How NOT to Win Freelance Assignments
Posted by Maya Smart on Mon, Jan 11, 2010 @ 09:36 AM
As a freelance writer, a big part of my job is pitching myself to prospective clients via e-mail. I send letters of introduction to editors seeking writers with expertise like mine and pitch story ideas to publications that I’d like to write for. But recently I had a chance to see things from a new perspective when I put out this call for editors for WritingCoach.com:
“WritingCoach.com seeks freelance editors for its articles, newsletters, special reports and other content. Successful candidates may be located anywhere in the world as long as they have high-speed Internet connections, ~10 hours a month for editing projects and a strong command of grammar, punctuation and style. If you're interested, please send your hourly rate and a summary of your editing experience to me at maya@writingcoach.com with "Editing Job" in the subject line.”
The flood of responses I received gave me an unexpected master class in how to pitch that will forever change how I respond to job postings. The best responses came from people who wrote well, followed directions, communicated expertise and displayed a bit of personality.
A little flattery went a long way with me as I ranked the 60+ respondents to the job posting. Editors who demonstrated knowledge of the site’s content and enthusiasm for its mission gained an edge over those who discussed their credentials without reference to my needs. Here are a few common missteps to avoid at all costs:
Not Following Directions
I asked job applicants to send responses to a specific e-mail address with a defined subject line. A surprising number of people sent their applications to the wrong e-mail address or with a custom subject line. In some cases, this may have been an intentional effort to stand out from the crowd. But in all cases, it was annoying because it created extra work for me. Instead of having all of the applications land in one place where I could efficiently read, rank and respond to them, I had to forward and filter them myself. Additionally, it made me question the respondents’ competence; attention to detail is key for would-be editors.
Another variation of not following directions was to send me a list of questions instead of the information that I requested. While I can understand the urge to learn more about a project before submitting a proposal, the reality is that most time-crunched hirers aren’t going to take the time to answer a battery of questions when they have an inbox full of great applicants (who follow directions) to consider. You can immediately disqualify yourself by posing questions prematurely.
Not Showing Enthusiasm—or Personality
When time is short, I’ve certainly been guilty of firing off a rote response to freelance job postings, but being the recipient of self-centered job applications revealed what a turnoff this can be. Here’s a particularly egregious example.
“I'm interested in editing for your organization. You asked for an hourly rate, but I'm not entirely sure what's fair. I am currently unemployed, looking for full-time work. I'd love to do some part-time editing while I search. I attached a resume, just in case.”
Translation: I haven’t taken the time to find out what “your organization” does. I’m too inexperienced to know typical industry rates. I just want you to help me stay afloat while I look for something better. I doubt I’m a good fit but here’s some more information about me, just in case.
Not Connecting the Dots
Here’s an example of a less depressing, but similarly generic, response that fails to excite. The applicant focuses on his credentials but doesn’t build a bridge between what he offers and what I need.
“I’m a long-time writer and editor interested in freelance editing work with WritingCoach.com. My experience includes copy editing at newspapers, wire services, magazines and blogs. My rate is $50/hour for editing, and I’m quick and thorough. Thank you for your consideration of this request and if there is additional information I can provide, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Translation: This is the form letter that I send to everyone. I don’t have the time or interest to write an additional sentence or two explaining how my background makes me a great fit to edit the particular kind of stories that you publish.
Remember, when you’re competing against dozens of other applicants (many with similar experience) it’s important to distinguish yourself by showing greater familiarity with the publication and real enthusiasm for the work.
To learn winning strategies, tune in to the free "How to Find Freelance Writing Assignments Now" teleseminar.
