How to Make Your Resumes Ready Before the RFP Drops

Several years ago, I received an urgent call from a prime contractor on a large IDIQ contract. They asked if I could send over 24 resumes immediately to accommodate a surge in requirements. Thankfully, our resumes were updated regularly and required minimal revision, and we were awarded additional seats on the contract. With RFPs now sliding to the right, there’s no better time to update resumes for upcoming proposals.   

Why keep your resume database updated?  

Maintaining updated resumes is vital for effectively sourcing the most qualified candidates for proposal submissions. Keeping resumes current allows you to quickly identify employees who have recently acquired new certifications or are already performing tasks that align with the RFP requirements. Without regular updates, you may overlook candidates who could exceed the necessary qualifications. Here’s what a current resume database achieves:  

• Reflects Recent Experience: Continuously updating the resumes in your database ensures it captures the latest job roles, achievements, and skills, showcasing the most current capabilities to potential employers. 
• Improves Competitive Edge: A current resume can strengthen your advantage, particularly in competitive bidding scenarios for proposals, where recent achievements can set you apart. 
• Saves Time in Emergencies: Having an up-to-date resume reduces stress and pressure when unexpected proposal opportunities arise, allowing for quick and efficient submissions. 
• Showcases Skill Evolution: Skills can evolve over time, and new ones can emerge. Regularly updated resumes highlight these developments, aligning expertise with current industry trends. 
• Increases Accuracy: Frequent updates help maintain the accuracy of employment dates, job titles, and responsibilities, preventing errors and inconsistencies. 
• Enhances Alignment to Proposals: Tailoring your resume for specific proposals becomes faster and more straightforward when the foundational document is current. 

Suggestions for Resume Updates: 

1. Job Descriptions: Regularly revise job descriptions to accurately articulate employee contributions and accomplishments in each role. 
2. Skills Section: Ensure the skills are current by removing outdated proficiencies and adding new, relevant ones. 
3. Certifications and Training: Include any new certifications or courses that might be pertinent to the target proposal or field. 
4. Projects and Accomplishments: Highlight significant endeavors and contributions to past projects, quantifying achievements whenever possible to add impact. 
5. Industry-Specific Language: Adjust terminology and language to meet industry standards, particularly for government contracts where precise language is crucial. 

Tailoring the Resume for the RFP 

While traditional resumes are developed to obtain a job, RFP resumes need to demonstrate how the individual’s experience satisfies the requirements of the RFP. When revising a resume to meet RFP requirements, it is crucial to ensure that each resume not only reflects professional achievements but also aligns with the specific objectives and terminology of the RFP.  Note the specific skills, qualifications, educational requirements, and experiences required in the RFP and demonstrate how the candidate’s experience aligns with project requirements. 

Resume Template: 

• Follow the formatting guidelines specifiedin the RFP, if any.  
• Choose a clear, professional layout that facilitates easy reading and assessment. 
• Ensure consistency in font, spacing, and sectioning.  

Conclusion 

Maintaining an up-to-date resume database is a strategic imperative for organizations aiming to excel in government contracting and proposals. Regularly updating resumes enhances your ability to present highly qualified candidates quickly and accurately, thereby sharpening your competitive edge and ensuring alignment with RFP requirements.  

Proactive preparation and meticulous attention to resume details can notably improve your proposal submissions and boost your organization’s credibility and success. At Lohfeld Consulting, our expert resume writers are poised to help you develop or revise resumes for proposals. Contact us today to begin preparing now for your next proposal! 

Relevant Information 

• Pinpoint Your Proposal Review Focus for Winning Results 

• How to Manage Large Teams with Winning Strategies Now 

• VIDEO: Seven Tips to Quickly Improve Your Writing Quality 

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).