Step1
Rather than create a lengthy cover letter and tradition resume, combine these efforts into one document. After all, you’re trying to sell a potential employer on your ability to blog effectively, so why not set up your resume with the elements that make a blog successful: succinct information, bulleted items, easy to read text, and personality. Your resume should show your ability to highlight relevant information so readers can find what they’re looking for quickly. Let your resume reflect this feel.
Step2
Create an opening paragraph that shows exactly why you’d be qualified for the job. Don’t get caught up with erroneous information that potential employers will gloss over. Get right to the point. For example:
“I’d like to be considered for the [blogger, freelance writer] position you advertised. I have three years blogging experience and also write an online column for [name of website]. My background also includes experience in the [sales, marketing, nursing, sports, health, etc.] field.
Step3
If you don’t have a blog yet, start one now. There’s no better way to demonstrate that you can do the job. Once you’ve got some experience writing and promoting your blog, show how the experience you have will bring something unique to the blog position you’re going after.
Step4
If you don’t have a blog yet, start one now. There’s no better way to demonstrate that you can do the job. Once you’ve got some experience writing and promoting your blog, show how the experience you have will bring something unique to the blog position you’re going after.
For instance, if you’re applying for a health & beauty writer, mention your years working at a women’s shelter or in a cosmetic department and how that experience applies to the blog. If you’re interested in writing about sports, describe how your passion for the subject will benefit readers of the blog. Always show how your experience can benefit the employer. For example:
“My passion for football prompted me to start a personal blog called “Watching Sports.” I also work as the leader of a youth group where I inspire kids on being better players and people. I write about football as it pertains to today’s youth: role models, players who have achieved amazing personal goals, and great plays that illustrate teamwork.”
Step5
Tell the employer how you will help promote the blog. It’s not enough today just to be a great writer; you’ve got to promote yourself and your work. Get familiar with online networking outlets such as Squidoo, Facebook, and Reddit so you can show an employer you’ll do what it takes to get the blog noticed.
Step6
Provide links with writing samples. Once you’ve got some great blog entries or articles online, include a bulleted list of links a potential employer may be interested in. Tailor these to the specific job. For example, if the blog you’re applying for is meant to have some tongue-in-cheek humor, include a link that illustrates this writing style. If the blog position you covet is of a serious, more newsworthy vibe, show that your writing style can reflect the proper tone. Include several links that will help show the diversity of your writing experience and style.
Step7
End by thanking the potential employer for their consideration. Provide follow up contact information and a link to your blog. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away, as competition is fierce. Patience and persistence is the key. Don’t be afraid to start with the “smaller” blog jobs that don’t pay as much, because those are the exact jobs that will lead you to the larger ones.
Step8
Keep writing in your blog and going after the jobs you feel are a good fit for you. With each new job you get, make sure to update your resume with a fresh link displayed prominently at the top of your list. With the right attitude and approach, you’ll soon have several high-quality links that will demonstrate to any potential employer that you’re the right blogger for them.
Authority
Rather than create a lengthy cover letter and tradition resume, combine these efforts into one document. After all, you’re trying to sell a potential employer on your ability to blog effectively, so why not set up your resume with the elements that make a blog successful: succinct information, bulleted items, easy to read text, and personality. Your resume should show your ability to highlight relevant information so readers can find what they’re looking for quickly. Let your resume reflect this feel.
End by thanking the potential employer for their consideration. Provide follow up contact information and a link to your blog. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away, as competition is fierce. Patience and persistence is the key. Don’t be afraid to start with the “smaller” blog jobs that don’t pay as much, because those are the exact jobs that will lead you to the larger ones.
Comments
jtphantom said
on 12/8/2007 Thanks, who are these companies that offer these opportunities? I know of Helium. But, you don't need a resume just sign up.