Would You Hire You?

When you are looking for work as a freelance writer (or any kind of work for that matter), you need to present yourself in the best possible way if you are going to get hired. Have you ever looked at your writing resume and cover letter and considered the impression it makes on someone reading it for the first time?

Put yourself in the chair of the person reading your application and think about whether you are coming across like someone they would be interested in hiring. Have you explained who you are (a freelance writer extraordinaire, of course) who has the necessary skills and abilities to get the job done? Does the reader understand how your experience fits the project at hand?

When you apply for a freelance writing job where you will be telecommuting, the client may not have the opportunity to get to know you by meeting you or conducting a phone interview. The only thing they know about you is what you commit to paper in your application. Your writing samples are important, to be sure, but what will make a client give you the nod over the other applicants is the attitude and work ethic you bring to the table.

So, take some time to consider the way you come across to potential clients. Ask yourself if you were the person doing the hiring, Would you hire you? If the answer is anything other than, “Yes, absolutely,” you need to make some changes.