Reapplying After Being Turned Down for a Gig

If you have applied for a freelance writing job and didn’t get hired, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should consider that door closed and never contact that prospective client again. There are times when you should consider taking another run at getting hired by a client you would like to work with.

You Feel You Can Present Yourself Better

There are times when we apply for freelance writing jobs and realize afterward that we could have done a better job at presenting ourselves as a good fit for that client. If you sent off your resume and realized later that you haven’t updated it to include your latest experience and accomplishments, you may want to resubmit it.

You Have Gained More Knowledge or Experience

You may also want to reapply for a writing gig if you have developed more knowledge in the relevant subject area or type of writing the client needs. Before contacting the client again, take the time to rework your writer’s resume to draw attention to why you are a good fit for their needs now.

Tell the prospective client that since the last time you were in touch, you have completed/worked on/taken a course in X, Y, Z. Include relevant samples that support the information set out in your resume.

When You Really Want the Gig

If you have set a goal for yourself to work with a particular client and you have been turned down, you may want to reapply in a few months. It’s possible that the client’s needs may have changed and they need to hire more writers or the person who was hired for the gig didn’t work out.

There is a difference between checking in every few months and becoming a pest, though. If you were turned down because the client simply went with another writer, make sure that you have a reason for keeping in touch. When you send an e-mail, include a link to an article or news story you think the client may be interested in and then ask about available work. This step will help you develop a relationship with that person, which keeps you on that client’s radar the next time they need a writer.

Have you ever reapplied for a freelance writing gig after being turned down? Was the second time the charm in getting hired?

Comments

3 responses
  1. Slava Avatar

    The freelance world is so big, is there really a need to go after the single client that turned you down?

  2. Aaron Avatar

    Thanks Jodee.. A lot of times it does come down to experience and recent success with other clients. Just as with programming, or any other field, it takes time to build up a good base of clients that you can use for referrals. Word of mouth works great, but you have to put some work into it first.

  3. Phil Avatar
    Phil

    Good advice. I was initially turned down for my first two jobs. Worked two years at first place, 11 at the next.

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