Ever looked at a job ad and thought, “I could do this, but it’s not exactly in my wheelhouse?” Or you may have encountered an enticing project opportunity, but the ‘Call for Proposals’ left you in a cold sweat, wondering how to convey your enthusiasm effectively. In both cases, knowing how to write an Expression of Interest (EOI) can be your secret weapon to seize those golden opportunities.
Remember those times when you were desperate to impress that someone? You tried to show them how much you were into them without sounding desperate or creepy. The same subtlety goes into crafting an EOI. It’s less of a corporate mambo-jumbo and more of a strategic wooing game.
Who am I to throw you into the corporate dating arena without assistance? I’m here to help you decode the not-so-mystical art of writing an EOI because, let’s face it, life is too short for missed opportunities.
Think of an EOI as your chance to flirt with an opportunity without full commitment. It’s your informal pitch, where you showcase your interest and qualifications for a job, project, or tender, even before they’re fully detailed. An EOI is an excellent tool to get your foot in the door, ensuring your name is in the hat when formal procedures kick-off.
A recent LinkedIn survey showed that 65% of hiring managers positively view candidates who express preliminary interest through an EOI. Now, you might wonder, “Why is that?” Well, it’s all about initiative and enthusiasm, my friend.
Consider this: If you’re running a business, wouldn’t you prefer a proactive employee who shows genuine interest and makes an effort to understand your needs?
EOI writing is a delicate balance between being a go-getter and not coming off as an over-eager beaver.
Before you start waxing lyrical about your qualifications, do some good old-fashioned homework about your potential employer or partner. It’s akin to stalking your crush’s social media before the first date (We’ve all been there, haven’t we?). Knowing their business needs, culture, and challenges can help you tailor your EOI to resonate with them.
Now that you know what to include, it’s time to focus on how to present it.
Striking the right tone is a tightrope walk. You want to maintain a level of professionalism without sounding robotic. Let your genuine enthusiasm shine through, but remember, this isn’t an audition for a Shakespeare play. Your EOI should be earnest, clear, and concise.
Structurally, an EOI is like a cover letter. It’s typically a one-pager but can be longer, depending on the project’s complexity or job. Ensure your EOI is visually appealing, well-structured, and devoid of grammar errors because nothing says “I’m not serious” like a hastily written document.
Power words are like the secret spices in grandma’s recipe. They evoke emotions, convey certainty, and can make your EOI compelling. Words like “unleash,” “pioneer,” “captivating,” or “breakthrough” can pack a punch if used appropriately.
Consider this hypothetical situation:
A company posts an ad seeking consultants for a sustainable tourism project. You have experience in the field but not specifically in tourism.
A weak EOI would go, “I saw your ad and think I’d be a good fit because I’ve worked in sustainable projects.”
But a killer EOI? It would look something like this:
“Having pioneered several sustainable development projects, the prospect of channelling my expertise towards sustainable tourism captivates me. My unique experience can bring fresh insights to your team and drive us towards breakthroughs in sustainable tourism.”
Notice the difference? That’s the power of a well-crafted EOI!
Writing an EOI is like crafting a poem—there’s an art to it. But unlike poetry, a lot of science is involved: understanding your audience, articulating your interest, and showcasing your skills.
Remember, the goal is to pique interest and open doors. You don’t need to lay all your cards on the table simultaneously. Create enough intrigue to invite you to the next stage, and then let your true brilliance shine.
Maintain a level of professionalism but let your personality and genuine interest shine through.
The most common mistake is being too generic. An EOI is your chance to show you’ve done your homework about the opportunity and the organization. Be specific and relevant.
To quote Mark Twain, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is … the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” So, take the time to find the “lightning” words that make your EOI stand out from the crowd. Because, let’s face it, in this game, only the standouts get the call-back. Happy writing!
Up until working with Casey, we had only had poor to mediocre experiences outsourcing work to agencies. Casey & the team at CJ&CO are the exception to the rule.
Communication was beyond great, his understanding of our vision was phenomenal, and instead of needing babysitting like the other agencies we worked with, he was not only completely dependable but also gave us sound suggestions on how to get better results, at the risk of us not needing him for the initial job we requested (absolute gem).
This has truly been the first time we worked with someone outside of our business that quickly grasped our vision, and that I could completely forget about and would still deliver above expectations.
I honestly can't wait to work in many more projects together!
Disclaimer
*The information this blog provides is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. The information may not reflect current developments and may be changed or updated without notice. Any opinions expressed on this blog are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization. You should not act or rely on any information contained in this blog without first seeking the advice of a professional. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this blog. The author and affiliated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions.