Job Listings for Writers

From LoveToKnow Freelance-Writing

Knowing how to find job listings for writers and successfully apply for the jobs that interest you will make it much easier to begin a profitable freelance writing business.

Find jobs to boost your career.

Finding Job Listings

If you're looking for job listings for writers, begin by visiting the following Web sites:

Bidding sites like Rent a Coder and Guru can also be good sources of job listings for writers, although the bidding process often drives down freelance writing fees considerably.

Tips for Responding to Job Listings for Writers

Freelance writing is a very competitive business. However, you'll increase your chances of landing your dream gig if you remember the following helpful application tips:

Be quick. If possible, apply for jobs first thing in the morning. When job listings for writers are advertised online, the person who gets the job is often one of the first to respond. Busy companies don't have time to sort through hundreds of applications.
Be specific. When you're writing your cover letter to apply for a job, try to tailor your response to the client's needs. If the job involves writing about weddings, for example, don't waste three paragraphs discussing your accomplishments in sports writing.
Follow the instructions exactly. If the ad asks for two samples, send exactly two writing samples. If the ad requests a quote for the project, submit a quote. When you don't follow directions, you increase the odds your application will end up in the trash.
Don't send attachments unless they are specifically requested. You'll either clog up the employer's In box or raise fears about computer viruses. Links to your portfolio Web site are a better choice.
Proofread carefully. As a freelance writer, you always want to make a good first impression. Typos imply that you're sloppy, careless, or simply have a poor grasp of the English language.

Is it Legit?

For novice freelance writers, one of the most common concerns is how to determine if a job posting is legitimate. Here are a few signs you can look for to determine if a job offer may be a scam:

The advertisement has more than one typo or is written in an overly casual tone. A professional business won't place a help wanted ad that's filled with obvious mistakes, slang, and excessive exclamation points.
You can't find any information about the company online. In today's business climate, almost every company has a Web site. If the company has no Web site and you can't find any mention of what they actually do after conducting some basic background research, be very cautious.
The pay sounds too good to be true. Unfortunately, you're not going to get rich overnight as a freelance writer. If the pay for a job sounds unreasonably high, be very cautious.
The payment details are very vague. If a company is promising to pay you based on some complicated revenue sharing plan you don't understand, think twice before accepting the offer. Revenue sharing offers can be legitimate, but many are just an excuse to take free work from unsuspecting writers.
The ad is asking for free samples. Sometimes, legitimate companies do ask for a custom sample of your work if the project involves a specific type of writing that you have no experience in. However, asking applicants to write unpaid articles is also a common tactic scammers use to stock their Web sites with free content. You don't need to work for free to start your career.
You're asked to pay a "processing fee" in order to begin the job. A legitimate employer pays you instead of asking you for money! If someone asks you to pay for a job, it's a scam.

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