In Part 1, we covered how to write a job description that attracts great bid writers and where to find them. Now, it’s time to test whether your candidates have the qualities and aptitudes that make a bid writer truly stand out. Bid writing requires a unique conbination of storytelling ability, collaboration skills, and resilience under pressure. 

 

1. How to Test Writing and Storytelling Skills for Bid Writers

A great bid writer isn’t just someone who can summarize information. They’re a storyteller who knows how to take technical details and turn them into a compelling narrative that resonates with clients. Here’s how you can assess bid writing skills effectively: 

Mock Bid Exercise 

Start with a mock bid scenario. Provide a brief similar to one they’d encounter in the role, and ask them to submit a written response within a limited timeframe. This tests: 

  • Pressure Handling: How do they perform when the clock is ticking? 
  • Storytelling: Are they able to transform the technical elements into a persuasive, client-focused narrative? 
  • Clarity: Is the structure logical and easy to follow? 

For example, give them a complex technical project brief and see if they can simplify the information and still keep it engaging. 

Timed Creativity Challenge 

Bid writing often involves turning dry, technical material into something engaging. To test this, give candidates a creativity challenge. Hand them a technical or niche topic – something like a new software tool or compliance process – and ask them to write a 200-word summary that makes it compelling within 30 minutes. 

This shows their ability to think on their feet and create engaging content under time pressure, which is essential in a bid-writing role. It’s a great way to spot creativity and agility. 

“Impress Me in 100 Words” Test 

For an extra twist, ask them to impress you in 100 words. Give them a prompt like, “Convince me why we should win this bid in 100 words.” This is a different way to test their ability to cut the fluff and get straight to the point, which is key for a successful bid writer. 

 

2. How to Test Bid Writers for Adaptability and Responsiveness to Feedback

Bid writing is a team effort. Bid writers must balance feedback from sales, finance, legal, and operations teams, all while keeping the bid on-message and compelling. Testing how well your candidate handles feedback is essential to evaluating their adaptability. 

Feedback Exercise 

After the candidate completes a writing task, provide them with constructive feedback – the kind they’d receive from different departments. Ask them to revise the task based on that input. This tests: 

  • Flexibility: Can they incorporate feedback without losing the key message? 
  • Improvement: Do they make the bid stronger based on your suggestions? 

The best bid writers know how to adapt their work while maintaining the core strengths of the bid. Watch how well they handle constructive criticism – do they embrace the feedback or struggle to make changes? 

Role-Playing a Client Meeting 

Simulate a client meeting where you, as the “client,” provide conflicting feedback or changing demands. Ask the candidate to revise a section of the bid based on the client’s new requirements. This shows if they can handle shifting priorities and still deliver a persuasive, client-focused bid. 

This also tests their communication skills in handling real-time feedback from stakeholders – crucial for collaborative environments. 

Persuasion Showdown 

In this creative exercise, present two different bids – one that’s highly technical but dry, and another that’s engaging but light on technical detail. Ask the candidate to argue which bid should win and why. This tests their understanding of balance between technical accuracy and engagement and whether they can persuade based on the strengths of a bid. 

 

3. Assessing Resilience and Stamina in Bid Writers

Bid writing can be a tough, high-pressure role. Tight deadlines, last-minute changes, and the demands of managing multiple bids can test even the most resilient candidates. It’s important to assess whether your candidate has the resilience to handle the demands of the job. 

Ask About Deadline Pressure 

During the interview, ask how they’ve handled tight deadlines in previous roles. What strategies do they use to manage their time under pressure? How do they stay organized when working on multiple bids at once? 

For example: “Tell me about a time you had to juggle multiple projects on tight deadlines. How did you prioritize, and what were the results?” 

This will help you gauge whether they have the mental resilience to manage deadlines while maintaining high-quality work. At the same time, make it clear that your company supports mental well-being – resilience isn’t about burning out but about using the right strategies to stay productive and ask for help when needed. 

Bounce-Back from Setbacks 

In bid writing, losing is part of the game. Ask candidates how they’ve handled losing bids in the past: 

  • Did they see it as a learning experience? 
  • How did they use feedback to improve on the next bid? 

This will show their ability to bounce back from setbacks and improve for the future. A good question to ask might be: “Can you tell me about a bid you lost? How did you handle it, and what changes did you make afterward?” 

The ability to learn and adapt from losses is a strong indicator of long-term success. 

 

4. How to Test for Passion and a Competitive Edge in Bid Writers

At the heart of bid writing is the desire to win. The best bid writers are competitive and driven by the thrill of seeing their work lead to success. 

Why Words Matter 

Ask the candidate why they love writing. A truly great bid writer will be able to talk about how they love the challenge of turning complex ideas into clear, persuasive stories. Their answer should reveal a genuine passion for writing, not just checking off tasks. 

For example: “Tell me about a piece of writing you’re proud of. Why was it important to you, and what impact did it have?” 

This will help you see if they get excited about the craft of writing and thrive on turning complex information into something powerful. 

Competitive Edge Role-Play 

Present them with a scenario where they have to defend their bid in a role-play. Ask them to argue why their bid should win over a competitor’s. This is a great way to see if they have that competitive streak — the drive to win that can push them to go the extra mile. 

You’ll be able to assess their strategic thinking, persuasiveness, and their ability to think on their feet, which is often crucial in bid writing. 

 

How to Test Bid Writers for Success 

Testing for the qualities and aptitudes that make a great bid writer goes beyond checking off a list of skills. By getting creative with mock bids, feedback exercises, and quirky challenges, you’ll find the right candidate who can handle the real-world demands of bid writing. 

And once you’ve built your team, why not give them the tools to win even more contracts?  

AutogenAI provides AI-powered writing tools that help bid writers refine their responses, improve writing quality, and create bids that resonate with clients. Whether it’s real-time feedback on clarity or help with structuring compelling narratives, AutogenAI enhances your team’s ability to deliver winning bids. 

Boost your bid-writing team’s efficiency and effectiveness with AutogenAI today.