Guidelines for Responding to Job Ads

If you're a freelance writer, chances are, you look at job boards and websites like Craigslist to find private clients. Despite what others may say about job boards, responding to job ads has been an excellent and very successful way for me to find more work.

I've gotten most of my private clients from responding to job advertisements. In fact, at one point, I was getting a response rate of about 25%, in which I had to start turning down work.

However, when I first started responding to job advertisements, I got very few nibbles until I started putting new tactics into effect.

1. Follow Instructions

This may sound like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised to know how many freelance writers don't even bother to read the instructions when responding to advertisements for writing gigs.

If the advertisement asks you to attach a sample, then you should attach a sample. If they ask you to make "banana" the subject of your email, then make "banana" the subject of your email. In almost all cases, you should follow the instructions down to the letter.

2. Choose Relevant Samples

If possible, try to send writing samples that are relevant to the job in question. If you're applying for a movie review gig, what are the chances you'll get the job if you choose an article about parenting as your sample? Close to zero, especially if there are other freelance writers sending more relevant samples of excellent quality.

If you truly want the job, and you don't have a relevant sample, consider writing up a sample. Even if you don't get the job, you'll be able to use the sample to apply to more job advertisements in the future.

3. Make Things Easy for the Potential Client

There's probably nothing that will irk a potential client than finding a freelance writer they're interested in hiring (due to their cover letter), and not being able to access their samples or resume.

Make accessing your samples and resume as easy as you can for the potential client. If possible, post your samples and resume onto your website, and give them the link.

If you don't have a professional website of your own, attack your samples and resume as a PDF for universal accessibility. You may save your files in the .doc format, but the client might not be able to open .doc files. Or he may not want to open the file, for fear of viruses.

Most likely, the potential client is going through hundreds of job applications. Don't make things any more difficult for him than it already is.