How to Apply for Online Writing Jobs

Applying for online writing jobs helps diversify your client portfolio.

Freelance writing provides an opportunity to earn extra money or turn your love of writing into a full-time job. Instead of relying on an employer for regular paychecks, freelance writers must consistently apply for new writing jobs to ensure they make enough money to meet their financial obligations. Presenting yourself in a professional manner improves your chances of landing new clients and making more money.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Resume
• Writing samples

Instructions

1. Visit online job boards and identify writing opportunities that interest you. Sites like Craigslist, JournalismJobs.com, MediaBistro, FreelanceWritingGigs.com and other job posting sites list available writing opportunities and provide application instructions for each job.

2. Record the job details and contact information for each listing in a word processing document or spreadsheet. Recording this information will help you keep track of your applications and follow up with prospective clients at the appropriate time.

3. Contact each potential client and provide the information requested in their advertisements. Some companies want a resume and several writing samples. Others just want a short paragraph that details your writing experience. Improve your chances of receiving a response by following all directions closely.

4. Follow up with prospective clients within one week to 10 days if you do not receive a response. Following up with prospective clients helps demonstrate your interest in the position and gives you a second opportunity to share information about your skills and experience.

5. Repeat this process regularly to ensure a steady flow of writing work. Not all prospective clients will respond to your applications, so applying for as many assignments as possible will help you avoid periods of little or no work.

Tips & Warnings

• Some prospective clients require writers to fill out Web-based application forms instead of applying via email. Fill out each application carefully and provide all of the information requested.

• Customize your application email to each prospective client instead of sending a generic form letter. Customizing your email allows you to highlight the skills and experience most relevant to your desired assignment.

• Before applying for online writing jobs, update your resume and make sure it contains accurate, relevant information.

• Develop writing samples that cover several topic areas. Creating these samples ahead of time makes it possible to quickly respond to job advertisements that interest you.

• Whether you contact a prospective client directly or fill out a Web-based form, proofread your work carefully. Careless errors could result in the loss of a desired writing assignment.

• Some unscrupulous scammers use online job boards to collect names and email addresses. Use caution when replying to any ads that seem too good to be true. Delete emails asking you to cash checks or deal with wire transfers.

References

• Quintessential Careers; Follow Up All Job Leads: Don't Wait By the Phone (or Computer); Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Resources

• Freelance Writing Gigs: Build Your Writing Career and Boost Your Income
• ChrisBlogging.com: Freelance Writing Queries: How to Sell Yourself
• All Freelance Writing: Writers' Markets