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How to apply for writing jobs
Happy Happy Friday folks,
Yup, it’s that sort of day.
Finally rounding up with school🥳
Although, honestly, I am only going to miss my classmates.
Does anyone here miss classes when school ends?
Just making sure I am normal😅
Thanks for all the birthday wishes ❤️
Last week, a couple of folks asked for tips on applying freelance for writing jobs…
So today, we’ll be riffing about “How to apply for writing jobs”
I have probably applied for over 500 freelance jobs in the past two years, so the first thing I’ll say as you start this journey is to prepare for a lot of:
“Hi Dozie,
Thank you for your application for the Content Marketer role at XYZ. We really appreciate that you took the time and effort to consider us - we know there are a lot of companies out there hiring.
After much discussion, a small group of people will be continuing in the interview process. Unfortunately, we will not be moving forward with your application.
All the best.
Cheers,”
REJECTION HURTS 😞
But you know what, you keep moving.
All you need is the first person who decides to take a punt on you!
Well, here are 3 simple steps to applying for freelance writing jobs
#1. Work out the sort of writing jobs YOU want
I know that sounds far-fetched, especially when you are hunting for your first freelance job. But you really need to get a writing gig that works for you. If you decide to write for anyone or on any topic, you’ll end up being miserable and do horrible work.
No one benefits from such situations. So be clear about the topics you can write on, and the sort of companies you want to write for – startups, content marketing agencies, or large companies.
Writing is hard. Don’t make it any harder for yourself.
#2. Create a portfolio and resumé
The next step is creating your resumé and freelance writer portfolio. Both are important to getting the sort of jobs you have listed in step one. Sometimes, as a beginner writer, you probably haven’t done any work for anyone yet.
So set up a Medium account and have fun writing on your favorite topics. Or set up a blog. Also, tweak your resumé to show you have domain-specific knowledge (if possible).
PLEASE PROOFREAD YOUR RESUMÉ AND PORTFOLIO!
#3. Put in some effort
Now it’s time to apply.
Please don’t send a generic resume and cover letter. Review and edit where necessary to highlight that you are the BEST FREELANCER WRITER for the job.
Finally, keep your cover letter short. The hiring manager is looking through tons of cover letters and you want yours to catch the eye instantly.
Don’t forget to attach your portfolio.
Here’s a sample of my cover letter:
“Hi,
The name is Dozie Anyaegbunam, and I am a direct-response copywriter and digital marketing specialist, with a record of turning readers into buyers.I am currently part of an elite group of writers being mentored by Jon Morrow of SmartBlogger, and I also work as a remote freelance writer for a content marketing agency (SEO Butler) operating from the United Kingdom. I have written pieces across various niches - digital marketing; gaming; minimalist home decor; health and wellness. Please see below some samples of my writing:”
Capisce?
Next week, we discuss writing rates.
Content Writing Jobs (Remote/Freelance)
All the best folks
My biggest takeaway this week 🚀
Society is great at training talent but bad at cultivating genius. Talented people are good at hitting targets others can’t hit, but geniuses find targets others can’t see. They are opposite modes of excellence. Talent is predictable, genius is unpredictable.
What I’m thinking about?
The keys to success aren’t secret. They are just painful.
Thanks for reading this far. I am grateful!
Stay safe & sane,
Dozie
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