How to Get Freelance Writing Work via Old Job Ads

Discussed herein is how to find freelance writing jobs by perusing old job ads.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Access

1. Find Job Boards
   Many freelance writers make the mistake of only applying to the newest, freshest job ads. But, pillaging old job ads can land you a lot of freelance writing gigs.The first step in getting freelance writing work from old job ads is to bookmark several sites you can come back to again and again. Craigslist.org comes to mind. Bookmark several cities you can click on regularly.

2. Schedule Time
   Once you have the sites lined up you want to continuously check, set up a schedule. I don’t devise a daily schedule, but a weekly, or even a bi-monthly one. Plan to spend at least an hour, preferably two or three at one time. This is important for two reasons: (i) you will have to craft different responses to different ads; and (ii) getting freelance writing work from old job ads depends on volume to be successful.

3. Write a Basic Query Email
   Depending on your niche, you will be looking for basically the same type of job. If you are an article writer, for example, you’ll be looking for those types of jobs. If you’re a press release writer, you’ll be looking for those jobs. My point? Craft a generic email you can send to most jobs, only changing the “To” line as you go along.
   As alluded to above, however, you will have to craft different responses depending on what the job poster is looking for. So be prepared to have to tweak your message from time to time when you are trying to get freelance writing work from old job ads
   In my query file, I have five or six different types of “generic queries” I send out, depending on the job ad at hand.

4. Devise a Tracking Method
   When you are digging through old job ads, many times you’ll notice the same ad listed again and again.
   To avoid querying the same prospect two or three times in one day, create some type of tracking method. This can be as simple as listing each job you apply for in an Excel spread sheet, or a Word document.

5. Go Through a Certain Number Each Week
   As mentioned above, when you are trying to get freelance writing work from old job ads, volume is what counts. Many of the jobs listed will have been filled. But, your goal is to get on file for future work.
   Try to do contact at least 50 prospects when you are using this method. That’s why it’s important to block out a few hours at a time when you do this.
   Remember this: when clients post jobs for freelancers, it is not a one-time need. Usually, they hire freelancers on a regular basis. Getting freelance writing work via old job ads can easily have you overrun with assignments. I know, it happens to me all the time and I rarely apply for “new jobs.”