Before you apply for any freelance writing project or job, there are a few things that you need to do to ensure that your email or letter will be read and considered.
With all the resources out there for freelance writers both new and old, pretty much anyone who can write can find some type of project to work on. Yet, even the most talented writers can send out a mess of an application or resume that will actually hurt their chances of being considered for the position, no matter how wonderful their samples are. There are actually several things that a writer needs to do when applying for any type of project or position they find, and most overlook these simple things. What are they and how can a writer ensure that their email or letter is read? Here's how:
- Read the ad or project description very carefully - Most clients or employers will list exactly what they need done and what a writer needs to do to apply for the position or project. For example, an ad search for a freelance writer might read like this: WANTED: Freelance writer for part time position. Please send resume and two writing samples to Bob at email.com. This ad clearly stated that the employer needs a resume and two writing samples. To be considered for the position, a writer should always send exactly what the client or employer asks for or they may not even have their email or letter read.
- If the ad states qualifications that the writer doesn't possess, don't apply. For example, if the ad states that it needs someone with a minimum of five years technical writing experience, and the writer has never written a technical piece, don't apply for the position.
- Respond to the ad in a professional manner, not a personal one. Many times, a writer just wants to show their personality and their style when they are replying to an ad for a writing position, and they allow their response to become too personal and too informal. From the employer's standpoint, this is a bad thing. They are not looking for a friend to write for them, they are looking for a professional writer to complete a project or job that they cannot do. Therefore, when a writer is responding to a want ad, the response must be a professional one that doesn't cross the line into personal or informal. Remember that this is still a job application, and should be treated like one.
- When the writer receives a response to their email or letter, make sure to answer it promptly and professionally. By answering promptly, there is no risk that the employer will assign the position to another writer.
Basically, make sure that each project or position is treated professionally. This will ensure that future projects will come up, since the employer will already know that the writer is a professional and will handle each job professionally.
