How to create a writer's resume?

Should my resume as a writer also encompass my job history other than writing? Since some of the jobs also are my credentials for certain specialty areas, I would obviously want to include those.

I haven't had to create a resume in over twenty years so I'm actually at a bit of a loss as to how to do it properly. If anyone knows, it would be some of the members here, I'm sure. Any tips you could share?

 

I don't use an actual resume for finding freelance writing gigs. But if you really want to, follow the same rules you'll hear for people looking for a FT job - only include what's relevant to the job / gig you're seeking.

 

That's even better! I've heard several people talk about sending their resume so thought that I needed one.

Thanks,
Tina G

 

Tina - I have a "freelance only" resume. If you want me to send it your way so you can take a look, let me know through email via my site or pm.

 

Yeah I've been wondering about that myself Tina. There are many websites that ask for a resume and a cover letter when applying as a freelance writer to work with them. Most of theses sites pay well but I haven't been able to apply to them due to the lack of a proper 'writing' resume.

Could I also have a look at it, I too am in a dire need of one. Thanks.

 

Such a writer specific resume would certainly be beneficial for everyone.

 

I highlight my freelance writing skills and experience and then at the end of my resume, I have a "work history" section that lists companies, dates, and job titles. It helps if I am applying for a writing gig in a specialty niche, such as law or medicine since my work history shows that I have experience as a paralegal and in doing medical research.

 

For people with a long work history and published work, making a portfolio isn't ever a problem. Its tougher when one is ghost writing, you could have done many projects and have extremely satisfied clients but how do you showcase that when you can't claim the work as your own?

 

To find freelancing jobs, a well maintained and updated blog with a couple of decent and popular topics is enough. Something LIVE online works really great if you're looking especially for web writing projects and gigs. To be more professional, you can create a "My Portfolio" page on the same blog detailing your work history.

You can create a simple resume (giving a brief of previous jobs) and an impressive cover letter to approach clients. You can mention your specialization that leaves a nice impression. IMO, a well-written cover letter is more effective than a detailed resume.

Cheers

 

I go for a portfolio style resume, highlighting key commissions and then below that you can include specific skills and qualifications relevant to that particular brief. Chillingbreeze's advice is spot on as a blog with digital portfolio stands out. It's surprising how many freelance writers specialising in online content production don't make use of the tools at their disposal. I've hired people in the past based on the fact that they've sent me a link to a blog which has a profile section, includes real samples of previous work and is updated. What more would any employer need to know?!

 

So essentially you're saying that an updated blog showcasing your writing is a good way to advertise your abilities? But my question still remains, if I have to apply to a company with a resume and do not have too many published works then how do you approach the problem. Like for me, I do a lot of ghost writing projects where I do not get a byline, many times I do not even know where they are going to be published, then in that case how do I create an impressive resume or a portfolio?

 

If you're applying for a company, then your cover letter speaks a lot. It should be effective enough to fetch an interview call. State your specialization and prove yourself in the written test (or whatever they take). Most of the publishing and copywriting companies are aware of popular article directories and magazines. You're writing 5-10 articles for your clients. Write few for yourself whenever you get time and submit it to directories like ezinearticles.com. If you can't have a personal blog then create free wordpress or blogspot blog. It is not that effective but still works. That's better than having nothing.

You can approach your local newspapers or magazines for some nice editorials or articles publishing. They do accept great articles and it works great as your offline portfolio.

 

Thanks a lot for the information Chilling, your idea of submitting articles to the directories is a great one. Somehow I didn't think of that aspect at all though I do write the same stuff for a few of my clients. Sometimes its hard to take out time for your own writing when you have so many deadlines to meet but you're right, the effort has to be made somewhere.

 

Rather than directories (which many offline companies know nothing about, and which many others don't take very seriously), consider publishing those pieces you "write for yourself" as guest posts on respected niche websites or blogs with a well-targeted audience. The extra perk of that is that many sites will allow readers to comment directly on your writing, so they can see what others think of your writing for that specific audience.

 

I usually include a resume of one page that outlines work experience with a notebook of samples specifically for a specific client. It's a highly targeted sort of resume and it works. Basically, I send a portfolio that I make. I have pages in a file and simply choose which one is appropriate for that proposal/client.

It's time consuming but it's for those projects I really want.

 

The cover letter is key. Use that to highlight your experiences and create a solid representation to your potential clients.

 

I thought you could write a guest post only if you were invited by that website's administrator?

 

Many bigger online niche sites have "open invitations" where they tell you how to contact them if you want to submit something. And there's nothing wrong at all with pitching a guest post to another site or blog. You simply give some of your background, the topic you want to write on, etc. and ask if you can submit a guest post for their consideration.

 

Portfolio style resumes are always beneficial. They are meant to give adequate and simplified information about a person. Like about his/her experiences , interests and work habits. So i think you should simply write a resume taking about your interests and work experiences and attach copies of your original articles so as to show what quality of work you can be expected to deliver.

 

This is what I am working on writer.nofullstop.com/testimonials

Lets see how it goes.