Online Writing Jobs: What to Do & What NOT to Do When Applying Online for Freelance Writing Work

I’ve been a freelance writer since 1993. I also owned an editorial staffing agency in New York City for 8 years (1996-2004). Hence, I’ve been on both sides of the hiring desk. I’ve applied for hundreds of online writing jobs, and have recruited for quite a few.

Following is some concrete advice on what to do – and what not to do – when applying for freelance writing jobs online.

How to Apply to Online Writing Jobs

4 Guidelines for Applying for Freelance Writing Jobs Online

1. Don’t Ask for More Information (Yet). Many respondents apply to jobs and ask questions. This will get you sent to the slush pile almost every time. Why? Because it means more work for the person who’s going through all of the responses that are pouring in.

Online writing job ads get a lot applicants. The last thing the person who is looking for help wants to do is answer questions. There will be time to ask questions later on in the process; don’t make your initial query more work for the person who’s hiring as this is precisely the time they don’t need more work.

Remember, they placed an ad looking for help, not more work.

Tip: If you read an ad and have the skills/requirements it calls for, don’t request more info just yet. The critical elements should be in the ad (eg, deadline, rate, type of writing, etc.). Wait until you’ve been hired, or they at least express interest. THEN, ask questions where necessary.

Note: I know that there are bad ads that don’t give you all the info you need. But if a person is really serious about finding help, I’d venture to say that these types of ads tend to be more of the exception than the rule.

The responses that always catch my eye when I’m in dire need of help on a freelance writing project tend to be short, sweet and – qualified. The applicant provides all the info I need to assess if they are right for the opportunity at hand, ie: (i) experience, (ii) writing samples, (iii) rate acceptance (this is implied if they respond to the ad); and (iv) willingness to do the work.

Perfect!

2. Looky Loo Writers: What do I mean by this? These are the types of writers who usually freelance on the side and tend to apply to any and everything – even if they’re not qualified – just to “see what happens.” Following is a typical response from a looky loo writer (FYI, this is an actual response to a freelance writing job ad I placed on Craigslist a while back):

I am a [insert FT profession] and an experienced writer seeking freelance opportunities. If this opening is still available please contact me directly via this email. I can provide my CV and more information upon request.

The problem with this response is as follows:

(i) The person obviously freelanced on the side. This is not what bothers me. BUT, it makes me wonder if the person will be able to meet my deadline. There’s no reason to ever point out that you freelance on the side when applying to online writing jobs because if you can get the work done within the specified time, employers won’t care (or need to know).

When I worked full time and freelanced on the side, I only told potential employers if they asked me directly.

(ii) The second problem with this response is that this respondent made it a two-step process when it should have only been one. Eg, he offered to send me his CV “on request.” What are you waiting for? Send it now; I’m hiring.

I call these types of responses “looky loo” writers because it feels as if they’re putting out feelers and if something comes along that fits their schedule or that they feel like doing, they’ll take it.

Freelancer writers who are serious about making money market for work and take what comes in - as long as it meets their criteria (eg, rate, deadline, etc.).

3. Non-serious Writers: These types of writers are first cousins to looky loo writers. How? They’re not set up to do what the position requires, but if you hire them they “could be.”

Following is an actual response I received from the same job listing I mentioned above on Craigslist. The respondent said, “I do not presently have a PayPal account but I could set one up.”

Almost all serious freelance writers who apply for online writing jobs have a PayPal account. After all, it’s free to set up and takes about thirty seconds. Think about it, why would an employer use you if you’re not already equipped to provide what they ask for in the ad – especially when it’s such an easy fix?

Remember, online writing job ads get a ton of responses. Don’t give employers a chance to send you to the slush pile.

In this case, I thought to myself, “How much experience does this candidate have as a web/freelance writer if they don’t even have a PayPal account?” Again, most serious freelance writers do. Especially those who provide web content.

4. “Life Story” Writers: This is such a basic no-no, but I felt compelled to include it anyway. Don’t send your life story in when applying for online writing jobs.

A brief professional outline is all that’s needed, with links to applicable samples and other info on your freelance writing website – which you do have, right?

Every time I place a freelance writing job ad, I invariably receive responses from candidates detailing how much they love to write (paints you as an amateur); how they wish they could do it full time (tells me you freelance on the side); and how they want to learn web writing (tells me you’re not qualified).

Responses like this will get you sent to the slush pile almost every time.

Final Tip on Responding to Online Writing Job Ads

When employers place an ad for freelance writers, they are usually inundated with responses. They scan the responses that come in, seeking the most qualified applicants who have provided all the info they ask for in the ad.

You’re not going to be qualified for everything, so don’t even try to be. Apply for those things you think you’re qualified for; and make it brief and to the point.

All most employers really want to know from freelance writers is if the have the skills they’re seeking, if they can meet the deadline, and if the rate they’re paying is acceptable. Everything else is basically irrelevant.

Follow us if you found this post helpful!

Copyright © 2009: Yuwanda Black for SEO Writing Jobs. This article may not be reproduced or redistributed without the express, written consent of the author.

Search New Media Jobs by Category
SEO/SEM; Freelance; Blogging/Bloggers; SEO/Online/Web Writing; Internet/Online Marketing; Web Strategist/Consultant; Web 2.0 Designer/Developer; Social Media Marketing/Networking

Search New Media Jobs by State
AK; AL; AR; AZ; CA; CO; CT; DC; DE; FL; GA; HI; ID; IL; IA; IN; KS; KT; LA; MA; MD; ME; MI; MN; MO; MS; MT; NB; NC; ND; NH; NJ; NM; NV; NY; OH; OK; OR; PA; RI; SC; SD; TN; TX; UT; VA; VT; WA; WI; WV; WY

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For? Search jobs by keyword and location in the ”Jobs” Section to the right.