How to Apply for Freelance Writing Jobs

It may sound like a dream career, or an easy way to make some supplemental income, but a freelance writer still has to work at getting better at their trade. One of the first skills needed for a freelance writer is how to apply for freelance writing jobs. As a freelancer, it is up to you to seek out your clients and put your best foot forward with your initial contact.There is a lot of competition in the world of freelance writing, as such, you need to do your homework, act quickly and learn to market your skill set. Because there are a lot of people trying to become successful freelance writers, employers have to sift through numerous cover letters, resumes and applications. This means you have to find a way to stand out from the crowd. It may sound like a daunting task, but following a few easy steps will make that chore not so difficult and make you feel comfortable applying for freelance writing jobs.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

Apply for Freelance Writing Jobs

1. Browse freelance writing forums. To begin with, you must know where to go to look for freelance writing jobs. These days, most freelance writing jobs are web oriented and thus most of the jobs can be found by using the internet. In the resource section there are a few links to websites that post available jobs on a regular basis.

2. Understand the job advertisement. It is important that you understand exactly what the prospective employer is looking for in a writer. This is important because it makes your client search more efficient by only going after jobs you feel are the right fit for you.

3. Follow any links to additional information: Many job ads insert links in the ad to allow writers to gather more information about the job description and the company in general. It is essential to learn as much as possible about a position and a company before applying for a job.

4. Follow application instructions exactly. This is a way to separate yourself from many of the applicants. It may be hard to believe, but most applicants do not follow the application instructions contained in a job advertisement. This seemingly easy task will generally get you past more than half of the applicants. It will surely get your application deleted if you do not follow the directions.

5. Provide a short introduction. Because there are so many applicants for most of the freelancing jobs, you don't want to be too wordy when submitting your cover letter. You should always include a short introduction about yourself and some relevant background information when applying for a freelance writing job unless you are specifically asked not to do so.

6. Include only relevant information. In your cover letter, do not include information that is of no use to the employer. Include only education, relevant work experience and relevant interests and hobbies. When submitting writing samples, make sure the samples submitted are along the same lines of work you are applying for.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply to a freelance writing job as quickly as possible. Some employers may get overwhelmed with applications and may cut off the job search before you get a chance to apply. Also, you may get extra consideration for being one of the first to apply. Many jobs in the freelancing world are time sensitive and those who are quick with their work are coveted.

• Apply to jobs that you may not feel completely qualified for because you never know what could happen. Don't go overboard with this, but if you feel you are suitable for the job, but do not meet all of the requirements, give it a shot.

• Highlight your skills, but frame them in a way that shows the prospective employer how they will help their company. Employers want to know what you can do for them, plain and simple. Let them know what you can offer them, but be brief and to the point.

• Check out the company that you are applying to work for. There are countless instances in the freelance writing world of employers taking too long to pay, or not paying, or failing to follow through on promises. The Internet is a good way to research those who employ freelance writers. You can get good information through freelance writing blogs and forums where freelance writers visit and talk.

• Do not give out sensitive information without checking out the company first. At some point, you will have to give out some sensitive information like your social security number for tax purposes, but it should only be done after a contract has been signed and you have checked out the credibility of the company hiring you.

• Do not pay anyone any amount of money for a job opportunity. Any job that wants up-front money from you, or wants you to pay them for training, is a scam. You wouldn't consider doing this at any other job and it is no different when applying for a freelance writing job.