Proposal Manager Resume Example
Working as a proposal manager can provide a rewarding career, involving leading proposal development and coordinating cross-functional teams. A professional resume for proposal manager applications will showcase your relevant skills and career achievements, to help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we'll outline how to write a winning resume to boost your chances of success in your proposal manager applications.
After reading this guide, you'll know what it takes to create a resume that really stands out from other proposal manager applicants. You'll learn how to show employers you've got the relevant qualities, skills and experience for the job, all presented in a format that employers prefer to see. The article also includes tips for formatting your resume according to your experience and strengths. Read on to learn how to write a perfect proposal manager resume, from the advice of careers experts at Jobseeker.
What to include in a proposal manager resume
Most resumes contain similar key sections, with a proposal manager resume being no different.
If you're applying for an entry-level proposal manager role and have limited relevant experience, consider using a skills-based, or functional resume format. The layout emphasizes your skills and education above your work experience. Furthermore, a junior resume is more likely to focus on soft and transferable skills, as well as relevant training, internships and volunteer roles.
If you have some experience as a proposal manager, use a traditional, reverse-chronological resume format and focus on showing how you've used the skills required for the job in your career to date. By using this resume format you can focus on showing how your experience has helped you develop the required skills for the job. Review the job description to understand which key skills and experience to focus on.
If you're applying for senior proposal manager positions, you'll want to list career achievements and successes that emphasize your senior status. Use a reverse-chronological format and add extra sections to show key career highlights. It's likely that your senior resume will be longer than a standard resume of one-to-two pages. This is because you'll be listing additional achievements beyond your work experience, such as awards, publications and professional memberships.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Resume Header with Contact Details
Your proposal manager resume header should contain your name and contact details. These include your email address and phone number. If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can also add that, to give employers the chance to learn more about your skills and experience. It's not necessary to include a photo or any other personal information. Be aware of the amount of space your resume header takes up. You don't want your contact details to take space away from the main content of your resume, so keep this section as brief as possible.
Make sure your email address appears as professional as possible, and doesn't include anything like nicknames, inappropriate language or personal information. If it does, set up a new email account with an address based on your name or initials, and use that for your job applications. Always double-check your contact details are up-to-date before sending your resume.
Avery Morris
avery.morris@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom, CA
linkedin․com/in/avery–morris123
Resume Summary
In your resume summary, write a short paragraph that highlights two or three of your key achievements and skills for proposal manager roles. You could also call this section 'resume objective' or 'personal profile'. A resume summary covers your career experience to date, while a resume objective focuses more on your ambitions for the future. Additionally, make sure your resume summary reflects the job description and focuses on qualities that are relevant to working as a proposal manager.
Alternatively, use this summary to introduce your personal career ambitions and explain why proposal manager roles are a good fit for you at this stage of your career.
The best resume summaries reflect the job description and focus on qualities that are relevant to working as a proposal manager, while highlighting elements of your personality that make you an ideal candidate. They also quantify the information provided with evidence. The graphic below showcases some good examples of what to include in your proposal manager resume summary.
Good example:
Dynamic and results-oriented Proposal Manager with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and extensive experience as a Bid Manager. Demonstrated expertise in managing the full proposal lifecycle, including strategic planning, proposal development, and submission. Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams to secure high-value contracts and driving process improvements to enhance efficiency and win rates. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with a keen ability to align proposals with client needs and company objectives
Bad example:
Proposal manager with some background in business and handling bids. Worked on proposals from start to finish, including planning and submitting them. Led teams to get contracts and tried to make processes better. Have skills in analysis, organization, and communication, with a focus on matching proposals to what clients and the company want
On the other hand, an unsuccessful resume summary is one that mentions irrelevant skills, qualities and achievements and fails to differentiate you from other candidates. The graphic above shows some of the pitfalls to avoid when creating your resume summary.
Work Experience
In your work experience section, list any previous relevant roles you've worked in, as well as your key achievements as a proposal manager. List each relevant role in reverse-chronological order starting with your current or most recent role. Add your job title, the organization name, its location and the dates you worked there.
Also include some bullet points for each job mentioned, showcasing your achievements so the employer can see the impact you made on the company. Pay attention to the job description and make sure each point is relevant to proposal manager roles.
An effective resume work experience section is one that constantly echoes the skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you used your skills to positive effect in each job. Each bullet point should be carefully crafted to showcase a particular skill or achievement relevant to proposal manager jobs, with evidence to show the value you added. Take a look at the examples below for some guidance on what works best for your work experience section.
Good example:
Bid Manager, January 2022 - Present
Horizon Strategies Ltd, Phoenix
- Secured $50M in new contracts by leading cross-functional teams to develop compelling, winning bids for high-stakes projects
- Achieved a 75% win rate on submitted proposals by optimizing bid strategies and improving response quality
- Reduced proposal turnaround time by 30% through process streamlining and implementation of advanced project management tools
Bad example:
Bid Manager, January 2022 - Present
Horizon Strategies Ltd, Phoenix
- Managed various projects and collaborated with different departments to achieve company goals
- Played a key role in enhancing team performance and productivity
- Contributed to the development of successful business strategies and proposals
In the graphic above, you'll see some examples of less effective resume work experience sections. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.
Education
In this section list any educational qualifications or degrees that are relevant to proposal manager roles.
To work as a proposal manager, employers tend to require candidates to have a specialist degree, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). If you have this degree, focus on it in your education section, while also mentioning any educational achievements that show your budgeting and forecasting or CRM software proficiency.
Include any qualifications relevant to the role. For each, add the name and level of the award, the institution name, its location and your dates of study. You can enhance this section by adding bullet points that show any outstanding grades, awards or achievements and any specialist subjects you studied. These details can make you stand out from other candidates.
If you were a member of any clubs or societies, or volunteered for any causes while studying, you could also mention these in your education section.
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, 2017 - 2020
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
Skills
Adding a list of your key skills provides a quick reference for the reader of what you can bring to a proposal manager role. Skills such as proposal writing proficiency or attention to detail are particularly useful for proposal manager jobs. Again, refer to the job description and make sure you include skills that the employer has listed as essential or desirable for employment as a proposal manager.
Listing hard skills on your proposal manager resume
For your hard skills list, include any technical abilities or specific industry knowledge that's essential to working as a proposal manager. These could be skills gained through work experience or qualifications. Furthermore, it's important to show these skills in a proposal manager resume as they provide a strong indication of your experience in the sector. Add up to five key hard skills that show you're an ideal candidate for the role. It can also be beneficial to add context to each skill, showing how you've used it to positive effect in your career to date.
For an effective resume hard skills section, focus on the technical skills that are most essential in the job description, and that match your specific expertise. Some examples of the best hard skills for a proposal manager resume are listed below.
- Proposal writing proficiency
- Project management skills
- RFP analysis expertise
Listing soft skills on your proposal manager resume
Soft skills are the personal skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the job. They include transferable skills and strengths that help you settle into the role, adapt to new challenges and build effective working relationships. Indeed, as the nature of work changes, soft skills are growing in importance, so make sure you include them in your resume. It's best to aim for four or five soft skills that match the job description and reflect your strongest personal qualities.
A good soft skills section would include skills that match the job description, and also reflect your key strengths and qualities. See the graphic below for an indication of what to include in a strong soft skills section for a proposal manager resume.
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Time management
Certifications and Training
Under certifications and licenses, add any further qualifications that show you're a good fit for the job. You could list accreditations for certain professional roles or licenses for certain activities that help to make you a strong candidate. Therefore, add any professional licenses or certifications, along with valid dates that show they're still valid.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for a proposal manager resume:
- PMP Certification, 2022
- APMP Certification, 2022
- CPP Certification, 2022
Jobseeker Tip:
Optional Sections
In addition to the core sections of a proposal manager resume, there are several optional sections you could include to enhance your chances. Choose any optional sections that showcase essential or desirable skills or experience for proposal manager jobs.
Personal Hobbies and Interests
Add any hobbies and interests that reinforce your credentials for the position. These are particularly useful for your resume if you're short of work experience and need to showcase a particular skill or experience. Don't include hobbies and interests in your resume unless they showcase a specific interest or aspect of your personality. You'll want them to add something to your application that you can't add elsewhere.
Volunteering
Listing volunteer work is another useful way to prove your relevant experience for proposal manager roles. Include the title of your volunteer role, who you volunteered for, as well as the dates you carried out the work. Provide brief details of your responsibilities and the impact you made.
References
References aren't a standard proposal manager resume section, but employers do sometimes ask for them. Check the job advert and only include them if requested. Only include referees that you've had prior approval from, and notify them to expect contact from the employer.
References are available upon request.
Best words to use in a proposal manager resume
Using strong action verbs in your work experience bullet points can make a stronger impression on employers and show the value you added to your previous roles. Add strong verbs from the list below to create a greater impact with your work experience section.
- Coordinate
- Develop
- Lead
- Analyze
- Strategize
- Manage
- Facilitate
- Organize
- Evaluate
- Implement
For help creating an eye-catching resume design to catch the attention of hiring managers, see Jobseeker's professional resume layouts. You can also use our clear, effective cover letter templates to complete your application.
Sample proposal manager resume
The proposal manager resume example below includes all the sections above, so you can see how a completed resume looks:
124 Conch Street, Bikini Bottom, CA
•
avery.morris@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/avery–morris123
Experienced Proposal Manager with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and a proven track record as a Proposal Development Manager. Skilled in leading cross-functional teams to develop compelling proposals, managing the end-to-end proposal process, and driving successful bid strategies. Adept at analyzing RFP requirements, optimizing proposal content, and ensuring compliance with client specifications. Strong organizational, communication, and project management abilities, with a focus on delivering high-quality proposals that win business
Proposal Development Manager
2020
-2022
InnovatePro Solutions (Philadelphia)
- Spearheaded cross-functional team to secure $10M in funding, increasing company revenue by 15% within one fiscal year
- Developed and implemented a proposal strategy that achieved a 75% win rate, surpassing industry average by 20%
- Managed the successful delivery of 50+ high-value proposals annually, ensuring all deadlines and client requirements were met
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
2017
-2020
American University (Washington, D.C)
Proposal writing proficiency
Project management skills
RFP analysis expertise
Attention to detail
Strong communication skills
Time management
PMP Certification
APMP Certification
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Tips for proposal manager resumes
Tips for best resume practices
- Thoroughly proofread your resume before you send it, to make sure it's free from errors in spelling or grammar.
- Adapt your resume for every job application for maximum impact. Review the job description to understand the specific requirements for the role.
- Include your educational achievements, including any impressive grades. Focus on the most relevant qualifications for the role.
- Showcase your key skills throughout your resume, as well as in your dedicated skills list, with each skill reflecting the job description.
- Aim for a brief, concise proposal manager resume. One page is ideal for junior roles, while two pages are more suitable for senior positions.
Pitfalls to avoid with your resume writing
- Don't exaggerate, lie or hide details about yourself as these can all undermine your chances of success with proposal manager applications.
- Don't clutter your document by trying to add too many details. Focus on core proposal manager skills and achievements that are relevant to the role.
- Don't forget to review your contact information before sending your resume, to ensure it's all up-to-date.
- Don't list work experience that has no relation to the role you're applying for. It wastes space and is unlikely to impress hiring managers.
- Don't list personal details such as your age, gender or a photo, unless these are necessary for the role. They can lead to hiring bias.
Tips on creating an ATS-optimized resume
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. When you're writing your proposal manager resume, there are several things you can do to make sure your resume stands the best chance of passing the ATS stage.
Follow these simple rules when writing your resume, to make sure it's ATS compliant:
- Choose a resume structure that matches the traditional, reverse-chronological layout or alternatively, the functional resume structure. This should make your resume more readable for ATS applications.
- Add keywords throughout your resume that help ATS software match your application to the job description. A higher match means your application is more likely to proceed to be reviewed by human eyes.
- Include clear headings in each section that match the traditional resume structure and format. This will make it easier for the ATS software to scan your resume.
- Adopt a clean, unfussy design that gives your content enough white space to breathe. Use professional, readable fonts and subtle use of color and other design elements.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
If you're looking for inspiration for your resume, discover our comprehensive resume examples and in-depth, expert career blog.
Frequently Asked Questions about a proposal manager resume
Accompanying your resume for proposal manager applications, you'll want to produce a cover letter that similarly leaves a positive impression on hiring managers.
Check the job description to see whether a full, formal cover letter is necessary. In some situations, it might be more suitable to simply send a brief email to introduce yourself and accompany your resume.
A full, formal cover letter follows a traditional letter-writing structure and format. Add your header, the recipient's address an use professional greetings and sign-offs. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and confirm the role you're applying for, along with your reasons for applying. Next, outline your key skills and achievements that are most relevant to the proposal manager job description. Finish by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and adding a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to contact you for further information.
Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates were created by experts to help you make a strong impression with your applications. Follow the simple steps to create a winning cover letter today.
Writing a proposal manager resume with no experience needn't be a daunting task. There are still plenty of ways to impress hiring managers with your resume. Select a resume format that emphasizes your skills and education over your work experience, such as a functional format. Additional resume sections such as volunteer work, hobbies and interests, certifications and internships can all help you showcase your relevant skills. These can be more prominent in your resume if you haven't got a lot of work experience.
A strong resume headline can give the reader an immediate idea of your suitability for proposal manager jobs. Resume headlines are also a powerful way of increasing your resume's chances of passing the ATS stage. They reference the job title and some of the keywords that match the job description. Write a short, snappy heading for your resume including the job title and a reference to your experience, your track record or one or two of your key skills.
You can use this example resume headline as a template for creating your own:
- Junior Proposal Manager Enthusiastically Driven
- Expert Proposal and Bid Manager
- Senior Proposal Management Expert
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. For roles where you're lacking experience, such as graduate jobs or career changes, you could use a functional or skills-based resume format. This places your skills and education above your work experience. Once you have some relevant work experience, and for senior positions, a reverse chronological resume format is typically best. This emphasizes your work experience, which will probably be the key thing employers want to know about.
Key takeaways for your proposal manager resume
Writing a strong, impactful resume is about using your experience to demonstrate your relevant skills and achievements. You can do this through your work history or other resume sections. Pick a resume format that matches your experience levels, and tailor the content of your resume to reflect the details of the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. A stylish, professional cover letter can make all the difference to your job prospects. See Jobseeker's cover letter examples, written by careers experts, to help you craft an eye-catching application.
Sources:
(1) Tips for Writing a Federal Resume, U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/tips-for-writing-a-federal-resume
(2) Resume Tips, Duke University: https://careerhub.students.duke.edu/resources/resume-tips/
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