How to Get Hired by Demand Studios

Owned by Demand Media, Demand Studios is a massive content provider, hiring hundreds of professional writers, copy editors, amateur filmmakers and title proofers. Occasionally, they also hire transcriptionists. The writing projects vary for Demand Studios but many of them involve a How-to format that instructs eHow readers in completing a project. While the competition to write for Demand Studios is stiff, you can increase your odds of getting hired.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Resume
• Writing samples
• Writer's website

1. Gather your information before filling out the application. You get one shot at getting hired as a writer for Demand Studios so put your best foot forward. Unfortunately, many people fill out online applications without putting a lot of effort into them.

2. Complete a professional resume and save a copy on your computer. During the application process, you will upload it. If you're not sure how to make a resume, use a Word Template or an online template from Microsoft or another provider. Your application should be one page without a lot distracting graphics and it should have a professional feel.

3. List all your writing experience in your resume. A degree in journalism or a related field is a big plus. If you've published a newsletter - that counts. If you have editing experience, include that as well. Demand Studios is looking for well-rounded writers so don't leave any writing-related experience out.

4. Choose your writing sample carefully. Demand Studios is looking for writers who use Active Voice in their articles. Set the Grammar Option on Microsoft Word to catch Passive Voice or study how to avoid this mistake and make sure your sample contains no traces of Passive Voice.

5. Since the How-to article is a mainstay for Demand Studios, a sample that provides instruction is a good choice. Format your sample as you would an eHow article-only better. Write an Intro with a word count of between 50 words and 75 words.

6. Follow the Intro with at least three actionable steps-and make sure that each step starts with an actionable verb. For instance, instead of saying, "Consider starting an exercise routine," write, "Start an exercise routine." Each step should have two or three sentences.

7. Forget about using those twenty-dollar words, they don't read well and Demand Studios wants articles that offer easy-to-understand text.

8. Link to a personal website. If you haven't taken the time to make one yet, do so now before applying. A personal writer's website that shows you are serious about a freelance writing career is an added bonus when applying to Demand Studios. Numerous free hosting sites exist that will help you get your information online in no time. Link to published articles...yes...eHow articles count and any other online writing you've published. Blogs are great, too. Just make sure your writing on those sites follows the above guidelines.

Tips & Warnings

• Double-check your resume and writing before submitting. Use fewer words. Overwriting is a death knell for nearly any professional writing job. When you're re-reading your resume and samples, ask yourself what you can cut out without losing the gist of your article. Then cut it out. Keep your writing short, sweet and to the point.
• Do not use First Person in your writing. It signifies amateurish writing and unprofessionalism. Second Person is fine.

Resources

• Apply to be a Demand Studios writer.

[Ck2008]

on 1/10/2010 Great article! 5* Thank you for sharing.

[missdee82]

on 1/9/2010 Thanks for the great tips! 5* Rec

[showpup]

on 1/7/2010 Thanks for the thorough article on writing for DS. I'm about to take the plunge there myself. Have to write my resume first, though.

[tshved]

on 1/5/2010 Good explantions and very nice tips.

[dollsandart]

on 10/9/2009 Great info!