

Start off by adding your name, address, phone number, and email to the header. Feel free to also include the potential client's contact information. Although it's not as important now with email as it used to be in the days of snail mail.

Pro tip: Drop a link to your LinkedIn profile in the heading too. This lets them get a better feel for who you are and can even provide them with additional information that you didn't have room to include in your cover letter.

It might be tempting to breeze through the introduction to get to the "meat" of the letter, but the introduction is actually one of the most important parts. You need to capture their attention right away, so come up with an engaging way to introduce yourself and what your business does. It's one of the few spots of a cover letter where you can inject your personality into the writing, so make it count!

This is where you'll address the company's needs and how you plan to help them. Unlike a traditional job application, a business proposal's cover letter has the intention of selling a service or product. Be sure that the writing is sharp and highly persuasive. You want to generate enough excitement that they move on to your executive summary and, ultimately, read the rest of the proposal.

You can include any core strengths and past results that have helped previous clients. However, keep this section concise by sticking to just a few of the most important details that directly apply to the client. End this section by covering how you plan to achieve the goal you're pitching. Think of this as more of an "overview" of your plan. They'll get more details when they read the rest of the proposal.

Like the introduction, it's typical to see cover letters that spend a lot more time on the body paragraphs than the closing paragraph. But leaving readers on a strong final note is just as important as making a great first impression. It's recommended that you wrap the cover letter up by mentioning a strong benefit your project will bring to the company.

The last critical piece of information you need to include is the call to action. What do you need them to do next? In this case, the next action you'll want them to take is to read the business proposal. Provide some encouraging words to move the client in that direction.

4 Tips for creating a cover letter

Now that you have the structure down, it's time to start writing it! We have some tips to elevate a cover letter so you can start closing deals.

Step 1: Kicking off the cover letter

A great cover letter starts by showing off your personality and the type of communication they can expect if they're going to work with you. Lean into your intuition and use your voice!

There's no reason to be super corporate here. Instead, show that you're a person who can be professional, but still enjoys the work you do. 

Your approach will be a bit different depending on if the business proposal is solicited or unsolicited:

  • Solicited proposal: If a client asked you to send a proposal, you can start by saying "As per our discussion..." before addressing their problem and your proposed solution.
  • Unsolicited proposal: The first sentence is crucial. Grab their attention immediately with an engaging statistic related to their problem and how you can help them.

It's important to hook your reader right up front! That means understanding who your audience is and the industry you represent will be critical to nailing a cover letter. For instance, if you're pitching a more traditional company, like one in finance, consider how they may expect communications as opposed to a start-up.

business proposal writer cover letter

Typically you can get a feel of how a company communicates by viewing their website, content, and related information to get a feel for their tone and voice.

Find a balance between being true to your voice and communicating in a way that's comfortable to the prospective team.

Here are a few examples of the beginning of a cover letter.

Hi Prospective Client, 
Thanks for taking the time to review my proposal! I'm really excited about the ways we can work together to support [company].
Hello Mr./Mrs. prospective client, 
I'm pleased to present you with the request for proposal [proposal title]. In this proposal, you'll find goals and objectives, scope of work, pricing, [and any additional information you found relevant.

You can see the difference between these two tones. Consider when would be appropriate to use either.

writing an email

Step 2: Highlight what problem you'll help the company overcome

Within any proposal, you want to ensure that your client knows that you understand the problem that they're trying to solve. Include their goals and objectives of why you're entering this engagement.

Share the company's pain point in a way that's easy to digest. Leave this section to focus on the company's problem. Later, you can mention the solutions.

Here's a snippet of a type of pain point a client may be facing:

Right now you're creating a lot of excellent content and it's frustrating when it's not leading to the increase in traffic and conversions you're hoping for.

Step 3: Share how you'll work towards their goal

The next section of the cover letter will outline how you plan to approach their challenge. Now, remember, this isn't where you get into the nitty-gritty. This is just a high-level overview of your plan of attack. Specific details will be broken out in your proposal.

Here's an example of a short and efficient way of accomplishing this step.

Based on the data I've seen, I'm confident that we can make some major traction in increasing your organic traffic with your target audience with a few well-implemented strategies that I've outlined in the attached proposal. 

Step 4: End your cover letter with next steps

Once you've worked through the steps of a cover letter, the last piece that you include is the next steps. Sometimes your client will already have shared their process and timelines associated, but if they haven't this is a great opportunity to take initiative and show them that you're able to make their lives easier by outlining what's needed to move forward.

Below's an example of some ideal next steps. 

Once you've had a chance to review the proposal, please feel free to follow up with any questions. I'll be following up in a week to check in on the status and see if there are any additional ways to support your team. 
If you decide to move forward, we can start the engagement within a week of signing the contract.

signing the contract

Proposal cover letter samples

Below we've compiled a couple of different examples and templates of what you can use to create a template for your client today. 

Proposal cover letter sample #1

We'll kick things off by sharing full versions of the snippets we included above. This is for a proposal for SEO and content strategy to support clients looking to increase organic traffic.

Right now you're creating a lot of excellent content and it's frustrating that it's not leading to the increase of traffic and conversions you're hoping for.
Based on the data I've seen, I'm confident that we can make some major traction in increasing your organic traffic with your target audience by implementing a few strategies that I've outlined in the attached proposal.
Most Sincerely, 

Proposal cover letter sample #2

In this sample, your cover letter is approached with a more formal tone and is for a client who is looking for support in their product strategy.

Hello Ms. Thompson, 
I'm pleased to present you the request for Project Strategy Proposal. In this document, you'll find outlined the goals and objectives, the scope of work, pricing, and some case studies of relevant projects I've worked on. 
I know that Quest Products has been struggling with converting their traffic to their Saas platform and hitting their retention goals. 
After some analysis, you'll find within the proposal a scope that entails audience research, user testing, and analyzing data analytics that will all work towards the goal of boosting conversion rates and diagnosing any challenges. 
Once you've had the chance to review, please let me know if you have any initial questions or concerns. I'm happy to provide any additional information that would be useful. 
I'll follow up with you next week to check in and outline the next steps. 
Most sincerely, 

You'll see that within each example we include four key components: intro, highlighting the problem, sharing your proposed solution, and providing the next steps. 

business proposal writer cover letter

Need a proposal for a potential client?

Create a professional proposal in minutes with Indy’s Proposals tool. Use your logo and branding, add terms, and include portfolio items.

Wrapping up

A cover letter gives you the chance to point out a problem with a company and propose yourself as the perfect solution. And though it can be time-consuming, the results that a winning cover letter can bring to your business are well worth it in the end.

But if you're looking for a faster way to write business proposals, you can speed up the process by using proposal software . Just choose the template you need, fill in your details, adjust the content to your liking, add your branding, and you can be finished in minutes. As you move forward with creating a cover letter, keep in mind the tips we've outlined above and you'll be sure to succeed!

business proposal writer cover letter

How To Write an Effective Cover Letter for Your Proposal

business proposal writer cover letter

Few things are more disheartening for sales reps than having potential clients ignore or reject their proposals. After spending hours crafting a proposal, researching the client's needs, and preparing for a pitch, having it end in rejection can be demoralizing.

A proposal cover letter that comes before a well-written and concise executive summary can help you start off down the path of a better, more humane, and more customer-focused sales process. It allows you to build a personal relationship with your potential clients before even meeting them in person or virtually. But more than anything, it allows you to hook them with your ideas, strategy, and the value your business provides in a short, concise, and empathetic way.

How do you write proposal cover letters that not only don't get ignored but also get your potential clients excited about working with you?

We can help you answer that question and develop a process for creating a winning cover letter each and every time!

What is a proposal cover letter?

A proposal cover letter is a document that is often sent with a proposal or bid to introduce the proposal and highlight its key points. It serves as a preamble to your proposal, and its main goal is to show that you understand the client's needs and demonstrate how your proposal will fulfill those needs.

In other words, your proposal cover letter should hook your prospects and make them want to open the actual sales proposal , where you dive into more detail.

The benefits of having a good proposal cover letter

It's easy to overlook the proposal cover letter because it doesn't actually sell , per se. It isn't included in the meat of your sales process , so it can be tempting to throw something together and move on.

However, a well-written proposal cover letter can make a huge difference in whether or not your proposal is read and ultimately accepted. Think of it this way: you wouldn't show up on a potential employer's doorstep without sending your resume and cover letter and waiting for them to invite you in for an interview, right? So why would things be any different with your sales process?

Here are some benefits of having a good proposal cover letter:

  • Establishes credibility: The proposal cover letter lets you introduce yourself and your company, giving potential clients a sense of who you are and what you represent. It sets the tone for your proposal and can help establish trust with your potential clients.
  • Shows understanding of client's needs: By addressing the client's specific needs in the cover letter, you show that you have taken the time to understand their business and tailor your proposal accordingly. This shows attention to detail and a genuine interest in their success.
  • It's a great conversation opener . Breaking the ice in writing can be tough -- especially when you're in the early stages of building a relationship with a potential customer . But a proposal cover letter allows you to make a connection and start building a relationship with your potential client.
  • Highlights key points : A well-written proposal cover letter allows you to highlight the most important aspects of your proposal in a concise and compelling way. This can help grab the reader's attention and encourage them to keep on reading.
  • Sets the tone for your proposal: The cover letter sets the tone for your proposal, giving potential clients an idea of what to expect in terms of professionalism and quality. It also gives them a preview of what's to come in the full proposal.
  • Differentiates you from competitors: A strong proposal cover letter can help set you apart from other proposals that may be vying for the same client's attention. It allows you to showcase your unique approach and value proposition, giving you an edge over competitors.
  • Can help overcome objections: By addressing potential concerns or objections in your proposal cover letter, you can proactively address any doubts or hesitations the client may have before they even reach the full proposal. This can make a big difference in how your prospect perceives your services, the value you offer, and the mental objections they may have.

What should be included in a proposal cover letter

If you want to write a great proposal cover letter, there are some elements you want to ensure you hit every time. These include:

Personal touches

Go beyond simply using your prospect's name and the name of their business; show your customer you did your homework and understand their needs. If you've already had contact with them, use your letter to highlight any specific pain points or goals they have mentioned and show how your business addresses each.

Introduce yourself and your company in a brief but personable manner. This is where you can establish credibility and briefly mention your experience and successes.

However, be careful to avoid sounding overly boastful or formal. Remember, the goal is to build rapport with your potential client. It's essential to strike a balance between sounding professional and approachable. This helps in establishing a solid foundation for a future business relationship.

Content that focuses on your prospect and their needs

Again, this is not about mentioning their name as often as possible -- it's about addressing their specific needs and how your proposal will solve their problems. Make sure to highlight the benefits they'll receive by choosing your company.

It's easy to believe you need to showcase your skills, your achievements, and what your company does. But those should be just a side-story: your main focus is your prospect, they are the heroes of this story. You and your company are just their sidekicks.

Elements to pique the reader's curiosity

The goal of your cover letter is to ensure your prospect opens your proposal and takes action. Be sure to include some of the most interesting points in your letter so that your prospect can't help but dive into your proposal. These could be proof points or an anecdote about how you solved a similar challenge for someone your prospect knows or someone in their industry.

Compelling language to make an impact

A proposal cover letter should be concise, no longer than one page. Use strong and compelling language to make an impact in a short amount of space. Your letter shouldn't be longer than your proposal, as the focus should be on the proposal and not overshadowed by a lengthy cover letter.

A strong call to action

End your cover letter with a clear and specific call to action, such as requesting a meeting or inviting the reader to go through a more formal sales process.

Steps of writing a proposal cover letter

Now that you know what you need to include in a great cover letter, let's look at how you should write a cover letter that helps you move to the next step of your sales process and gets your proposal opened and read.

Research. And then research some more

If you want your proposal letter to really speak to your potential client, you need to do your research. Thoroughly understanding their needs, goals, and pain points will allow you to tailor your letter and proposal accordingly.

Some areas to look into to find out more about who your prospect is and what they really need include:

  • Their company website
  • Social media profiles
  • Industry news and trends
  • Competitors and their offerings

You will likely use this research for your sales proposal as well, so take your time and dive deep.

Personalize your letter

Your research should help you personalize your letter and show that you understand the client's specific situation and needs. This will help build trust and credibility with the potential client.

One way to personalize your letter is by showing empathy towards your potential client's situation. This means acknowledging their challenges and expressing your understanding of their situation.

This can be done by referring to specific points they have raised during previous communications or information gathered during your research. By doing this, you show that you are not just interested in selling your service, but are genuinely concerned about their needs and are committed to finding a solution that works for them.

Another effective way to personalize your letter is by aligning your proposal with their business goals. By mentioning how your service can help them achieve their objectives, you make your proposal relevant and demonstrate your commitment to their success.

Whether it's increasing their sales, enhancing brand visibility, or improving operational efficiency - make sure you clearly state how your offering aligns with their goals.

Explain the problem

One of the best ways to "get" your prospect is by showing them that you "get" their problem.

This means clearly explaining the challenges they are facing and how they are impacting their business. This will help establish a common ground between you and the client, making your proposal more relatable.

Show you have a plan

Once you have explained the problem, it's time to show that you have a solution. This is where you can introduce your service and explain how it solves their specific problems and addresses their needs.

Be sure to highlight any unique features or benefits of your offering and how they differentiate your company from competitors.

Showcase past wins

This doesn't need to be your main focus, but mentioning previous successes and how your service has helped other clients is always helpful. This can help build credibility and trust with potential clients, as they can see tangible results from your services.

Include a call to action

End your proposal cover letter with a clear and specific call to action, such as requesting a meeting or inviting the reader to go through a more extensive sales proposal. Make it easy for your potential customer to read your full sales proposal, book a meeting, or sign up for a trial.

Include contact information

Lastly, make sure to include your contact information in the cover letter. This includes your name, job title, company name, email address, and phone number. This will make it easy for the potential client to contact you if they have any questions or would like to move forward with your proposal.

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Final Thoughts

Business writing tends to be plagued with platitudes, shallow slogans, and an overuse of buzzwords. To stand out and make a lasting impression, it's important to avoid these pitfalls- not just on your website and ads but across all your business communications. And yes, that also includes the proposal cover letters you send out.

Focus on making your proposal cover letter personalized, concise, and client-focused. By doing so, you can showcase not just what your company does but also how it can address the specific needs of your potential client. This will help you build rapport with your prospects and increase the chances of securing their business.

If you want to take the steps we've outlined here and use them to create a template, Qwilr is at your service! You can use our software to create a cover letter template that can be easily personalized and tailored to each prospect's unique situation. Our tool can also be used to craft winning proposal templates fully loaded with eSignature and analytics capabilities. Want to see it in action? Book a demo to get started.

About the author

Brendan Connaughton, Head of Growth Marketing

Brendan Connaughton | Head of Growth Marketing

Brendan heads up growth marketing and demand generation at Qwilr, overseeing performance marketing, SEO, and lifecycle initiatives. Brendan has been instrumental in developing go-to-market functions for a number of high-growth startups and challenger brands.

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Business Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024

Background Image

You’re a master of negotiation.

You can analyze a balance sheet in your sleep, and you've got industry know-how down to a science.

But all your business acumen evaporates when you’re staring at a blank screen, trying to draft your cover letter.

Your career centers on effective communication and strategy, and yet this is the one place you’re lost.

Don’t worry. We know your struggle, and we’re here to help.

In this article, we’re going to teach you:

  • What a Job-Winning Business Cover Letter Looks Like
  • 5 Steps to Writing a Flawless Business Cover Letter
  • 3 Essential Cover Letter Tips for Business Professionals

Let’s get started.

Business Cover Letter Example

Business Cover Letter Example

5 Steps for the Perfect Business Cover Letter

You've just seen a top-notch business cover letter that's sure to get noticed.

Now it's your turn to learn how to write a cover letter that shows off your skills and lands you that job! Just follow the steps we're about to dive into:

#1. Put Contact Information in the Header

Start your business cover letter by putting your contact details at the top, just like you would on your resume header . Here's what you should have up there:

  • Full Name. Place your full name near the top corner of the page.
  • Job Title. Use the exact title mentioned in the job ad you're applying for. With hiring managers juggling multiple roles, being specific helps them, which helps you.
  • Email Address. Go with a professional email. Ditch quirky emails you might have had in your younger days. For example, [email protected] is a no-go, but [email protected] works just fine.
  • Phone Number. Make sure it's a number where you can be reached easily. If the job is international, include the dialing code.
  • Location. Your city and state (or country) are enough. But if you're looking for a remote role or planning to move, make that clear in both your resume and cover letter.
  • Relevant Links (optional). Adding links to any important websites or social media profiles, like LinkedIn, is always a good idea.

After sorting out your details, focus on the hiring manager's contact information :

  • Company Name. Write down the company's name.
  • Hiring Manager’s Name. Include the hiring manager’s name, if you can find it.
  • Hiring Manager’s Title. If you find out the hiring manager’s exact job title, say, the Director of Business Development , use that title instead of just "Hiring Manager."
  • Location. Add the city and state (or country) of the company, especially if they have multiple locations. You can add the street address if you want to be super specific.
  • Date (optional). Including the date you wrote the cover letter adds a professional flair.

#2. Address the Hiring Manager

Once you've got all your contact details down, it's time to address the person who'll be reading your cover letter .

Trust us, "To Whom It May Concern" is not how you want to start your first impression.

Do a little homework first. Look up the company website, the job ad, or their LinkedIn profile to find the person who’s hiring for the job you’re after. You should be able to find their name somewhere and add it to your cover letter.

Then address them by using "Mr." or "Ms.", followed by their last name. If you're not certain about their gender or marital status, their full name works fine. For instance:

  • Dear Mr. Thompson  
  • Dear Alex Thompson

But if you couldn't find any information on the hiring manager or the head of the business department you’re looking to join, no worries. You can still address your letter to the team or the company at large:

  • Dear Business Department  
  • Dear Hiring Team  
  • Dear Human Resources Team  
  • Dear Head of Business

#3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement

Hiring managers spend just a few seconds on each application before deciding if it’s worth reading more into it.

That's why nailing the start of your cover letter is key, especially when you're eyeing a business role. Lead with why this job catches your eye and some of the skills you’re bringing. Showing real enthusiasm for the role or the field can also make a hiring manager take a second look.

Doing your homework about the company pays off. The better you understand them, the more you can show how well you'd fit their culture. It's a strong signal that you're not just throwing applications left and right but are genuinely keen on this specific role.

Depending on your career stage, you might want to start your business cover letter with a standout achievement or any skills that make you a shoo-in for the job. Just keep it short and sweet. The goal here is to spark interest, so the hiring manager will read the rest of your letter.

#4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details

The core part of your cover letter is your chance to shine as a business professional . Here, you want to go beyond the bullet points on your resume to really sell your skills and experience.

And don't just repeat your resume. Use this space to highlight what sets you apart from the competition. If you have any big wins in the business world, this is where you want to mention them. Take cues from the job ad to tailor your letter accordingly. 

For example, if you're applying for a role that requires strong analytical skills, focus on achievements from your past that prove you've got what it takes. Instead of talking about general leadership qualities, point out how you've used analytics to drive business growth.

Being knowledgeable about the company you're applying to can earn you extra points. If you're familiar with their market presence or have insights into their business model, weave that into your letter. It makes the hiring manager see you as a more suitable candidate when compared to the rest.

Make sure your enthusiasm shines through your entire letter, so it’s obvious you want this job, not just a job. Express your excitement for the role and be confident in stating how you can add value to their team with your unique skills and experience.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our other cover letter examples !

#5. Wrap It Up and Sign It

Nailing the conclusion of your cover letter is essential. You want to assure the hiring manager that they've made the right choice in reading your application to the end.

Write a brief conclusion to your cover letter so you can recap why you're the ideal candidate for the business role you’re targeting. Briefly reiterate some of your most relevant skills, but don’t go overboard. The idea here is to summarize your key selling points.

Then add a call to action. This could be an invitation for the hiring manager to further discuss your application or to arrange an interview. This leaves a lasting impression and nudges the hiring manager to do something, which increases your odds of progressing to the next step.

Lastly, sign your business cover letter like a real professional. Just pick an appropriate closing line and sign your name underneath. Here's a sample:

Feel free to contact me at your convenience so that we may arrange an interview and further discuss how I can contribute to your business goals.

Warm regards,

Alex Johnson

If "Warm regards" feels too clichéd, other professional yet approachable options include:

  • Yours sincerely,
  • Yours truly,
  • Thanks for your time,

business cover letter structure

3 Essential Business Cover Letter Tips

You already know the basics of crafting a solid business cover letter.

Now, let's take yours to the next level with some tailored cover letter tips for the business world.

#1. Match Your Resume

Your cover letter should echo the professionalism of your resume.

Presentation skills matter, and your application is the first place you get to showcase yours. If your resume and cover letter don’t pair well, you could come off as an unpolished candidate.

Make sure your text is positioned neatly on the page, and keep the font uniform all the way through. Just as you'd handle a business proposal, pay attention to those page margins and the line spacing. And while you’re at it, remember to keep it brief—an ideal cover letter is always one neat page.

Or Use A Cover Letter Template Instead

Are you trying to get your application out there as soon as possible?

Our resume builder is a lifesaver. Use it to create the best business resume in minutes, and grab one of our matching cover letter templates to complete your application. 

Every one of our templates is designed with feedback from hiring managers from around the globe, so they meet all industry standards and give your application a sleek, professional look.

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#2. Mention Skills

Hiring managers want to know what you can bring to the table, and there’s no better way to show them than by mentioning your skills.

Your business cover letter should always include the most essential skills from your resume . Your skills tell the hiring manager what you can do and how much they might need to train you. But only if you mention your skills in the right way.

Don’t just toss them in there randomly, like a salad. Connect the dots for the hiring manager by weaving a narrative that backs up every skill you mention. For example, if you're good at data analysis, explain how that skill helped improve a past employer's quarterly earnings. 

The key here is relevance. Discussing your skills in context shows you're not only skilled but also aware of how those skills can benefit the company. It paints a picture of you as a well-rounded candidate who’s both qualified and ready to hit the ground running.

#3. Proofread the Final Draft

Never underestimate the importance of proofreading your cover letter.

A single typo or grammatical error might seem small, but to many hiring managers, it can scream "carelessness”—a crucial cover letter mistake for any candidate who claims to have “an eye for detail”.

Hundreds of applications get tossed aside for the same reason. So, to make sure your business cover letter is spotless, take the time to read it multiple times. Consider asking a friend for a fresh perspective, just in case you missed something yourself.

We recommend you also use a spell-checking tool like Grammarly . Don’t trust it blindly, though - you should always take the time to decide for yourself if it’s correct. Clean and polished writing shows professionalism, which can make all the difference in your application's success.

Key Takeaways

And that’s all there is to writing your business cover letter!

Hopefully, we’ve inspired you, and you’ve prepared your application for that job you’ve been eyeing.

But before we say goodbye, let’s do a brief recap of what we mentioned:

  • The top of your business cover letter should have a header where you include your contact information as well as the hiring manager’s. Just make sure it’s factually correct.
  • Your opening paragraph should be captivating, or else the hiring manager might not bother to read more of it. Mention why you’re writing and be enthusiastic, so it shows you’re genuinely interested.
  • The body of your cover letter should include the bulk of your sales pitch. Focus on your relevant achievements, qualifications, and skills and how they relate to the job you’re after.
  • Make sure your cover letter matches your resume. This shows a professional touch, and it helps the hiring manager pick out your application from all the rest.

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Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example

To arouse the attention of a potential hiring manager, you can creatively write your cover letter while remaining professional. The best way to write a cover letter is to express your qualifications in the same tone as the company’s goal. Your Proposal Writer Cover Letter should highlight your superior written communication skills.

Our Proposal Writer Cover Letter Sample will give you an idea of what qualifications are important to include in your cover letter to make it exciting and compelling.

Proposal Writer Cover Letter example

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What to Include in a Proposal Writer Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

  • Create and edit business documentation, including presentations, manuals, training materials, proposals, etc.
  • Collaborate with experts and other stakeholders to gather and organize the information required for the creation of proposals.
  • Provide assistance to others with suitable phrasing for document content .
  • Maintain documentation repository .

Education & Skills

Proposal writer skills:.

  • Prepare persuasively, and articulate proposal sections to RFIs and RFPs.
  • Establish strong relationships with subject matter experts.
  • Identify, highlight, and resolve gaps in content.
  • Ability to conduct in-depth research on technical business topics.
  • Solid time management skills to prioritize appropriately to meet strict deadlines.
  • Capable of complying with the style guide and brand standards.

Proposal Writer Educational Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications or English (required).
  • Prior experience of 1-2 years in a proposal writing role (preferred).
  • Solid command over the English language.
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite.
  • Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP).

Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.,

I saw your advertisement for a Proposal Writer in the ABC Newspaper and would like to be considered for this role. For your convenience, I’ve added my resume along with this letter. With my Bachelor’s degree in creative writing and 4 years of proposal writing experience, I am confident that I can bring the requisite skills to the table.

Outlining a few of my core responsibilities for your review:

  • Develop RFI and RFP documents.
  • Prepare and coordinate writing assignments both within the company and with teaming partners.
  • Modify existing proposal content and write new content as required for proposal responses.
  • Review the proposals and execute proposal revisions.
  • Identify new business opportunities and stay updated with the current industry trends.
  • Provide assistance in the maintenance of CRM and other internal opportunity tracking/proposal development systems.

At XY Herald, I successfully wrote, edited, and proofread over 600 proposals. There I was also awarded the best proposal writer award last year.

I use my keen eye for analysis and solid coordination with all parties concerned to generate solutions that meet the requirements. Through my creative writing skills, I strive to convey a concise and clear message. I am sure that I would be an ideal fit for the vacant role.

I appreciate your time and consideration in advance, and I look forward to speaking with you.

Best Regards, [Your Name]

Including your innovative & analytical approach with outstanding problem-solving skills in your cover letter will impress the employer. Use your resume to include additional detail about your coursework and professional achievements. Use our job-winning Proposal Writer Resume Sample as a guide.

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Free Cover Letter Samples for Business Proposal

Table of Contents

You’ve written a killer business proposal, and you’re getting ready to submit it. But somehow, you feel something is missing. Your gut feeling is right. You’re missing a cover letter.

You’re in luck if you don’t know how to write one. This article shows you how. In addition, you’ll find a sample cover letter for business proposal that you can use whenever the need arises.

Importance of Cover Letters

A cover letter for a proposal is an important document. It is important because it provides additional information and details about the proposed project or plans that your business proposal may not contain .

It allows you to explain in detail why your business should be chosen over others and what sets it apart from competitors. A well-crafted cover letter will also demonstrate your commitment to the project and ensure the recipient knows exactly who they are working with.

The importance of a cover letter can’t be overstated when submitting a business proposal . It lets you make a positive first impression on potential customers or clients. You can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by showing off your enthusiasm for the project in your cover letter.

A good cover letter should provide context for the recipient and help them understand more about your proposed project. You can include facts such as any previous experience you have related to the work.

It could also be special achievements that could prove beneficial to the client. This helps to showcase your knowledge in the field and emphasizes why you would be a great fit for the job. Including personal references or anecdotes within your cover letter can humanize the proposal and help you connect better.

Tips for Writing Cover Letters for Your Proposals

man writing on paper

Below are some top-tier tops you can follow when writing your cover letter.

Grab Their Attention

This is the first thing your potential client will see. You should do all you can to grab their attention straight off. Your first paragraph shouldn’t read like a random piece of writing. Put the focus on your client and make them curious about what you offer.

Showcase Your Understanding of the Problem

A great way to make a favorable first impression is by showing that you understand the client’s problem or need. You can also add how your proposal will be the perfect solution for them. Ensure you include any research you have done on their company, demonstrating that you are serious about helping them. While doing this, you can be complimentary of the company’s efforts. It helps you worm your way into the hearts of the decision-makers.

Show Them You Have the Right Solution

To stand any chance, you have to show your potential customers that you can solve their problems. You’re not expected to be in-depth at this point. It should be a glimpse that shows you have a perfect solution for the problem.

Examples of Cover Letters for Business Proposals

Sample cover letter for business proposal 1.

Dear [Recipient],

I am writing to you today in hopes of entering a business proposal between our respective companies. With years of professional experience and an astute eye for detail, I have something unique to offer your organization.

I humbly ask for an opportunity to show you how my expertise can improve your bottom line. By utilizing my individualized approach to problem-solving and innovation, I guarantee that I can deliver results that surpass expectations.

My enthusiasm for finding creative solutions is matched only by my willingness to work hard. My ambition allows me to adapt quickly while producing high-quality work, making me a valuable asset to any team or project. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated best practices in order to maximize efficiency, productivity, and profitability.

I look forward to further discussing my capabilities and answering any questions you may have. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. If given the chance, I will prove myself as one of the best partners your company could ever ask for.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Proposal 2

I am writing to submit my business proposal, which aims to create a lasting impact in the industry. With my extensive experience and expertise in this field, I am confident that I can bring about meaningful change for your organization.

I have an intimate understanding of the challenges faced by businesses today due to the changing market dynamics. As such, I am well-versed in devising creative solutions to optimize performance and drive success. In addition, I am also highly adept at formulating strategies that ensure long-term sustainability.

In my proposal, I will highlight some actionable steps and practical methods you can use to maximize returns while minimizing risks. The approach outlined in my proposal is designed to be comprehensive and innovative, helping you to stand out amongst your competitors. Moreover, I strive to build trust with each client through consistent communication and results-driven implementation.

I look forward to discussing how my proposition could help your business excel and propel it toward its goals. Kindly let me know if you would like me to provide any additional information or further discuss my business proposal.

Final Thoughts

A cover letter for a business proposal is an important part of the bidding process. It allows you to address the reader directly, and it gives them an idea of what they can expect from your proposal .

When writing a cover letter for a proposal, make sure to start with an introduction that grabs their attention. Then, provide a summary of the content in the proposal and explain how it will benefit the reader.

Finally, include any additional information that may be relevant to the request. By taking the time to craft a well-written cover letter for your proposal, you can increase your chances of success. A good cover letter should be professional, clear, and concise.

Free Cover Letter Samples for Business Proposal

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example

Kick-start your career & find inspiration for your next cover letter with our free, expertly drafted Proposal Writer cover letter example. Make a copy of this cover letter example as it is or rewrite it directly in our HR-approved cover letter builder.

Milan Šaržík — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

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Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example (Full Text Version)

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Proposal Writer position at your organization. With 4 years of experience in producing proposals for environmental, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects, I believe I am well-equipped to contribute to your team.

Currently working as a Proposal Analyst at Sunnybank Technical Services (STS), I collaborate with various divisions within the company to research and write proposals for both public and private sector projects. My responsibilities include analyzing RFPs, coordinating input from different departments, organizing text review meetings, and ensuring the submission of error-free proposals. This role has allowed me to further develop skills acquired during my time as a Junior Proofreader at Halliwell Publishing.

In addition to my professional experience, I hold a BA in English and am a member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to the exciting infrastructure projects your company is involved in. I have attached my résumé for your review and consideration. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing this opportunity further.

Yours sincerely,

Milan Šaržík — Certified Professional Résumé Writer

Milan Šaržík, CPRW

Milan’s work-life has been centered around job search for the past three years. He is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) as well as an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches (PARWCC™). Milan holds a record for creating the most career document samples for our help center – until today, he has written more than 500 resumes and cover letters for positions across various industries. On top of that, Milan has completed studies at multiple well-known institutions, including Harvard University, University of Glasgow, and Frankfurt School of Finance and Management.

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proposal writing tips

How to write a business proposal cover letter.

Ask any corporate shark out there and he or she will confirm to you that the first impression is significant in any business deal. When writing a business proposal, it is important that you create the best first impression to encourage the person making the purchasing decision to hire your business for whatever project you are bidding for. This can only be done by incorporating a rich cover letter to not only catch the reader's attention, but to win their trust as well. It is for this reason that you need to know how to write a clean and proficient business proposal cover letter.

What to do:

1. Write the header

Include your name and contact information in the header. The contact information here should have your telephone/mobile number, email address, physical address as well as employer – if there’s one.

 2. Address to the actual person

It is critical that you express your professionalism by addressing the business proposal cover letter to the actual person who will be reading it instead of writing the usual – To Whom It May Concern. Do your research so you know the name of the person who is supposed to read the contents of the proposal. Most contacts can be accessed on the company's website, or you can simply make a call and ask the organization for the person's name.

3. Grab the reader’s attention

The first paragraph should start by grabbing the reader’s attention to make him/her want to know more about the content in the letter. Once you give them a reason to read more, then you increase your chances of winning their trust. You can start with a quote, question or statistic depending on the subject matter. Remember to also include how you came into contact with the organization plus some precise details about yourself in the same paragraph.

4. Give your background and credentials

Your background and credentials should be listed in the second paragraph. Give the reader a reason why you are the best person for the deal by relating your expertise and skills with how much you are going to contribute to the company.

5. Show your interest

Indicating your interest is critical. Put this on the third paragraph and explain clearly to the reader that you are planning to track the proposal later by calling, or it would be more polite to ask him or her to schedule an interview for any additional information the company may need.

6. End the letter

End the cover letter with the last paragraph indicating that your proposal is enclosed with the letter. Make sure you express gratitude to the particular organization for finding the time to go through your proposal and also for considering you for the deal.

Your signature should follow at the bottom of the business proposal cover letter.

A business proposal cover letter is simply a sales letter and the purpose here is to sell your product/service. Grab the readers’ attention, get them interested, make them desire your product/service and last but not least – have them take action! Take your time and design the ideal cover letter to increase your chances of securing the deal.

Click here to read a case study of how ClientPoint Business Proposal Software helped a business double its sales.

If you want to learn how to write a business proposal to win more new clients, here is a very detailed article we have written on  how to write a proposal .

Win more clients by creating impressive digital business proposals, price quotes, and contracts using ClientPoint Software

If you want your business proposals, price quotes, and contracts to stand out and give you the best chance at winning new clients, use ClientPoint  Business Proposal Software . It makes creating and formatting professional business proposals, quotes, and contracts fast and easy.

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How to write a business proposal, how to write a business proposal, business proposal sample - how to write a business proposal, how to write a proposal to win more new business.

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5 Steps to Writing a Business Plan Cover Letter [+ Templates!]

business proposal writer cover letter

Every business plan needs a cover letter. Also known as an introduction, executive summary , or overview, your cover letter is your first impression.

It sets the stage for the rest of the document and tells the reader what to expect. Most importantly, it compels the reader to spend the time it will take to review the plan in full.

But how do you write a cover letter? What should it say?

There will be no guesswork here. We’re covering all of the essential deets to include. Plus, we’ve got templates to make your life easier.

What’s in this guide :

Why your business plan cover letter is important

What to include in your cover letter, how to write your business plan cover letter, 3 business plan cover letter templates.

Without a great cover letter, your business plan will lack context and urgency—making it less likely that your audience will read it.

A cover letter surfaces the most important details from the plan, allowing you to craft a cohesive story. For instance, you might focus your cover letter on your market research findings, your estimated profit margin, or how your company is preparing to achieve your business goal. Essentially, it allows you to direct readers’ attention where you want it to go .

A business plan can also motivate you . Entrepreneurs with completed business plans are 260% more likely to start their businesses. When you write a great cover letter, it can serve as a reminder of why you’re putting in the hard work and keep you on track.

What should you include? That depends on the type of business plan you’re writing. Is this a plan to launch a startup, release a new product, or improve an existing business?

Here are some essential pieces of information to include for different types of plans. (Remember that while the business plan will delve into all the details, the cover letter will summarize the most important information.)

New business plans :

Market research

Problem or opportunity statement

Outline of initial offerings (products or services)

Business and pricing models

Time to profitability

Business risks and mitigation plans

Competitive landscape

New product launches :

Product landed cost

Product price for each channel (wholesale, DTC, Amazon, etc.)

Projected profit margin for each channel

Product branding and marketing plan

Plan for product validation and prototyping

Business improvement projects :

Current state of the business

Opportunities for growth

Opportunities for expense cutting

Opportunities for process or productivity improvements

Prioritization of improvement projects

Project goals

Project timelines

Third-party service pitches :

Client goals and objectives

Service scope

Service deliverables

Project or implementation timelines

Expected outcomes

In most cases, the cover letter should fit within one page, but for very long business plans, you might need a page and a half or even two pages to fit the overarching story you want to convey.

You should address the cover letter to your intended reader. That might be a loan officer for a business loan, a potential investor, a business partner, or a client.

Business plan cover letter example

Cover letter examples can offer inspiration and provide a jumping point for your writing.

Here’s an example of a cover letter for a business consulting plan :

Image of a business plan cover letter template

Notice how the example focuses heavily on the pain points of running a business: working hard, listening carefully, watching cash flow, etc. The cover letter makes the point that when you’re in the weeds of your business, it can be tough to envision the big picture and steer the ship.

Above all, a cover letter should be compelling. So make sure to include illustrative language, metaphors, clear pain points, and goals to bring the proposed plan to life.

Your cover letter is one of the most important sections of any business plan or business proposal . Follow these simple steps and writing tips to win over stakeholders.

Step 1. Write your business plan first

It’s nearly impossible to write a great cover letter without writing your business plan first. Why? Because your cover letter surfaces the key points from the plan so readers know why they should read the plan and what to focus on.

To write an excellent business plan, you must first begin with research. You might put together a small focus group, interview target customers over the phone, assess a handful of competitor products, and analyze influencers’ social media content within your industry.

Now that you’ve done your research, you can start writing your plan.

Make sure to include these sections:

Market problem

Your proposed solution

Your business model

Target customers

Marketing plan

Your competitive advantage

Financial projections

Required funding

Step 2. Write a strong introduction paragraph for your cover letter

Now it’s time to write the perfect cover letter.

While your cover letter will summarize a variety of points, the first paragraph should have a clear focus. It shouldn’t bounce all over the place, but should make a single compelling argument. You can start with the market opportunity, the unmet customer expectations, the prospective client’s key pain points, or the stellar profit margin your business plan is proposing.

And remember that a good hook makes the reader want to keep reading. So spend plenty of time coming up with a great first sentence that will creatively lead into your opening argument.

Step 3. Write your supporting paragraphs

The next step is to write the supporting paragraphs that drive home your key argument.

For example, if your opening paragraph states that your business plan will address a $1 billion dollar market opportunity, then the remaining paragraphs should clarify the market need (what do customers expect and why haven’t your business competitors risen to the challenge?), how you will address that need (what products or services will you offer?), and what you need from the reader (an investment, a loan, their experience as your co-founder, etc).

Consider using bullet points to quickly list out important details like market research findings, product launch plans, or business goals.

Step 4. Revise your cover letter

Don’t expect to knock it out of the park on the first try. Give yourself time to revise the cover letter over a couple of days. When you take a break before editing , you’re able to look at your writing more objectively—almost as if it was written by someone else. You also allow yourself the space to come up with creative, fresh ideas for hooks, key arguments, etc.

Step 5. Double check that the rest of the business plan follows suit

And lastly, you need to check that your cover letter matches your business plan (and that your business plan matches your cover letter) . This song-and-dance might take some time because whenever you add new info to your business plan, you need to consider if it’s important enough to be featured in the letter. And anything you add to your letter certainly needs to be covered in the plan.

Your reader is going to want to find more details within your business plan, so make sure you’re titling sections clearly. For instance, if you mention “market research” in your cover letter, then title the matching section the same way. Your cover letter serves as a reference point for what readers should hunt for in the plan, so keep that in mind when you’re formatting and adding the finishing touches.

A business plan is most commonly written when starting a new business. But documented plans are also useful when launching a new product, embarking on a big project, or pitching a service. These cover letter templates can be adapted for just about any use case.

1. Accounting plan cover letter template

If you’re sending your business plan to potential investors, lenders, or someone else you’re trying to convince, this template may be helpful. It’s short, to-the-point, and full of confidence.

Image of an accounting plan cover letter template

2. Investing plan cover letter template

This cover letter template is perfect for new business plans in the investing, fintech, and financial services industries. It hones in on the core pain points of amateur investors in need of financial planning.

Image of a cover letter for a financial advisor business plan

You can adapt the pain points shared into more of a summary of your market research and the target audience’s needs. Or, you can use this template to pitch financial services directly to potential clients, making sure to include the details of the services in the rest of the plan.

3. Business project cover letter template

This project proposal template can easily be adapted for any business plan, product launch, or operational improvement project. The cover letter is written with compelling language that clearly states the needs and challenges of the project, as well as how you will address them.

Image of a project proposal template

To make this template your own, start by summarizing the risks of the project, and then segway into how your business plan mitigates those—whether through hiring, training, project management, software implementation, or a combination of these and other strategies.

Send business plans and proposals that get accepted

Whether you’re sending documents to investors, partners, clients, coworkers, your boss, or other stakeholders, one thing is certain: you want your plan to be accepted.

By analyzing over a million business proposals and plans sent with our software, we found that documents are more likely to close when they include images, e-signatures, intake forms, and editable pricing tables. With Proposify , you get all of these features plus viewing analytics, so you can check when your emails and plans have been viewed. This will help you know who to follow up with to close the deal.

Send better pitches with Proposify. Learn more and start your free trial.

Dayana Mayfield

Dayana Mayfield is a B2B SaaS copywriter who believes in the power of content marketing and a good smoothie. She lives in Northern California. Connect with her on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/dayanamayfield/

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Allow prospects to alter the quantity or optional add-ons

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Generate a PDF from any document that matches the digital version.

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Connect your Stripe account and get paid in full or partially when your proposal gets signed.

Create your own fields you can use internally that get replaced in custom variables within a document.

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Lock down what users can and can't do by role. Pages and individual page elements can be locked.

Create conditions that if met will trigger an approval from a manager (by deal size and discount size).

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18 Effective Business Proposal Cover Letter Samples

One thing that a successful business person will tell you is that every business starts with a cherished idea. But it doesn’t stop there! It also needs proper communication of your ideas within your business environment. Proper communication not only creates a good perception of your business but also leads to mutual gains.

One of the best methods to communicate your ideas and desires to work together with other parties is through a business proposal letter.

A business proposal letter is a professional document that an individual can use to present his/her ideas and to invite cooperation from other organizations.

In many times, cooperation can happen in various terms. For instance, it can be an agreement to supply products and services. Also, within the business proposal letter, you need to highlight some of the benefits associated with the cooperation. Business proposal letters can be sent either as a response to a request for information on your business or as an introduction letter to introduce your products and services to your potential customers.

Business Proposal Letter Template

How to write a business proposal letter -01

What is the purpose of business proposal letters?

 As stated above, the main purpose of writing a business letter is to communicate your ideas to potential business partners. In other words, its purpose is to convince your prospective partners to buy your idea(s) to work with you under a certain capacity. It could be either you want to be a service provider, or you want them to buy your products, or simply work as cooperates.

Depending on the situation in which you want to engage your prospects, there can be various types of Business Proposal Letters. The following therefore are some of the most common types of letters you should know.

Types of Business Proposal Letters

According to experts, there exist various types of business proposal letters. Let’s take a look at them:

Formally solicited business proposal letter: In this type of business proposal letter, the prospective customer can either send you a Request for Proposal, Request for Quotation, Request for Bid, or Request for information documents. In response, you need to write a Formally Solicited Letter addressing the client’s requirements.

Informally solicited business proposal letter: An informally Solicited Business Proposal Letter works similarly to the Formal one. The prospective client will request information. However, in your response, you won’t have to follow formal requirements, as in the case of Formal Solicited Letters. A better example is a situation where a company only receives one candidate for a vacancy announced. However, in order to formalize the hiring process, the company will still ask the candidate to present his CVs and other qualifications.

Unsolicited business proposal letter: Unlike the aforementioned letters, the Unsolicited Letters are written to prospective clients without them asking for it. Usually, these types of letters are common in marketing brochures where an individual sends the letters to introduce his or her products or service. Also, these types of letters are often generalized and more flexible as they are used for cold-selling purposes.

Research business proposal letter: This is a type of scientific or academic letter used to get approval to conduct a study. The business community, just like any other sphere of the economy, needs research for it to develop.

Grant proposal letters: These types of letters are those written to grant organizations to sell a particular idea. After receiving such letters, the organization will review the proposals to see whether they meet the donor’s criteria.

Depending on the type of Business Proposal Letter you want to write, it’s important to follow a proper format and structure. Generally, all types of proposal letters follow a similar format, with the difference being in their contents.

How to Write a Business Proposal Letter

Writing a compelling business proposal letter can be challenging for many. However, if you are planning to write one, the following is a common guide that will help you all the way.

Address the recipient

You need to start your proposal letter by greeting the recipient in a formal fashion. Be sure to address him/her by the right title. As a caution, refrain from addressing a woman as Mrs. Rather, you can simply write Ms.

Introduce yourself

In the first paragraph, you need to introduce yourself to the reader by providing your personal details as well as background information. Also, you can give brief information about the proposal.

State your purpose

Here, you will clearly provide clarity on what you intend to accomplish. At the same time, you can mention any problem that you intend to fix with your proposal.

State your objectives and goals

Let the reader know both the short-term and long terms outcomes of your proposal. Remember to keep your goals SMART (Specific, Measurable Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) oriented.

For instance,

“So as to improve my productivity by 30% within the next 12 months, I am requesting you for a loan amounting to $1,000.  

Define your uniqueness

In order to make your proposal outstanding, you need to highlight what sets you apart from the rest. Therefore, you can state special skills that relate to the proposed idea. Additionally, you can state various experiences and qualifications that relate to the opportunity. Providing your skills, personal experiences, and other differentiators will lead you towards a greater result.

Mention your budget and how to meet them

For any business proposal or idea to take effect, the cost is always a major factor. Therefore, you can include the financial details needed to officiate your business idea(s). This will give donors or investors a better look at the project.

Request for a Follow-up action

In this section, you can request your reader to take additional steps to follow up on your proposal. A request to action will increase the chances of a response from the recipient. This can either be by replying to your proposal through email. A phone call or any other means is convenient for them. Additionally, if you let them know of your intentions to follow up, they will take your proposal letter seriously.

Close your letter

Conclude your proposal letter by expressing your gratitude to the recipient for their time. Also, encourage them to contact you should they need any clarification. Use a professional ending clause such as sincerely or regards. This should then be followed by a comma, then sign and your name.

Attach documentation

As a bonus, you can attach any relevant documents to your Business Proposal Letter. At the very end of your letter, you can type ‘enclosures’ and list all of them. Make sure you proofread your letter to correct any grammar mistakes , spelling errors, and any other typos.

Sample Letters & Examples

Business Proposal Letter Sample 01

Businesses are competitive. This means that you have to be persuasive in both your cover letter and business proposal. Concentrate on your strengths. Proofread your letter carefully and ruthlessly edit out any part that even hints at doubt or shortcoming. Detail how resources will be used, detail your terms, as well as your understanding of their business and what they need. In order to be persuasive and succeed, this proposal must center around their needs and how you are the absolute best candidate to fulfill those needs. Include statistics and facts to back up any claims or statements. Request a follow-up from the buyer or client. Finally, make sure you are cordial and thank the individual for giving their attention to your proposal.

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Examples

Proposal Cover Letter

Proposal maker.

business proposal writer cover letter

Creating a project proposal is a huge opportunity, but there’s no denying that it is also mind-boggling. Coming up with the idea isn’t the only thing you should do. There are still plenty of papers you need to process to complete the job, and a proposal cover letter is one of many. To avoid stressing out yourself even further, learn how to compose your cover letter in this article.

7+ Proposal Cover Letter Examples

1. business proposal cover letter.

Business Proposal Cover Letter Template

2. Sample Request for Proposals Cover Letter

Sample Request for Proposals Cover Letter

Size: 221 KB

3. Sample Grant Proposal Cover Letter

Sample Grant Proposal Cover Letter

4. Qualifications Proposal Cover Letter

Qualifications Proposal Cover Letter

Size: 62 KB

5. Request for Proposal Cover Letter

Request for Proposal Cover Letter

Size: 1019 KB

6. Printable Proposal Cover Letter

Printable Proposal Cover Letter

Size: 72 KB

7. Cover Letter for Request for Funding Proposals

Cover Letter for Request for Funding Proposals

Size: 86 KB

8. Proposal Covering Letter Example

Proposal Covering Letter Example

What Is A Proposal Cover Letter?

A proposal cover letter is a one-page document that provides a brief introduction of your organization and the nature of your proposal. Some people don’t include a cover letter in their project proposals, but just like an executive summary , this document sets the mood of your paper. It is where you express that you understand their needs. On top of that, show them that you also have just the proposal to satisfy them.

How to Compose an Appealing Proposal Cover Letter

A proposal, similar to a resume , needs a cover letter. Your cover letter is where the prospects decide whether your proposal is worth reading on or not. There’s a famous saying about how first impressions last. That said, although this part is optional for some, it certainly impacts your whole proposal. 

1. Hook Them With Your Opening Sentence

Your prospects are busy people, so it is necessary to get straight to the point. Give them something that would leave them wanting more. Impress them and intensify their curiosity. Provide them a reason why reading your project proposal is the best choice of spending their time. Hook them and make sure they give their full attention to your cover letter.

2. Set The Vibe

Professionals often doubt the people who claim to have the answer that even they don’t. The main goal of your business proposal is to persuade your prospects and give them the confidence that you have a complete grasp of the situation. In setting the vibe, you need to engage them and make sure that they are treading the path you have set for them.

3.  Give Them a Teaser

This part is where you should show them that you have the solution to their problems. Don’t go into detail yet. Keep it short but specific. Once your clients start to feel that your project plan is substantial, they will naturally want to know everything that has to do with it. 

4.  End it With a Powerful Closing

It’s not over just yet. The last step in creating your cover letter is to devise a closing that would make the eyes of your client sparkle. Your closing sentence must encourage them to read every page of your proposal. Not only that, but you should also let them know that, by doing that, they’d get all the information and the answers they need. 

What is the structure of a proposal?

A proposal is a lengthy document that includes a lot of components. A complete proposal has a title page, table of contents, an abstract, need statement , objectives, project plan , evaluation, dissemination, personnel, types of equipment, budget , and an appendix. Incorporating all these essential elements in the format of your proposal will make it more organized.

What are the types of a proposal?

A solicited proposal is a proposal written in response to a request made by a sponsorship agency. When you submit one without the request for proposal , then the submission of the proposal is unsolicited. Other sponsors may call for a preproposal, which is a brief abstract of the proposal. There are also non-competing and competing proposals.

What is a technical proposal?

A technical proposal involves doing intensive research and providing reliable data and figures which can prove the effectiveness of the project or plan that you are proposing. This information is essential for the board of people involved in the decision-making process of whether to approve the said proposal or not.

In your proposal cover letter, you should successively hit the right spots at exactly the right time. One error can disrupt their engagement. That said, your proposal cover letter must be flawless. If done right, this one-page document can positively influence and decide the outcome of your whole business proposal .

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Generate a proposal for a new school recycling program

Compose a proposal for a school field trip to a science museum.

How to Write a Partnership Proposal [Examples + Template]

Mandy Bray

Published: June 18, 2024

Partnerships generate $3.9 billion per year in the U.S. and supercharge the revenue of companies like Microsoft, Atlassian, and Shopify. Teaming up with another professional or company can multiply your capacity, expertise, and growth.

Woman shaking hands over partnership proposal

With so much at stake, approaching a potential partner can be intimidating. Whenever I make a business pitch, there are three items I work to perfect. First, an underlying relationship to build on. Second, a stellar verbal presentation for a pitch meeting. And third, a killer partnership proposal.

A partnership proposal is a powerful tool to showcase your professionalism and convince your potential partner why they should collaborate with you. I’ve compiled what you should include in your proposal, plus four partnership proposal templates to give you a head start.

→ Download Now: Free Business Proposal Template

What is a partnership proposal?

  • Types of Partnership Proposals

Components of a Partnership Proposal

How to write a partnership proposal, partnership proposal template, partnership proposal examples, partnership proposal tips.

A partnership proposal is a document outlining the benefits, scope, and structure of a future collaboration between two businesses or individuals.

Most partnership collaborations begin with an idea and verbal discussions. “ Hey, here’s a crazy idea. What if we…” If you don’t know the person, start with a warm intro email or phone call first.

A partnership proposal is the next step in the process, formalizing concepts to align goals and gain buy-in. While it isn’t a legal contract, it’s often a precursor to one.

business proposal writer cover letter

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Types of Business Partnerships

Before creating a business partnership proposal, it’s important to understand which type of partnership you want to pursue.

General Business Partnership

When two or more individuals enter a business agreement and share unlimited liability, you have a general business partnership. A proposal for a general business partnership should include the share of ownership, contributions of each partner, the distribution of profits and losses, and the terms for dissolution.

Joint Venture

A joint venture (JV) is an agreement between two companies to combine resources and expertise for a specific purpose. For instance, a global company might form a JV with a local company when bringing a product to a new country.

Limited Partnership

A limited partnership (LP) is a business partnership that includes at least one general partner and at least one limited partner. Limited partners have minimal liability and management oversight of the operations. An LP is common in single-purpose scenarios like a real estate transaction.

Limited Liability Partnership

The LLP structure is common in professional service fields such as law firms, doctor’s offices, and accounting. Similar to an LLC, a limited liability partnership (LLP) is an agreement between partners that grants them limited liability. LLP requirements vary by state.

Influencer Partnership

An influencer partnership is a limited-scope agreement between an influencer or creator and a brand to create and publish branded social media content.

Sponsorship Partnership

A sponsorship is a collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, or media companies where one company pays for access to promote their goods and services to the other company’s audience.

When I write proposals, I always aim to personalize each one and find the right balance between personable and professional. While the nuances of each partnership model vary, there are a few common elements that every partnership business proposal should have.

Executive Summary

Hook your reader’s attention with a summary explaining the partnership concept, key benefits, and a table of contents.

List each partner with their contact and background information. Specify the role each will have, and whether they are a general or limited partner. Make it visual, with photos or logos.

Goals and Objectives

All good partnerships start with shared goals. Explain your goals and dreams for the partnership, from a high-level vision to specific objectives.

Share who your audience is and any key demographics. Make sure that your audience will fit with the partner’s audience, and vice-versa. An audience is a key selling point for partners, especially with influencer or sponsorship partnerships. Some brands go as far as account mapping to identify customer overlap, but general audience data can be as effective.

Scope of Work

Next, define the scope of work and projects to be covered with the partnership. If this is for a limited-scope project like an influencer collaboration, give a precise breakdown of project steps. If this is for a general partnership, JV, or LP, list target activities and deliverables and who is responsible for each. Give timelines as appropriate.

Benefits and Challenges

If you’ve ever written a business plan, you’re likely already familiar with the SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats). Similar to this, give an abbreviated analysis of:

  • Challenges that will need to be tackled.
  • Benefits to the collaboration.
  • Market research and industry analysis.

Legal and Financial Information

Propose terms and conditions for the partnership, like payment and revenue-sharing structures. Spell out who will own intellectual property generated by the company and how royalties will be distributed. Address how disputes or a partnership dissolution would be handled. ​​

To test this out, I wrote a general partnership proposal between a web designer and a web developer who want to team up to start a website studio. I used HubSpot’s partnership business proposal template to build a professional proposal outlining the partnership benefits and structure.

Creating a compelling partnership proposal requires a clear understanding of your potential partner's needs and how your collaboration can meet those needs. To simplify this process and ensure you have all the required information, consider using HubSpot Sales Software . This tool can help you gather insights, track interactions, and manage your proposal process more efficiently.

Here are the steps I took to create the proposal.

1. Outline the Benefits

To convince your partner, make the case why it’s worth them sharing their time (and profits) with you.

I started my proposal with an executive summary envisioning why the partnership would appeal to future clients. That leads into a “Benefits of Collaboration” section where I clearly outline the mutual advantages.

Partnership proposal summary and benefits

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This sample cover letter is tailored for business students seeking internships or entry-level positions. Mark Keting’s letter exemplifies how to effectively communicate enthusiasm for a role, highlight relevant academic and work experiences, and align personal skills with the prospective employer’s needs. By detailing his coursework in marketing and customer service experience, Mark demonstrates his readiness to contribute to “Enterprise Holdings, Inc.” This cover letter is a valuable template for business students aiming to create a persuasive and professional application that stands out to hiring managers.

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COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Winning Proposal Cover Letter (5 Examples)

    Step 1: Read the RFP Cover to Cover. This step seems obvious, but it's surprising how many teams skip it. You must read the RFP thoroughly, from cover to cover, before beginning your letter. While reading, take note of any recurring themes from your prospect. Perhaps they focus on quality of design and ease of use.

  2. How To Write a Proposal Cover Letter (With an Example)

    Here are some steps for how to write a proposal cover letter: 1. Include contact information. It's important that you include your contact information, your name, email, phone number, and the contact information of your organization, its name, email, phone number, website and even social media pages. This is because the reader of your proposal ...

  3. How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter: Examples + Free Template

    Proposal cover letters are brief overviews that introduce the more in-depth content of a proposal. Cover letters are normally the first page of a proposal, making them the first impression you will give and your first opportunity to convince the reader to work with you. These letters directly communicate with the client and set the stage for ...

  4. How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter (Examples + Templates)

    A proposal cover letter example that will help you answer any RFP. How to write a proposal cover letter in 8 simple steps. Proposal cover letter writing tips and hacks to boost your chances of closing the deal. You might be too busy to have a brainstorming session on how to impress your future business partners.

  5. 2024 Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example (+Free Tools & Guidance)

    A cover letter for proposal writers should include the following elements: 1. Introduction: This should include a brief introduction of yourself or your organization, your role, and a brief overview of the proposal. It should also include the name of the recipient or organization you are sending the proposal to. 2.

  6. Write a Stellar Proposal Cover Letter

    7 steps to write a proposal cover letter. The compact nature of the proposal cover letter makes it difficult to fit everything in one or two pages. Good writers are valuable assets in these instances. Every proposal cover letter should contain the following sections: Thank the issuer (and broker, where applicable) for the opportunity.

  7. 5 Simple Steps to Writing a Better Proposal Cover Letter…

    From job applications to business proposals, writing a good cover letter, executive summary, or some other introduction isn't easy. So, this post will give you an easy-to-follow five-step process to create a killer CUSTOMIZED cover letter for every proposal you send out. A proposal cover letter is important.

  8. How To Write a Killer Proposal Cover Letter

    If you received a formal request for proposal (RFP), you'll know exactly who to address. Once you do that, highlight your reason for sending the proposal - i.e. the problem at hand and your solution for it. As you can see in our proposal letter template, you should keep it brief and get straight to your points.

  9. How To Write a Proposal Cover Letter

    Send your client a list with all your queries. Once you understand all these problems and find the right answers, you are ready to proceed. Here is a general structure that most cover letters should follow: 1. The opening sentence. First things first, you should open your proposal cover letter with the right question.

  10. How to Write a Proposal Cover Letter

    How to Write Proposal Cover Letters. Use a Letterhead. Take advantage of the letterhead provided by your organization. Make sure that the cover letter and the completed grant application both have the exact date on them. This is the day on which you will submit your grant proposal to the recipient. Using the precise date on all of the papers in ...

  11. Professional Proposal Writer Cover Letter Examples

    Keyla Gallegos. City, State, Zip Code. Home : 000-000-0000 Cell: 000-000-0000. [email protected]. Dear Mr. McDaniels, I read your recent listing in today's newspaper for a Proposal Writer. It would be exciting to be considered for the position. I am enclosing my resume for your convenience. You will see that in the field of business and ...

  12. 4 Tips To Creating a Proposal Cover Letter (& Templates)

    Step 3: Share how you'll work towards their goal. The next section of the cover letter will outline how you plan to approach their challenge. Now, remember, this isn't where you get into the nitty-gritty. This is just a high-level overview of your plan of attack. Specific details will be broken out in your proposal.

  13. How To Write an Effective Cover Letter for Your Proposal

    A proposal cover letter should be concise, no longer than one page. Use strong and compelling language to make an impact in a short amount of space. Your letter shouldn't be longer than your proposal, as the focus should be on the proposal and not overshadowed by a lengthy cover letter. A strong call to action.

  14. Business Cover Letter Example & How-To Guide in 2024

    Top ↑ Business Cover Letter Example 5 Steps for the Perfect Business Cover Letter #1. Put Contact Information in the Header #2. Address the Hiring Manager #3. Write an Eye-Catching Opening Statement #4. Use the Cover Letter Body for the Details #5. Wrap It Up and Sign It 3 Essential Business Cover Letter Tips #1.

  15. Business Proposal Cover Letter

    Aside from all the necessary parts like the address, greetings, closings, etc. it is important to know the major structure of a cover letter for your business proposal. 1. Introduction. It is the most important part of you letter. It is the hook and it should immediately capture the reader's attention.

  16. Proposal Writer Cover Letter Examples

    Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example (Text Version) Dear Mr./Ms., I saw your advertisement for a Proposal Writer in the ABC Newspaper and would like to be considered for this role. For your convenience, I've added my resume along with this letter. With my Bachelor's degree in creative writing and 4 years of proposal writing experience, I am ...

  17. Free Cover Letter Samples for Business Proposal

    A cover letter for a business proposal is an important part of the bidding process. It allows you to address the reader directly, and it gives them an idea of what they can expect from your proposal. When writing a cover letter for a proposal, make sure to start with an introduction that grabs their attention. Then, provide a summary of the ...

  18. Proposal Writer Cover Letter Example

    555-555-5555. [email protected]. Boston, MA, United States of America. 18 February 2021. Application for Proposal Writer. Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to express my interest in the Proposal Writer position at your organization. With 4 years of experience in producing proposals for environmental, civil engineering, and infrastructure ...

  19. How To Write A Business Proposal Cover Letter

    1. Write the header. Include your name and contact information in the header. The contact information here should have your telephone/mobile number, email address, physical address as well as employer - if there's one. 2. Address to the actual person. It is critical that you express your professionalism by addressing the business proposal ...

  20. How To Write a Business Proposal Letter (With Examples)

    1. Create a business header. Write your contact information at the top of the letter followed by the date. Then add the contact information of the recipient. If you're sending an email proposal, you'll use a subject line with your name and general purpose instead of a business header. 2.

  21. 5 Steps to Writing a Business Plan Cover Letter [+…

    Step 2. Write a strong introduction paragraph for your cover letter. Now it's time to write the perfect cover letter. While your cover letter will summarize a variety of points, the first paragraph should have a clear focus. It shouldn't bounce all over the place, but should make a single compelling argument.

  22. 18 Effective Business Proposal Cover Letter Samples

    Close your letter. Conclude your proposal letter by expressing your gratitude to the recipient for their time. Also, encourage them to contact you should they need any clarification. Use a professional ending clause such as sincerely or regards. This should then be followed by a comma, then sign and your name.

  23. Proposal Cover Letter

    Hook them and make sure they give their full attention to your cover letter. 2. Set The Vibe. Professionals often doubt the people who claim to have the answer that even they don't. The main goal of your business proposal is to persuade your prospects and give them the confidence that you have a complete grasp of the situation.

  24. How to write a business proposal: tips from a business owner

    It's important to use every page in your business proposal to your advantage. 2. Cover letter. ... include a letter outlining your business and your proposal, keeping it friendly and positive in tone. ... There are a few basic questions to ask when writing a business proposal. They may seem obvious, but it's always worth double-checking. ...

  25. How to Write a Partnership Proposal [Examples + Template]

    Components of a Partnership Proposal. When I write proposals, I always aim to personalize each one and find the right balance between personable and professional. While the nuances of each partnership model vary, there are a few common elements that every partnership business proposal should have. Executive Summary

  26. Free online cover letter generator

    Finally, you don't have to build anything from scratch. That's always the most difficult part. And now it's the part you can just skip. Our free cover letter templates are ready to use and fill in with minimal effort. The attention-grabbing beautiful designs and organized structure have been tested and vetted.

  27. Business Sample Cover Letter

    This sample cover letter is tailored for business students seeking internships or entry-level positions. Mark Keting's letter exemplifies how to effectively communicate enthusiasm for a role, highlight relevant academic and work experiences, and align personal skills with the prospective employer's needs.

  28. How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

    Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you're applying for an assistant job that ...