Applying for Blogging Jobs – Do You Need A Resume?

Recently someone asked me about blogging resumes. As in do you need one, and if so how should your resume look. The short answer to this is you won’t need a full-on resume for most

The three kinds of blog gigs I’ve applied for are; network-based, individual client or business owed blogs, and word of mouth blogs. Word of mouth blog is my catch all phrase for blog gigs that I hear about because one, I know the individual hiring, or two, I was referred by a good friend who knows the person hiring.

I stick to one general rule when it comes to applying for blogging jobs. I give the hiring party what they ask for. I read the ad, follow directions, and tell them what they want to know. Plenty of people DO NOT follow basic directions when applying for writing jobs. If you do follow directions, you’re already one step ahead of many applicants.

There are two times when I won’t follow directions. One is when I’m asked to submit newly written original clips. Two is when I’m asked to quote a rate, but the ad is too vague regarding required tasks and hours. I’ll discuss these two issues in an upcoming post. (Stay tuned)

With network blogs, there’s usually some sort of application page. The best way to apply for a network gig, is to read their application and/or job opening page carefully, and then follow their directions for applying. In my experience, a network is far more likely to hire you if you apply for a blog opening they have already, vs. suggesting a new blog.

With word of mouth blogs, I’m very brief. I’ll send a quick email that begins with how I know about the gig; i.e. “Bob Smith let me know that you’re looking for an architect blogger for Architect.com; here are my qualifications and time available.” I’m brief, because I don’t know what they want to hear, other than I know they need a blogger. Also, sending a potential client too much info, is worse, in my opinion, then bare basics. No one likes wading through wordy emails.

When it comes to applying for individual client or business owed blogs, first of all, I tell them what they want to hear based on what they wrote in their ad. Personally, I’ve never had a potential client ask for a standard resume. Usually clients want a cover letter or introduction letter of sorts. If they don’t ask, don’t send a full resume. Blogging tends to involve brevity, or at least showing that you can be brief when asked. If a client asks for a short introduction letter, and you send a resume, refs, and a cover letter, they’re probably going to wonder if you’ll ever be able to follow directions.

The actual introduction email letter: I’ve posted a sample intro letter with a breakdown of what’s what, as its own post – Sample Introduction Letter.

Do you usually submit a resume or an introduction letter when applying for blogging jobs?