01 — Read the Project Carefully
Understand the project before you apply
Before writing your proposal, read the entire project description.
Pay attention to:
- ERP platform and version
- Required skills
- Project scope
- Expected deliverables
- Budget
- Timeline
- Project type
- Milestones
- Client requirements
Your proposal should respond to the actual project — not just repeat a generic introduction.
02 — Start Your Proposal With the Client
Show that you understand their problem
Avoid starting every proposal with a long description about yourself.
Instead, begin by showing that you understand what the client needs.
For example:
"I understand that you need to customize your Odoo 19 Sales and Inventory workflows and integrate them with your existing e-commerce platform."
This immediately tells the client that you have actually read the project.
03 — Explain Why You Are a Good Match
Connect your experience to the project
Don't simply list every skill you have.
Focus on the experience that is relevant to this specific project.
For example:
Instead of:
"I know Python, JavaScript, Odoo, PostgreSQL, Docker, Git, Linux..."
Try:
"I have experience developing custom Odoo modules using Python and PostgreSQL, including Sales and Inventory customizations and third-party API integrations."
Show the client the connection between your experience and their requirements.
04 — Show Your Previous Work
Don't just tell them. Show them.
If you have relevant previous work, include it with your proposal.
You can share:
- Portfolio projects
- Screenshots
- Demo links
- GitHub repositories
- Documentation
- Case studies
- Websites or applications you developed
- ERP implementations
- Relevant modules or integrations
Only share work that you are allowed to share.
If the previous project contains confidential information, remove private data or use an anonymized example.
05 — Add Certifications When Relevant
If you have a certification that is relevant to the project, mention it.
For example:
- Odoo Certification
- SAP Certification
- NetSuite Certification
- Microsoft Certification
- Cloud Certification
- Professional ERP training
You don't need to attach every certificate you have.
Include the certifications that support your qualifications for the specific project.
06 — Explain Your Approach
Tell the client how you would start
You don't need to provide a complete technical solution before being hired.
Instead, briefly explain how you would approach the project.
For example:
1. Understand the existing environment
2. Review the requirements
3. Identify technical dependencies
4. Develop or configure the required solution
5. Test the implementation
6. Deploy and document the result
This gives the client confidence that you have thought about the project.
07 — Ask Smart Questions
Show that you are thinking about the project
If something is unclear, ask a relevant question.
For example:
- Which ERP version are you currently using?
- Is the existing system already customized?
- Do you have access to a staging environment?
- Which external systems need to be integrated?
- Do you already have technical documentation?
- How many users will use the system?
- Is the project currently in development or production?
Good questions can help both sides understand the project before work begins.
08 — Be Clear About Your Availability
Tell the client when you can start
Include relevant information about your availability.
For example:
- Available immediately
- Available from a specific date
- 10 hours per week
- 20 hours per week
- Full-time
- Part-time
If the project requires meetings or specific working hours, mention whether your schedule can accommodate them.
09 — Give a Realistic Proposal
Don't promise more than you can deliver
Your proposal should be realistic.
Consider:
- Scope
- Budget
- Timeline
- Your availability
- Project complexity
- Required skills
Avoid promises such as:
"I can finish everything tomorrow."
unless you have actually confirmed that the scope allows it.
Professional proposals are clear about what can realistically be delivered.
10 — A Simple Proposal Structure
A strong proposal can follow this structure:
1. Project Understanding
Show that you understand what the client needs.
2. Relevant Experience
Explain the experience you have that directly relates to the project.
3. Proposed Approach
Briefly explain how you would approach the work.
4. Relevant Work
Share portfolio items, GitHub repositories, demos, screenshots, or case studies.
5. Questions
Ask any important questions that need clarification.
6. Availability
Tell the client when you can start and how much time you can dedicate.
7. Closing
Invite the client to discuss the project further.
10 — A Simple Proposal Structure
A strong proposal can follow this structure:
1. Project Understanding
Show that you understand what the client needs.
2. Relevant Experience
Explain the experience you have that directly relates to the project.
3. Proposed Approach
Briefly explain how you would approach the work.
4. Relevant Work
Share portfolio items, GitHub repositories, demos, screenshots, or case studies.
5. Questions
Ask any important questions that need clarification.
6. Availability
Tell the client when you can start and how much time you can dedicate.
7. Closing
Invite the client to discuss the project further.
✍️ Proposal Example
Hello,
I understand that you are looking for an Odoo developer to customize your Sales and Inventory workflows and integrate Odoo with your e-commerce platform.
I have experience developing custom Odoo modules using Python and PostgreSQL, as well as working with API integrations and business workflow customization.
For this project, I would first review your current Odoo environment and requirements, then identify the required customizations and integration points before starting development.
I have worked on similar Odoo projects and can provide relevant portfolio examples and screenshots.
Before getting started, I would like to clarify which Odoo version you are currently using and whether the existing system contains custom modules.
I am available to start next week and can dedicate approximately 20 hours per week to the project.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
📎 What Can You Send With Your Proposal?
When relevant, strengthen your proposal with supporting material:
Portfolio
Show similar projects you have completed.
Screenshots
Show relevant interfaces, dashboards, modules, or workflows.
GitHub
Share public repositories that demonstrate your technical skills.
Demo
Provide a live demo when available.
Case Study
Explain the problem, your solution, and the result.
Certifications
Add relevant professional certifications.
Documentation
Share technical documentation when appropriate.
Important: Never share confidential client information, private source code, credentials, or data without permission.
❌ Avoid Generic Proposals
Avoid sending the same proposal to every client.
Try not to use:
"Dear Sir/Madam, I am an expert developer with many years of experience. I can do your project perfectly. Please hire me."
Instead, make every proposal relevant to the project.
🚀 Ready to Apply?
Found the right ERP project?
Take a few minutes to understand the project, prepare a relevant proposal, add your strongest supporting materials, and start the conversation with the client.