I read recently that only about 20 percent of jobs are ever advertised. We post some of them here at FWJ regularly. That means that a whopping 80 percent of all opportunities are never advertised. Most people looking for freelance writing work concentrate their efforts on the portion of the market that is readily accessible.
Why Answer Job Ads?
The short answer to why people who are looking for work look to job ads is that like the low-hanging fruit, these kinds of opportunities are accessible and relatively easy to get. The client indicates they are looking to hire someone and what the project involves. Some of them even list the price they are willing to pay for the project.
You read through the ad and if it sounds like something you are interested in doing and you are qualified for, you answer the ad. Very simple. The only problem is that there may be hundreds of other people who have the same idea and the competition for advertised freelance writing work is very stiff.
Does that mean that I’m saying that you should give up on answering ads? Heck, no. I got hired by Deb by answering an ad, and I’ve been hired by several clients by using this method. I am suggesting that you also consider tapping into the larger market of opportunities that exists.
I’ll post some more suggestions in future posts, but you can start by doing the following:
- Tell friends, family members, coworkers, your kid’s teacher, etc., about what you do
- Ask your current clients for referrals
- Make a list of potential clients and contact them to make a pitch for your services
Do these strategies work? Yes, they do. It may take some time, but if you are consistent about your efforts, they will pay off. I was recently contacted by someone I had originally approached two years ago about the possibility of working on an assignment.
Where do you focus most of your freelance job search efforts?
This is post is so on target!
Networking is a key element to finding freelance writing jobs.
People always look at me like they don’t believe me when I tell them this, but most people would rather work with someone that they are familiar with (or at least have received a good referral for).
I think balance is the key. Network when you can. Apply for jobs when you can.
Thanks for highlighting something so important.
@ Laura: Thank you for the kind comment. Building and maintaining relationships is so important to getting work.
Very interesting and amusing subject. I read with great pleasure.
You’re absolutely right about this, Jodee. That’s why I am refocusing my efforts for the fall when the kids go back to school. I plan to diversify by sending out queries, letters of introduction, and vamping up my own blogs. Great post! Looking forward to reading more of your suggestions.