How to apply to writing jobs and actually get them

Hi!

So I'm posting this for new freelance / copy writers.. lately I've been getting these really general applications for jobs and it's starting to drive me NUTS!

So here are some tips for newbies within this field:

1. Please provide more details about yourself . Sending the message " I'm interested in this job." Isn't going to tell the recruiter anything about you!
2. Have samples ready to show in the very first message. Especially if they ask for it with their ad.
3. Read the whole ad before applying and ask questions if you have them before quoting a price.
4. Fill the requirements and if you know you don't then don't apply.
5. Add some personality to your application. Say "Hi , How are you?" has gotten me jobs
6. Avoid negative words .. I.E." I'm not really that good at 'topic' but I'm willing to try."

Any one else have some great tips?

 

Follow instructions. If the ad states to contact a person a certain way with the following criteria, then do what is asked if it is a job you are interested in.

Make sure your reply to the ad is written with perfect grammar, spelling, and the use of punctuation in whatever language you are communicating in. Your reply should make sense when read. Not awkward. For example, a person whose mother tongue is English can spot someone a mile away who is trying to pretend they have a better grasp of English than what they actually have. This applies to people as well where English is their native language. I've heard some horrible spoken English, with their written English being just as poor, if not worse, from people where English is either their first language or their only language. Never dismiss someone simply because of where they live. Judge them by their work, how well they follow instructions given in the ad, and how they communicate with you.

Always present yourself in a professional manner.

Keep your ego in check. You might be a very skilled writer who is more than capable of completing the project with results beyond the buyers expectations, but if you come across as an arrogant ass, you won't be doing yourself any favors.

Don't try too hard to sell yourself. Give the buyer the requested information and leave out the hype and fluff. Keep your reply short and to the point. Introduce yourself and give the buyer relevant information as to the job, but don't overdo it. Appearing desperate or too aggressive is never a good thing.

 

And the number 1 rule? Don't start your message/email with "Dear Sir".

 

Like TextServices said, I think the key is not trying too hard to sell yourself. I think a lot of people forget that it really isn't about you (the writer applying for the job). It's about the person hiring you and how you can help them make more money.

I like to keep it short and too the point, and for some clients, this is all they need to hire. But I always include a link to my professional website (which I strongly recommend for any new copywriters) for the clients who want more information.

Best,

Corey

 

I read in the WSJ a good tactic is to find something in common like this and then talk with them actively, almost to the point of being annoying. But if you can build some common ground with clients like you mentioned then it may help build a positive business relationship.

 

Great tips, OP.

My tip is to make it abundantly clear that you are ready, willing, and able to help the prospective client with HIS or HER goals. That's the only thing that matters. Focus on what can you do FOR THEM.

By the way, does anyone have a list of sites where people looking for writers post ads?

 

Being available on chat all your waking hours is great for a writer looking for prospective clients. This means that a writer has to provide his/her IM details to the client while applying for the job. I have got a number of gigs because I am always available on chat where new clients can add me and talk to me about their content requirements. I have also had the feeling that people are looking for service providers who are approachable and available. Also, you don't really need to keep your laptop open all the time to be online. Just be online on your phone.

 

Elance, Freelancer, odesk.. lots of free sites where people post ads for writers. However, I don't use any of them. I hate bidding.

 

I think a great way to get writing jobs is to use Fiverr I use Fiverr and just started there and got a job for $5 which you get $4 out of remember this when posting your service. Offer 2 200 word articles for $5 and you are sure to get some orders. I am doing a little more then that but I do quality work and just want some good rep on Fiverr.

 

Such great tips everyone! I did completely forget the "Dear Sir!" I can't stand that. Drives me nuts...

 

I don't understand, what is wrong with starting a message with "Dear Sir?"

 

Dear Sir or Dear Madam generally indicates that you don't care enough about the position to try and determine the person's name.

You have to be careful with knowing too much about the decision maker. I once found a potential boss's Facebook page. I knew absolutely everything about him from his favorite restaurant to the names of his kids and the sports teams they played on - his whole life was there. I knew not to reveal too much but even knowing he had children who played soccer really creeped him out. The fact that he had a picture in his office of his kids with soccer balls made it seem like a safe topic. lol.

SweetHoney...how would you recommend someone explain to a decision maker that they don't have experience writing in X, Y or Z? And what would be wrong with saying something like I've not written about cockatiels but I have written about conures?

 

Hi. YMC, Long time no see! I agree with your point about dear sir. It's just mean for hard working women.
Now .. onto your question...
When I don't know a topic I normally either refer the client to someone who might, decline the project and wish them luck or offer to try the project with a sample article for half off the classic price. Many times the sample article gets reviewed and myself and the client learn how to go forward with the project. I don't think it's wrong to note which subjects you've written on before and comparing them to the subject you might write on. I've done a lot of copywriting as well as ghostwriting and both help me with other projects. It all adds to a freelancers experience level.

LOVE cockatiels! LOL.. Hope I helped.

 

There is plenty of work out there for people who are willing to find it. I find the best way to apply for jobs is to simply write your application in a clean, professional and appealing way.

Express yourself, show what you can offer and if you attach a CV, make sure it's minimal.

Bear in mind how many CVs some job providers have to go through so if yours is short and to the point, you have a better chance of having it read thoroughly.

 

i will add this start with low bids and be sure to have a good feedback, most if client look for freelancers with a good average of feedback.

 

Unless I'm on someone's payroll as being on-call 24 hours per day, I am never going to make myself that available to anyone. I'm all for keeping in touch with clients throughout the creative process, but unless you're paying for around the clock availability, you're not getting it from me.

 

Anyone who values their talent should stay far, far away from sites like this. The only reputation you're building there is for being a peon willing to work for paltry wages. Get your own website and market yourself.

 

A lady would understand what's wrong with starting a message with "Dear Sir", especially the one who might be receiving said message.

 

If you start out with low bids, you'll end up with low bids. Negotiation is fine, but setting yourself up to be taken advantage of from the beginning by being willing to accept far less than what you're worth is ignorant.

 

I agree with you, it's just due to high competition on those websites and the number of bids per job, this is a way to get positive feedback then the freelancer can ask for high rate according to his value.
regards