When applying for freelance writing jobs, think quality over quantity. Most freelance writers approach finding work with the attitude of “the more jobs I apply for, the more work I’ll get.” This couldn’t be more untrue.
The biggest key to scoring freelance writing jobs is to think like an employer.
If you were hiring for a job, and someone sent you a boilerplate cover letter which reflected absolutely no creative thought and offered no convincing argument on why you should hire that person, would you hire them? Of course not.
Employers want to see that you’ve (at the very least) fully read and comprehended their job ad, and that (hopefully) you are honestly interested in and (even better) qualified for the job.
Sending out the same cover letter and resume for every job you apply to only shows potential employers that you’re lazy.
Tweak every cover letter and resume you send out to accommodate the requirements of each job, and your time spent doing so will pay off in paychecks.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
So true, Amy!
It can become so tiresome responding to writing job ads and sending out our info and credits over and over again that it really becomes tempting to simply send the same old thing to everyone. Yet, if there’s nothing in our application materials to make us stand out from the scores of other applicants–or to show that we have any real affinity for the job–why should these employers consider hiring us? And why on earth should we be surprised when we don’t hear back from them?
Great reminder!
Jeanne
Well said Amy.
Anne W.
http://www.thegoldenpencil.com
Hi Anne,
Thanks for visiting!!
Jeanne,
You make a good point. I’m always seeing people complain on writing blogs that they’re miffed when they don’t hear back. I usually assume it’s because an employer is too busy to respond to everyone, but you may be right. After reading hundreds of boilerplate responses, maybe they’ve just gone blind.
If there’s nothing in the employment advertisement that excites you enough to motivate a bit of resume and cover letter polishing, are you really looking at the right positions?
When I actually buckle down to get a job, I’m like a kid in a candy store, I can’t wait to apply, I re-edit every word several times. My cover letter is the perfect fit, My resume screams OMG I WANT THIS JOB!
I usually get the job.
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