Comments on: Back to Basics Part 3: 11 Things NOT to Do When Applying for a Freelance Writing Job http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/ Freelance Writing Jobs for All Writers Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:14:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Christina Crowe http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-124002 Christina Crowe Wed, 12 May 2010 23:06:29 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-124002 Excellent post! I have a clearer idea now what to expect when getting hired by my first client and what not to do to mess up my chances. Thanks for the great read, and I'll definitely keep these tips in mind. Excellent post! I have a clearer idea now what to expect when getting hired by my first client and what not to do to mess up my chances. Thanks for the great read, and I’ll definitely keep these tips in mind.

]]> By: Marcia Walker http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-120784 Marcia Walker Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:13:36 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-120784 The information here is very useful. I am an aspiring writer, and I appreciate any advice that would assist me in this field. Thank-you The information here is very useful. I am an aspiring writer, and I appreciate any advice that would assist me in this field. Thank-you

]]> By: Susan Rand http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-119435 Susan Rand Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:46:32 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-119435 I have read messages on writers' forums that objected strenuously to having a spelling or grammar error pointed out. "It's only a forum," they say. Well, it's only a cover letter, too, or a resume, or... I have read messages on writers’ forums that objected strenuously to having a spelling or grammar error pointed out. “It’s only a forum,” they say. Well, it’s only a cover letter, too, or a resume, or…

]]> By: Susan Rand http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-119434 Susan Rand Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:43:05 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-119434 You would think people using craigslist to find workers would research craig's specifications before they post an ad. To ask that three samples be included in an email is just ridiculous. A writer shouldn't have to explain why this is not possible. You would think people using craigslist to find workers would research craig’s specifications before they post an ad. To ask that three samples be included in an email is just ridiculous. A writer shouldn’t have to explain why this is not possible.

]]> By: Susan Rand http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-119433 Susan Rand Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:38:15 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-119433 This is confusing to me. I've seen dozens of ads that say only, "Send resume and sample(s)." If you want a cover letter, please say so! This is confusing to me. I’ve seen dozens of ads that say only, “Send resume and sample(s).” If you want a cover letter, please say so!

]]> By: Susan Rand http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-119431 Susan Rand Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:36:24 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-119431 Get yourself a good subcontractor agreement and get it signed by the client before you write a word. That way, if they turn out not to be legit, you have something to fall back on. Get yourself a good subcontractor agreement and get it signed by the client before you write a word. That way, if they turn out not to be legit, you have something to fall back on.

]]> By: Camesha http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-117426 Camesha Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:37:18 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-117426 Rushing is a fault of mine. I have rushed to apply for jobs, looked in my sent folder later and realize I have wordy sentences, words such as "form" when I meant "from", and other errors. After making this mistake one too many times, I now quadruple check my apps. Rushing is a fault of mine. I have rushed to apply for jobs, looked in my sent folder later and realize I have wordy sentences, words such as “form” when I meant “from”, and other errors. After making this mistake one too many times, I now quadruple check my apps.

]]> By: Kat http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-52065 Kat Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:52:59 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-52065 @ Hazel I would reframe the negative statement into a positive statement. "I have three clips you can look at on this webpage." Attach the link and you are good to go. That doesn't address the aspect of following directions, but you have remained positive in the process. @ Hazel I would reframe the negative statement into a positive statement. “I have three clips you can look at on this webpage.” Attach the link and you are good to go. That doesn’t address the aspect of following directions, but you have remained positive in the process.

]]> By: Diana http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-50060 Diana Wed, 15 Oct 2008 04:10:44 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-50060 Cover letters should be of appropriate length with pertinent information and not too much, since the interviewer has many other applications to go through. This is a good point when applying for any job. Diana @ http://www.DianaTan.net Cover letters should be of appropriate length with pertinent information and not too much, since the interviewer has many other applications to go through. This is a good point when applying for any job.

Diana @ http://www.DianaTan.net

]]> By: krista http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-50020 krista Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:57:22 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-50020 @ Kori That's awesome! lol @ Kori That’s awesome! lol

]]> By: Kori http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-50000 Kori Tue, 14 Oct 2008 23:45:03 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-50000 Good tips, Deb. The funniest application email that I received recently (I'm hiring a few bloggers for b5) was just last week. Here's the email in its entirety. "I heard you are looking for bloggers. Email my name in Google to see my work and get back to me. -Joe XXX" Good tips, Deb. The funniest application email that I received recently (I’m hiring a few bloggers for b5) was just last week. Here’s the email in its entirety.

“I heard you are looking for bloggers. Email my name in Google to see my work and get back to me.

-Joe XXX”

]]> By: Alik http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49916 Alik Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:31:08 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49916 @Krista: I don't think that's cold at all. When you're applying for a gig or a job, I think it's important to keep it business-appropriate. An employer or potential client doesn't need to know anything about you that doesn't apply to your business relationship with that person and your ability to do the job - at least not right away. I have clients that I've worked with for many years, and we've gotten to know a bit about each other on a personal level. However, that was after we worked together for a long time. I would never do that in an initial email. @Krista: I don’t think that’s cold at all. When you’re applying for a gig or a job, I think it’s important to keep it business-appropriate. An employer or potential client doesn’t need to know anything about you that doesn’t apply to your business relationship with that person and your ability to do the job – at least not right away. I have clients that I’ve worked with for many years, and we’ve gotten to know a bit about each other on a personal level. However, that was after we worked together for a long time. I would never do that in an initial email.

]]> By: krista http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49914 krista Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:19:59 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49914 #2 is so true. I recently advertised for a proofreader on Craigslist. I got a response from a woman telling me she had a disabled child and a son in high school who was super involved in football. She then went on to say she could work around her committments as a mom. As cold as this sounds, I deleted it right away. Yes, I understand people have personal obligations, but making them the focus of your first contact with me really put me off. #2 is so true. I recently advertised for a proofreader on Craigslist. I got a response from a woman telling me she had a disabled child and a son in high school who was super involved in football. She then went on to say she could work around her committments as a mom. As cold as this sounds, I deleted it right away. Yes, I understand people have personal obligations, but making them the focus of your first contact with me really put me off.

]]> By: gina http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49885 gina Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:50:49 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49885 What should be included in a cover letter for a freelance writing/paid blogging job? Especially if you have not had previous freelance/paid blogging experience but are interested in beginning to do freelance/paid blogging? What should be included in a cover letter for a freelance writing/paid blogging job? Especially if you have not had previous freelance/paid blogging experience but are interested in beginning to do freelance/paid blogging?

]]> By: Hazel http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49836 Hazel Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:16:48 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49836 One sticky point about following directions is when the prospective employer asks you to attach 3 clips to an email sent to a Craig's List box. Since their file size limit is about 150K, that's virtually impossible. I generally send them to my online portfolio or make up a special page on my Web site for them and give them a logon to view it. I don't mind doing the work (it only takes a few minutes) but it requires me to write a negative statement into my cover letter (i.e., I can't send ... or something like that). Any thoughts about this? One sticky point about following directions is when the prospective employer asks you to attach 3 clips to an email sent to a Craig’s List box. Since their file size limit is about 150K, that’s virtually impossible. I generally send them to my online portfolio or make up a special page on my Web site for them and give them a logon to view it. I don’t mind doing the work (it only takes a few minutes) but it requires me to write a negative statement into my cover letter (i.e., I can’t send … or something like that).

Any thoughts about this?

]]> By: Roxie http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49607 Roxie Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:47:17 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49607 #9 is good. I rarely inject humor into my application letters, but my friends tell me I'm funny, and I know I can make people laugh. I think I'll try that sometime. #9 is good. I rarely inject humor into my application letters, but my friends tell me I’m funny, and I know I can make people laugh. I think I’ll try that sometime.

]]> By: Lawritz http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49605 Lawritz Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:42:24 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49605 Thanks for "Forget to Proofread", I have been bitten by my own sloppy proofreading a couple of times and I feel like a complete idiot when I discover my errors, after the fact. Thanks for “Forget to Proofread”, I have been bitten by my own sloppy proofreading a couple of times and I feel like a complete idiot when I discover my errors, after the fact.

]]> By: Kristen http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49590 Kristen Mon, 13 Oct 2008 23:51:53 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49590 Tips #5 and #9 really spoke to me. For #5: I write needs assessments/grants for CME programs. Pharma directors have said that the #1 thing that all of them saw and immediately stopped the grants from going any further: grants that had the wrong grantor's name on it. As in, sending a grant to Pfizer with Wyeth written all over it. They said it was obvious that the people submitting the grant were just sending it out to everyone, hoping for a bite. It's the little details that show that you care about the individual grantor/client/etc. For #9: Although I have a wicked sense of humor, I don't usually throw that into my cover letters because my specific niche doesn't lend itself to that type of letter. However, I have been branching out and took a shot with a funny letter. The woman hired me immediately upon reading the letter because she said it made her fall out of her chair. Sometimes you just have to take a shot. Tips #5 and #9 really spoke to me.
For #5: I write needs assessments/grants for CME programs. Pharma directors have said that the #1 thing that all of them saw and immediately stopped the grants from going any further: grants that had the wrong grantor’s name on it. As in, sending a grant to Pfizer with Wyeth written all over it. They said it was obvious that the people submitting the grant were just sending it out to everyone, hoping for a bite. It’s the little details that show that you care about the individual grantor/client/etc.
For #9: Although I have a wicked sense of humor, I don’t usually throw that into my cover letters because my specific niche doesn’t lend itself to that type of letter. However, I have been branching out and took a shot with a funny letter. The woman hired me immediately upon reading the letter because she said it made her fall out of her chair. Sometimes you just have to take a shot.

]]> By: hana http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49540 hana Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:57:13 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49540 "I got a hundred emails with no cover letter; just saying ’samples are attached.’" That's funny to me. Why wouldn't you send a cover letter? I bet most people would never send "my resume is attached" to potential employers in other fields. re: cover letters - I've never sent a separate cover letter as an attachment unless the employer specifically requested it that way (which is rare but it happens). “I got a hundred emails with no cover letter; just saying ’samples are attached.’”

That’s funny to me. Why wouldn’t you send a cover letter? I bet most people would never send “my resume is attached” to potential employers in other fields.

re: cover letters – I’ve never sent a separate cover letter as an attachment unless the employer specifically requested it that way (which is rare but it happens).

]]> By: Alik http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49507 Alik Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:16:50 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49507 I was the editor-in-chief for a magazine for many years, and every time I posted an ad looking for writers, I got a hundred emails with no cover letter; just saying 'samples are attached.' And Deb is right - I didn't read a single one of them! They all went right to my trash bin. I was the editor-in-chief for a magazine for many years, and every time I posted an ad looking for writers, I got a hundred emails with no cover letter; just saying ‘samples are attached.’ And Deb is right – I didn’t read a single one of them! They all went right to my trash bin.

]]> By: Becky G. http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49498 Becky G. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:42:33 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49498 Hi Deb, Thank you for your tips. I have added your tips to my referance folder. I am curious about how to find a reputable employer. Being new to the business, I am concerned that my work will be editted beyond recognition. What guarrentees you will get paid? Any advice on these questions would greatly be appreiciated. Becky Hi Deb,
Thank you for your tips. I have added your tips to my referance folder.
I am curious about how to find a reputable employer. Being new to the business, I am concerned that my work will be editted beyond recognition. What guarrentees you will get paid?
Any advice on these questions would greatly be appreiciated.

Becky

]]> By: Valencia http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49488 Valencia Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:24:21 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49488 I meant resume, not "recipe" (I don't know where that mistake came from) :-) I meant resume, not “recipe” (I don’t know where that mistake came from) :-)

]]> By: Valencia http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49487 Valencia Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:23:04 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49487 Tip #4 is a good one. I used to have a cookie cutter recipe. And while I found several gigs using a generic recipe, I noticed a huge difference once I started tailoring my resume and cover letters for each potential gig. Tip #4 is a good one. I used to have a cookie cutter recipe. And while I found several gigs using a generic recipe, I noticed a huge difference once I started tailoring my resume and cover letters for each potential gig.

]]> By: Ann G. http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49480 Ann G. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:00:33 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49480 I've had a few employers tell me they hated getting attachments because 1 of every 4 would alert their virus software. Therefore, they only read emails that had the cover letter as the email. I find it hard to believe that people as a general rule do not have virus protection, AVG is well rated with Consumer Reports and it's free, so there is no reason to bypass virus protection! Another thing I ran into a few months back, I sent out my letter and samples to the two different job postings, each had a different email address. Turns out the potential employees were co-owners of a Web site and were sharing quotes they'd gotten in response to their ads. One required five marketing articles of 500 to 700 words per week, the other wanted one quality daily news related blog of 300 words or less. Obviously, my quotes were different. However, as they were for the same company, they balked saying it was unfair to charge different rates and asked me to come up with one flat rate that they could pay me for both jobs. I explained to them why the rates were different and their response was that since it was for the same site, it shouldn't matter. I didn't take that job, but it opened my eyes. I no longer offer rates, even if asked, until I know who I'm talking with. I may have lost business because of it but it's saved me hassle in the long run. I’ve had a few employers tell me they hated getting attachments because 1 of every 4 would alert their virus software. Therefore, they only read emails that had the cover letter as the email.

I find it hard to believe that people as a general rule do not have virus protection, AVG is well rated with Consumer Reports and it’s free, so there is no reason to bypass virus protection!

Another thing I ran into a few months back, I sent out my letter and samples to the two different job postings, each had a different email address. Turns out the potential employees were co-owners of a Web site and were sharing quotes they’d gotten in response to their ads. One required five marketing articles of 500 to 700 words per week, the other wanted one quality daily news related blog of 300 words or less. Obviously, my quotes were different. However, as they were for the same company, they balked saying it was unfair to charge different rates and asked me to come up with one flat rate that they could pay me for both jobs. I explained to them why the rates were different and their response was that since it was for the same site, it shouldn’t matter.

I didn’t take that job, but it opened my eyes. I no longer offer rates, even if asked, until I know who I’m talking with. I may have lost business because of it but it’s saved me hassle in the long run.

]]> By: Deb Jennings http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2008/10/back-to-basics-part-3-11-things-not-to-do-when-applying-for-a-freelance-writing-job/comment-page-1/#comment-49470 Deb Jennings Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:15:30 +0000 http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/?p=3287#comment-49470 Hi Deb, Great post! And very timely for me since I have just entered the world of freelance. I'm hoping you can answer a question: when you're applying for a freelance position, is it ok to consider your email to the client to be the cover letter? Or do they really expect a formal written cover letter to be attached in addition to your resume? Thanks for your insight! Deb Jennings Hi Deb,

Great post! And very timely for me since I have just entered the world of freelance. I’m hoping you can answer a question: when you’re applying for a freelance position, is it ok to consider your email to the client to be the cover letter? Or do they really expect a formal written cover letter to be attached in addition to your resume?

Thanks for your insight!

Deb Jennings

]]>