Comments on: Pickin’ & Choosin’ Finding the Freelance Writing Jobs that are Best for You

By: Sheila H

Sheila H — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:45:33 +0000

This is just what I need right now. You see I’ve been a technical writer for 10 years as a contractor at companies like Microsoft and my resume is very corporate and I’m afraid that it wouldn’t do me any good when I’m trying to get freelance jobs.

I really want to try freelancing so I can take more control of my career but I’m afraid. I’ve never done it and even though I’ve read this wonderful blog for six months I’m not sure how to go about getting started. What’s the best way to get started given my background?

Thanks so much.

By: Therese

Therese — Sun, 18 May 2008 05:24:07 +0000

I agree about not focusing solely on the writing/low pay. I’m writing for a health/wellness site (which is my niche–have a public health background) and it’s not a lot of money BUT I write 2-3 articles for them on a weekly basis and it’s a stable assignment which looks good on a resume (and I’m acquiring a LOT of clips!) I’ve also taken other little projects that are turning into more projects (because the editors have been pleased with my work and professionalism).

I also write blogs so am trying to work on promoting myself as a food and wine writer as well (I have a few favorite niches), but I’ve also written boring web content for REALTORS. I have worked in a few different industries so I think it helps me to be able to cross promote myself to a wide variety of niches/markets. Plus, I love to research and interview people.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:29:42 +0000

Thanks for everyone’s responses! I really like the idea of a website as a showcase for my portfolio! And thanks for the advice about the resume, Hazel. It was very helpful!

By: Hazel

Hazel — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:08:32 +0000

oops, that should say former employers — I always forget to proof these things!

By: Hazel

Hazel — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:07:28 +0000

@Kristy,
As for what your resume should look like, it’s similar to a corporate resume but it stresses skills and accomplishments rather than former employers. Say what areas you are proficient in (i.e., news writing, blogging, business writing, reviews, etc.)and what subjects you have experience with (i.e., environment, food, economics, movies and books, etc.). If you have worked as an employee you might include a section at the bottom listing former employees, but don’t go into duties and responsibilities for each one — use your space to outline your accomplishments and skills.
Hope that helps!

By: Maria E.

Maria E. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:47:25 +0000

You do have to start somewhere to get the ball rolling. My writing career started as an outgrowth of my management consulting business. I took a job writing articles about business operations for a now defunct site that was targeted at small business owners. From there, other assignments followed, mostly business-related at first, but in time, I branched out.

As for a portfolio, I have created a PDF of my best work in each of the categories I write about. I include not only the article itself but when and where it was published. The PDF also includes “pat-on-the back” emails I have received over the years from different editors I have worked for.

By: Ann G.

Ann G. — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:40:24 +0000

I definitely use a Web site with clips of jobs I’ve done. I also find myself applying for anything I am certain I could handle. I’ve had some interesting jobs turn up that way.

In fact, I just applied and landed a job with a newer company that is setting itself up to be a unique timeline to a Hollywood star’s life. I’m still learning the software, but once I have it down it will be $16 an hour at least and I’m having a blast learning about the different celebrities.

By: PreSchool Mama

PreSchool Mama — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:51:12 +0000

@Kristy,

I have my clips posted on my business website. Applying for jobs is a whole lot easier when all you have to do is point potential clients to your online portfolio. I have an About Me page that mentions all my educational qualifications, experience, and other things they need to know about me to consider hiring me for the gig.

If you don’t have a website yet, I highly recommend getting one, if you already have some good clips to post on your Portfolio. Clients are always impressed with that sort of professionalism, and I’ve found I’ve been getting more responses since I set up the site. If you’re tech challenged and don’t know how to go about it, you can always outsource the job for a low fee.

By: Kristy

Kristy — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:51:35 +0000

I have a question for you long time freelancers. What exactly should our resumes look like? I mean, I know what a corporate resume looks like, is it the same? What about clips? Do you just save them and send an attached doc when someone asks for one? What’s the best protocol or where can I find this info?

Thanks!

By: Jodee

Jodee — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:41:08 +0000

I had another thought on this to share: When you are considering whether to take an assignment, don’t focus entirely on money. While you do need to get paid, if you get the chance to add something new to your skill set, it may be worth taking a few gigs that are on the low side…at first anyway. After you have a bit of experience, you can start looking for better paying work in that area.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:33:09 +0000

I have to agree with Deb; you have to start somewhere. Over time, you will gain experience (and samples) you can add to your resume and it will be easier to get assignments that are more interesting and lucrative.

Your current client base can be a source of better gigs too: you may start off with some real grunt work but if you do those early assignments well, that client will keep you in mind when they have better work to assign.