How do you contribute to strategy sessions to identify effective proposal strategies and themes? Can you share an example?

Sample answer to the question

In strategy sessions, I actively contribute by offering my insights and ideas on effective proposal strategies and themes. I draw from my experience in writing successful proposals and my understanding of the bidding process and procurement regulations. One example of this is when I participated in a strategy session for a major government contract. I proposed a theme highlighting our company's past performance and expertise in working with government agencies. This theme resonated with the client and set us apart from our competitors. As a result, we won the contract and successfully delivered the project on time and within budget.

A more solid answer

In strategy sessions, I actively contribute by leveraging my strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities to identify effective proposal strategies and themes. Drawing from my experience in managing proposal teams, I ensure that all perspectives and ideas are considered. For example, in a recent strategy session, we were tasked with proposing a solution for a complex project. I proposed a comprehensive strategy that focused on addressing the client's specific pain points and aligning our proposal with their goals. This approach resulted in a compelling proposal that stood out from the competition and ultimately led to winning the project.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer expands on the basic answer by providing more specific details and examples. It highlights the candidate's strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, as well as their experience in managing proposal teams. However, it could still benefit from further elaboration on how the candidate communicates and collaborates with others in strategy sessions.

An exceptional answer

In strategy sessions, I actively contribute by applying my strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities to identify effective proposal strategies and themes. I take a collaborative approach, facilitating discussions and encouraging diverse perspectives from the team. For instance, in a recent strategy session, we were working on a proposal for a high-profile client. I suggested conducting market research to understand the client's industry landscape and competitors, which would enable us to tailor our proposal to their specific needs and stand out from the competition. This approach not only impressed the client but also demonstrated our commitment to delivering a customized solution. As a result, we secured the contract, exceeding our revenue targets by 25%.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing more details on how the candidate collaborates and communicates with others in strategy sessions. It also showcases their ability to think strategically and problem-solve. The example provided is highly specific and demonstrates the candidate's impact on the success of a proposal. Additionally, the exceptional answer highlights the candidate's ability to track and measure outcomes, which aligns with the job description's requirement of continuously improving the proposal process.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the company's past proposals and successes to draw from during strategy sessions.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and developments to offer valuable insights during discussions.
Practice your communication and presentation skills to effectively convey your ideas and proposals.
Brush up on your knowledge of the bidding process and procurement regulations to provide informed input.
Develop your problem-solving skills by actively seeking out opportunities to solve complex challenges.