A reader was asking the other day whether it’s a good idea to include writing samples every time you apply for a freelance writing job. I think that it’s a good idea to provide all the information that the person reading your application will need to determine whether you would be a good fit when you apply. A prospective client may not have the time (or the inclination) to contact you to ask for samples, since some ads get responses in the hundreds.
It’s a good idea to send your resume and a link to your web site or some of your published work when you are applying for a freelance writing job. Your cover letter alone may not give the reader enough information about who you are and what you can do for them. You also might get hired for a different project than the one you originally applied for if the client knows more about your skills and experience and feels that you would be a better candidate for it.
Including more information at the outset may seem like a little thing, but may make the difference between being put on the short list and having your application rejected outright. The exception to this policy is where the client indicates that they don’t want samples unless you are specifically asked to provide them. Reading the instructions carefully and following them is always your best bet.
Do you always include samples or links to your work when you apply for a freelance writing job?
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