Comments on: We Get (Client) Feedback About Following Instructions

By: Rupa

Rupa — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:24:13 +0000

I had one recent experience where the ad asked for several details to be included in the application, and the project turned out to be very low paying.
In general I find that clients who ask for specifics are easier to work with as they know what they want and have reasonable and clear expectations from the writer.
My way of following instructions to a T when there are many of them is simply to paste the entire ad into my email draft and then craft my application around the questions. This way I am always sure I have answered all of the client’s questions.

By: Scribette

Scribette — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:20:29 +0000

Jodee – that has been my experience in many cases and I believe that I have read about other people encountering the same problem.

With respect to following instructions, I tend to do always do that unless they want original samples and so on. I unfortunately just do not have the time to write an original sample.

By: Jodee

Jodee — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:09:45 +0000

@ Scribette: I haven’t noticed that, actually. I would be curious to find out what other people’s experience is like.

@ Andrea: It does seem like common sense, but it keeps coming up as an issue with people doing the hiring. If you follow instructions in your application, then it’s an indication that you can follow instructions if the employer decides to hire you – and that will make you a more attractive candidate.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:55:58 +0000

It seems like this is just common sense, but it’s great to have the feedback. I think this is true for just about anyone looking for anything–if they didn’t want the things, they wouldn’t ask for them. If I was posting for something and I got tons of responses, I certainly wouldn’t bother following up with anyone who didn’t include what I originally requested.

By: Scribette

Scribette — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:00:50 +0000

Does anyone else find that its usually the lowest paying gigs that expect the most from writers? (not saying that this employer is a low paying one – just that it seems to be a general trend)