Summer’s Here…Get Your Job Search in Gear!
Summer is finally here. I count the first day of summer as the day that school finishes, not the date on the calendar. When the weather is warm and kids are home, it may be tempting to put your search for freelance writing work on the back burner, too. There are good reasons for continuing to apply for gigs and pitch potential clients at this time of year, though.
Less Competition for Available Gigs
Some writers are taking time off or adopting a lighter work schedule during the summer, and this may mean few applicants for available writing gigs.
You Impress Potential Clients
While many brick-and-mortar businesses adopt summer hours during the warmer months, they don’t close down entirely during this time. When you continue to respond to ads and approach potential clients, you are showing them that you are a diligent professional writer – exactly the kind of person they want to hire.
You Get Your Name in Front of Clients for Future Hiring Needs
A potential client may not be ready to hire at this time, but if you get your name in front of them and follow up periodically, you have a better chance of being hired when they are ready to start new projects. It saves them the time and trouble of placing an ad and weeding through a ton of applications.
Do you keep applying for gigs during the summer or do you back off until the fall?
Summer is actually my busiest time. I let my clients know I’m available and usually end up filling in for staff vacations. If you and your clients are comfortable enough with each other, (and you’re okay with a week of on-site work here and there), it can be a great source of summer income.
This could work out for me since I’d like to launch a freelance writing career, and I have no choice but to do it now.
In your last post, you mentioned resources available for people who are actually willing to put the WORK into doing this. I apologize if this is about to go off topic but can you point an aspiring writer in the right direction? I have some books coming my way which I’m sure will help, but I’d love real time advice too. For instance, how do I make a writing-based resume? My current resume is comprised of my professional experience, not so much my writing experience and skills. Would you be willing to write a “How to Launch” post – or if there is one can you direct me to it?
By the way, this network is an excellent resource! I’m so glad I found it!