What information do you generally want to know the most? Just the other day I launched a new blog on freelance writing jobs. I link to freelance writing jobs on the Web daily, and add freelance writing career advice, and questions for writers. I'm going to be selling job posts as well in the somewhat near future, and I'd like to get a standard format down that the advertisers will each have to follow. I'd like to keep it to around 250-300 words each, and here are the things coming to mind that I'll be requiring in each listing: Job title Contract length (long-term? project-basis? etc.) Compensation (they'll be required to list the actual pay, and none of that "depends on experience" or "negotiable" nonsense... just hard numbers) Writer Responsibilities (a breakdown in writing of the actual duties, so there's a written job description on file somewhere just in case the writer doesn't meet them, or the client changes things mid-contract - just to protect everyone) Location (if it's something with a local candidate needed, it will have to say that, although I expect most to be online gigs) Hiring Company / Site (it shouldn't be a mystery who you'd be working for, and it stops unqualified people from applying as a benefit to the company) As writers, is there any other specific info that you would want to know from people posting writing gigs? Let me know if there's something important I'm missing, before I officially open that up and post the procedures. Thanks. Jenn
I think you've pretty much hit all the critical aspects. Perhaps job posters should include their method of payment as well? I don't know if it's truly necessary, but for writers who only accept one type of payment, it might be beneficial to know how they are going to be paid (Paypal, check, etc.) before applying.
Thanks all. That's a good idea Denise... I should definitely expand payment amount to something like 'payment terms' to include the fee, how it will be paid, and when the client expects to pay it.
Denise's idea of including the payment method and terms is good. Also, if it's not excessive work, would it be possible to include a iTrader-like count for the employers? The more feedback they get, the more trust a writer can give to them.
Jennifer, I was thinking why people don't follow this pattern when they give work to us. Anyways, you have enhanced our association with our clients. Thanks! Just one thing, I wished you had mentioned moneybooker / paypal / cheque as payment method apart from payment terms in the format. Also, Lets take some precautions to make sure, we always get our money from our clients. Most clients do pay but there's always a risks involved which I want everyone SHOULD MINIMIZE it. Do keep in touch and let me know for the Job Postings. Regards, Ronak.
Jennifer, To support the opinions above, but you've almost listed it all and I guess the ideas about the inclusion of payment method and a similar to i-Trader count would only work in favor of your idea. Good luck!
Chat, no, there won't be a rating system, simply because I'd a) have no clue how to implement that on a blog (it's not a freelance marketplace or forum) and b) the ads will be paid for meaning favor has to go to the advertiser. The protection from the writer is that they can always go back to the blog and leave comments (good or bad) on the experience with that employer for everyone else to see, and the hiring company can also respond to try to clear up any concerns. Ronak, the blog is a third party posting system, and it would be your, and the hiring company's, responsibility to ensure payment such as trying to negotiate partial payments up front or suggesting escrow. They'll be listing their preferred payment model in the ad, but it never hurts to ask them to do something else, just as you would here. Thanks for the feedback. Jenn
Hey Jenn, Instead of trying to implement an i-trader, why don't you just keep a running count on the number of transactions that have been completed by the buyers. This will let writers see that they are serious in buying your work. I've seen it done this way before, but not for a listing, so I'm not sure how you would work it. ALSO, why not have the buyer write a short objective to what they hope their writers can do for them. Like if it is for submission purposes or if they plan to use the content on their sites. For all we know, they could be using the work we do in newsletters. It is always best to know how the work will be used. This is always something I ask from a potential buyer so that I know what direction to take my writing in. There's my two cents on the subject. It looks like you've got everything else covered. Mary
I can place a message within the description instructions asking them to list the way it will be used. Thanks. You're right... that can definitely make a difference in how something is written. I'm not sure that a number would really help, only b/c I'd expect most job postings to be one-time things (not actively going to pursue selling ad space to super low-paying markets that would have a regular demand; although I won't turn them away either). I'd be afraid that writers would look down on a legitimate, higher-paying publication for simply not using the service before. At least while the service is new, I'm not sure it would be worthwhile for anyone, but it's something I'll definitely re-evaluate after I launch the feature and see how it's going with both advertisers and writers looking for work). Thanks again for the feedback everyone. Right now I'm just working on a few posts per day, and trying to get the site ranking decently, and upping visitors, and then I'll start offering the individual ads. I did just post 10 gigs for today though, so check those out if you're interested in finding freelance writing jobs.
Could you expand compensation to include when payment will be made? Immediately on completion, weekly or whatever for projects with multiple deliverables? Rights should be included, too. The buyer should indicate what kind of rights are needed.
Yep, payment details like those should be completed, and asking about rights is actually an excellent idea, especially since it's sometimes something not discussed outright by Web-based clients, which could cause problems. At least this way, there's something in writing to make things clear for everyone. Once I build up traffic a little bit to this blog, and get it ranking for some keywords hopefully, I'll start offering the paid job posts.
I'd like to see turn around and rights management on there. Ie how long you have in lead time and IPR/Copyright info.
Jen, Great work! I'm really happy to see you do all this work. Regards, Ronak. hope 2 see you landed, soon.
Time zone. I've had problems with this in the past. The internet is global, and when someone posts saying they need something 'tonight' that is rather meaningless. Being in a different time zone can be an advantage, because a client can ask for something at the end of their work day and the writer can respond 'overnight'. It can work the other way, too, and responses take longer.