Read on Twitter
I've reviewed probably 2,500+ freelance writer applications in the last 4 years.
Right now, I'm reviewing a fresh set.
I'll livetweet some of my considerations, thoughts, and tips for getting noticed & hired.
Right now, I'm reviewing a fresh set.
I'll livetweet some of my considerations, thoughts, and tips for getting noticed & hired.
1/ I literally do not care at all about a resume.
I never judge candidates based on previous FT employment or education/background.
Criteria:
1. Good writing samples
2. Relevant markets/niche (past clients)
3. Demonstrable understanding of SEO/marketing
I never judge candidates based on previous FT employment or education/background.
Criteria:
1. Good writing samples
2. Relevant markets/niche (past clients)
3. Demonstrable understanding of SEO/marketing
2/ Related... I want to see and understand these criteria ASAP.
That means: Put it front and center on your website or portfolio. Don't make me click through 20 pages to find out who you've worked with or find your writing samples.
Sell your work!
That means: Put it front and center on your website or portfolio. Don't make me click through 20 pages to find out who you've worked with or find your writing samples.
Sell your work!
3/ IMMEDIATE red flag: If your website/portfolio bills you as a "jack of all trades." When I'm hiring writers, I want someone deeply dedicated to their work & their craft.
I don't want someone who also does web design or dabbles in writing when they're not focused on photography
I don't want someone who also does web design or dabbles in writing when they're not focused on photography
4/ (cont). Of course, that doesn't mean you can't explore other stuff or have hobbies outside of writing. But create a dedicated page or portfolio just for freelance writing work.
Otherwise, I'll wonder if you're a professional writer or just a hobbyist.
Otherwise, I'll wonder if you're a professional writer or just a hobbyist.
5/ If at all possible, link to published pieces.
I'd MUCH rather be able to see something published and formatted (even on Medium) versus shuffle through a Google Drive folder or Dropbox link of work samples that may or may not render correctly in the preview.
I'd MUCH rather be able to see something published and formatted (even on Medium) versus shuffle through a Google Drive folder or Dropbox link of work samples that may or may not render correctly in the preview.
6/ If you can't share links to published content because of NDA or other constraints, that's okay.
Write and publish something yourself on Medium.
Published work for notable brand > Published work for self > Drafts/docs
Write and publish something yourself on Medium.
Published work for notable brand > Published work for self > Drafts/docs
7/ "Versatile" and "flexible" may seem like selling points, but I'd rather have a dedicated expert.
8/ Yes, the quality of your website does matter.
I will assume that you're more junior or an amateur if you have a hobby-level website. I'd definitely recommend just using a free website builder or portfolio site vs trying to roll your own with hand-coded HTML or whatever.
I will assume that you're more junior or an amateur if you have a hobby-level website. I'd definitely recommend just using a free website builder or portfolio site vs trying to roll your own with hand-coded HTML or whatever.
9/ Jargon does NOT sell me on your skills.
Do I want, "Captivating content that engages and inspires business-critical decision-makers."?
Nope.
I'll take "Content that converts" all day and every day.
Do I want, "Captivating content that engages and inspires business-critical decision-makers."?
Nope.
I'll take "Content that converts" all day and every day.
10/ Bad look: Showcasing SEO prowess with a screenshot of ranking for a random query that no one would use in real life.
This isn't how SEO works.
Rank for real keywords that people actually use and then show me how you did it. Otherwise, I'll assume you don't know.
This isn't how SEO works.
Rank for real keywords that people actually use and then show me how you did it. Otherwise, I'll assume you don't know.
11/ Certifications and online course certs generally fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum for me.
They're not *HUGE*. But, if I like your work & wondering if you understand marketing concepts, then a HubSpot cert might convince me you have interest/knowledge.
They're not *HUGE*. But, if I like your work & wondering if you understand marketing concepts, then a HubSpot cert might convince me you have interest/knowledge.
12/ I would advise against billing yourself as an agency if you're a solo freelancer.
A lot of "we" language can be a red flag. I'm looking to hire someone to deliver work exactly like the sample work. Not have it outsourced to another writer I haven't reviewed.
A lot of "we" language can be a red flag. I'm looking to hire someone to deliver work exactly like the sample work. Not have it outsourced to another writer I haven't reviewed.
13/ (cont.) If you're trying to get your own shop off the ground while also freelancing: Build separate sites.
Make it clear.
Make it clear.
14/ This should probably go without saying, but PUT YOUR BEST SAMPLES FIRST.
If I have to wade through old/outdated/bad work samples to find the good stuff, you'll be crossed off before I get to it.
My first 1-2 clicks should be your
clips.
Curate RUTHLESSLY.
If I have to wade through old/outdated/bad work samples to find the good stuff, you'll be crossed off before I get to it.
My first 1-2 clicks should be your
clips.Curate RUTHLESSLY.
15/ Quality > quantity.
I'm more inclined to take a shot on a writer with 2-3 samples & they're all great. Versus 10 samples and only 2 are any good. In that scenario, I assume they need heavy editing/oversight to deliver good work.
I'm more inclined to take a shot on a writer with 2-3 samples & they're all great. Versus 10 samples and only 2 are any good. In that scenario, I assume they need heavy editing/oversight to deliver good work.
