The four-line structure
Line 1: restates the outcome in their words. Line 2: one proof that matches the stack. Line 3: your first working step this week. Line 4: one clarifying question. If you cannot fill those lines, you do not understand the job yet. Do not bid.
Where AI helps and where it hurts
Use a draft to avoid a blank page. Then delete compliments, delete “I am excited”, and delete any claim you cannot show. Keep your own numbers and tools. The daily AI limit exists so you edit, not spray.
Save a profile, not a template
A static template ages badly. A short AI profile bio plus optional extra context per alert stays current. When a Laravel job lands, the draft already knows you ship APIs. When a WordPress job lands, it should not invent WooCommerce awards you do not have.
Can I send the AI draft as-is?
No. Always edit. Clients recognize generic AI tone. The draft is a skeleton for a human reply.