Submitting a proposal is how you show interest in a project. Complete all three steps to give yourself the best possible chance.
What's covered in this guide
There are three steps to the proposal process. Each step is designed to help clients understand who you are, what you bring to the table, and whether you're a qualified fit. Here's what to expect:
Step 1. Review Requirements & Update Skills
Step 2. Write a Cover Letter
Step 3. Set Bill Rate & Confirm Availability
To begin your proposal, you’ll either need to be invited to propose—this invitation will come via email—or select “I’m interested” on a project on the job board.
Step 1: Review Requirements & Update Skills
To begin, Wripple will compare the project requirements to the information currently on your profile to generate a Match Score to show you where you stand. Think of it as a gut-check before you dive in.
Your Match Score is made up of three components: skill requirements, total experience (i.e., roles), and industry experience. Skills which are already on your profile show up highlighted in purple. Anything in gray is a skill the client is looking for that you haven't documented yet.
▸ Review the requirements
Scroll through the full list of skills, roles, and industry requirements the client is asking for. If you have real experience in an area that just isn't documented on your profile yet, tap the "+" to add it. You'll be asked to choose your experience level. This instantly boosts your match score and improves your visibility to the client.
💡 PRO TIP: A HIGHER MATCH SCORE HELPS, BUT ISN'T EVERYTHING |
Your match score is one signal clients use, but it's not the only one. A strong cover letter and a competitive rate can absolutely make up for gaps in your score. That said, if you have the skills, make sure your profile reflects them. |
⚠️ ONLY ADD WHAT'S REAL |
Adding skills you don't actually have isn't a shortcut—it's setting you up for an awkward conversation with the client. Be accurate with your experience levels and only document what you can genuinely back up in an interview or on the job. |
When you're satisfied with your skill profile, click Save & Continue to move on to your cover letter.
Step 2: Write a Cover Letter
This is your chance to make your pitch. Your cover letter is made up of two parts: an Introduction and a Relevant Experience section. Both matter—and clients read them.
▸ Introduction
Lead with your excitement for the opportunity and who you are as a practitioner. Include at least three reasons why you're a strong fit for this role. Be specific and be yourself so you stand out.
▸ Relevant Experience
Use this section to highlight work that's directly applicable to what the client is asking for. Connect your background to their specific project needs. Don't just describe your resume—show them you've actually read the brief.
✨ AI COVER LETTER GENERATOR—USE IT WISELY |
Our AI tool can generate a cover letter draft based on your Wripple profile and resume. You'll see the "Generate Cover Letter" button at the top of this step. You get 3 attempts per proposal, and each run replaces your current draft.
It's a solid starting point, not a finished product. Once it generates, treat it like a rough draft: read it all the way through, adjust the tone to sound like you, and make sure the specific project details are accurate. Clients can tell when a cover letter is copy-paste AI. A little editing goes a long way. |
When you're happy with both sections, hit Save & Continue.
Step 3: Set Bill Rate & Confirm Availability
In the final step, you’ll confirm your proposed hourly rate or project fee, depending on the contract type, and let the client know you're available for the project dates and hours they've requested.
▸ Set Your Bill Rate
Enter your proposed rate for this specific role. Wripple will show you the average market rate for similar roles and experience levels on the platform to use as a reference point. Your total payout will appear below your rate in real time, so you see what you'll take home for the project.
💡 A NOTE ON RATE STRATEGY |
If the client has set a budget, you'll see it displayed in the proposal. Pay attention to it. Pricing above the client's stated budget is possible, but it puts you at risk of being passed over entirely. A rate that fits within their range, backed by a strong cover letter and match score, will always give you a better shot than one that doesn't. Check the market average, check the client's budget, and make a considered call. |
▸ Confirm Your Availability
The availability checkbox will be pre-filled with the client's requested start date and weekly hours. Check the box to confirm you can meet those requirements. If the dates or hours don't work for you exactly as listed, you can note it in your cover letter, but know that significant mismatches may affect your chances of being shortlisted.
Once you've set your rate and confirmed availability, click Save & Continue to submit your proposal.
What Happens Next
Once your proposal is submitted, it goes to the client for review. Here's what to keep in mind while you wait:
After submitting, you may be prompted to update your profile or provide additional information. It's worth taking a few minutes to be sure your profile is complete, as this improves your chances on future opportunities too.
Being shortlisted or invited to submit a proposal is not a guarantee that you’ll be invited to be interviewed.
You can edit your proposal at any time before a decision is made. The client may have already seen the initial proposal but will be notified of any updates.
You'll see your proposal status reflected on the job card: Interested, Shortlisted, or Not Selected.
Be patient. Some decisions happen within days; others can take longer. You can check the hiring stage of the project to see if they are actively reviewing and accepting proposals, have started interviewing, or are selecting and onboarding a candidate.