How to Write an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Construction Work

If you're looking to win government contracts, council jobs or work with large contractors, submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is often your first step. It’s a simple but important document that helps get your business shortlisted for tenders.

At CBM, we design editable EOI templates for construction, trade and service businesses that want to respond quickly, professionally and with confidence. This guide covers how to write one and what to include to give yourself the best chance of being invited to quote.

What is an EOI?

An Expression of Interest is a short document that tells a project owner you’re interested in a job and capable of doing the work. It comes before a full quote or tender and is often used in early stages of procurement.

You’ll usually submit an EOI when:

A council or government agency invites suppliers to express interest
A developer or head contractor is building a list of preferred subcontractors
You're applying for a multi-stage commercial job

The Queensland Government’s EOI guide offers insight into how EOIs are used in formal procurement.

What to Include in an EOI

Our CBM EOI Template gives you a clean and professional layout that’s ready to fill. Here’s what to include.

Cover Page

Add your business name, logo, ABN and contact details. Include the project name, location and the date of submission.

Introduction

State that you’re submitting an Expression of Interest for the job. Keep it brief and professional.

Business Overview

Provide a short summary of your company. This could include:

Services offered
Years of experience
Industry certifications
Who you typically work with

Relevant Project Experience

List two or three recent jobs that are similar in scope or value. Mention the client, location, type of work and outcome.

Licences and Insurances

List relevant licences, qualifications and insurances. You don’t need to attach the documents unless requested, but you should confirm that you hold them.

Contact Details

Include a name, phone number and email address for whoever is managing the application.

Writing and Design Tips

Keep it Short

An EOI is not a full proposal. Aim for two to three pages, focused on relevance and capability.

Be Visual

Use layout and spacing to make your content easy to skim. Our templates are designed for exactly this purpose.

Stay On Brand

Consistency matters. A good-looking EOI builds trust. CBM’s EOI templates match the rest of your documents so your brand stays strong across all touchpoints.

Supported File Formats

All CBM EOI templates are available in:

✅ Canva
✅ PowerPoint
✅ Google Slides
✅ Adobe InDesign
✅ Figma

Each version is editable and exportable to PDF for emailing or submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sending too much information
Failing to include licences or key experience
Using poor formatting or inconsistent branding
Submitting late or not following instructions

Make your EOI easy to read and relevant to the project. That’s what gets you shortlisted.

Why EOIs Matter in Construction

Most large construction and infrastructure jobs begin with an EOI process. Submitting a clean, clear EOI helps you get your name in front of the right people and move through to the next stage.

Even if you’re not selected immediately, a strong EOI helps you build awareness and grow your profile with major contractors and procurement teams.

Ready to Submit Yours?

Our CBM Expression of Interest Template helps you respond faster and more professionally.

You’ll get:

✅ A layout that meets industry expectations
✅ Editable files in Canva, PowerPoint, Google Slides, InDesign and Figma
✅ Sections for experience, services, compliance and contact
✅ A branded format that matches your capability statement, quote and proposal templates

👉 Download your EOI template and start submitting EOIs that get noticed.

Need Help Writing It?

You can also use the Brand Voice Assistant GPT to keep your tone consistent across all your documents.

👉 Use the Brand Voice Assistant GPT

Free and designed to help you move faster.

How to Write an Expression of Interest (EOI): Tips + Tricks