While I’ve been fortunate enough to maintain a core group of clients with relatively steady work, I could certainly use some extra jobs when things get slow. I see several “Craig’s list” postings that do not include any information about the potential employer, which makes me nervous. Can anyone shed light on this new avenue of opportunity for me? I am uneasy about throwing my hat in the ring without knowing anything about the recruiter. (Perhaps this stems from my lack of experience with Craig’s list… I’ve never used it before.)

Your thoughts and insights would be welcome!

If you have a website or blog, I’ve been known to take the “audition” article that I’ve done, save it to a webpage, and then send them that link telling them I’ll be running the article through Copyscape for my own protection.

This worked well for me with a job that I didn’t get. The potential employer was furious that I dared post the articles online. When I stated why I did it, I never heard from him again. I learned from another writer a few weeks later that the samples this guy had accepted were showing up online, but mine wasn’t among them!

I am far from being experienced in all this, but the idea of an “audition” piece, for writers, strikes me as very murky territory. For editors, auditions equal working for free. Can potential “employers” take a writer’s unpublished “audition” and use it without his/her knowledge?

Another thought: I wonder if some people flag Craigslist postings because they think or know that the poster intends to commit fraud.

Beth

I see lots of telecommute jobs. Could you explain (in a new post) how they are different from on site and other work-at-home freelance jobs?

Thanks,
Dinnie

Is this an issue that might be addressed in a column, Deb? I’ve been so curious as to whether this is standard or even advisable practice, especially for blog/web work, in which clients seem especially keen to guage a writer’s ability to jell with their online communities.

I tend to shy away from these offers, but this one offers exceptional pay and this has been a wicked month for me financially because my husband’s company cut hours, so I’m trying to grab all the work I can find to cover his lost income. I’ll probably agree to this writing sample.

Thank you so much for keeping this updated, Deb! This helps a newbie out far more than you know. It’s only through your site that I’ve gotten the inspiration and gumption to give freelancing a shot. You really make it seem plausible to even those who have never held a freelance job before.

Yes, that is a lot of work,I’m afraid. I know it’s frustrating to click on ads that are no longer available, but right now this is our best option.

Thanks for your understanding.

I certainly understand your need to not violate the copyrights of others. Another question, if you don’t mind my asking: Is my idea that just the contact information be posted viable? (Now I’m going to shoot down my own idea: Craigslist posters might not want their contact info. to live forever on somebody’s blog… okay, so delete said contact info. after a week or something? Am I creating a ton of extra work for you?)
Thanks for letting me brainstorm on this forum…
Beth

I’ve been asked to do this often, but without permission from the person who placed the ad, I won’t do it as it’s considered a copyright violation. I’m sorry but that’s why it’s links only for me.

Deb

That’s a great idea!!! Jodee, what do you think about cutting and pasting the craigslist jobs listed on your site, instead of just posting the link? Would that work for you?

Beth

I remember someone suggesting a while back that when they find a Craigslist job posting they like, they cut and paste it into a document. That way, it won’t matter if it’s “flagged” or not. I thought that was a great plan and I’ve done it myself (and been glad I did!)

Good luck!