16 Sep 10 Freelance Writing – Confused about samples?
The worst part of a freelance writing career is uncertainty. A freelance writer, unlike a staff writer, has to search for gigs every now and then, and each time he needs to show some samples in order to get the work. And this is where problem starts, and contrary to common perception, the more experienced you are, the more jitter the idea of showing samples give.
What samples to show and what not to show, and how many to show? These questions often haunt a freelance writer, more so because there is no one right answer to this. Every client is different so is there demand, and so is the solution to that.
The question is then how to decide what to show and what not to show? As said, there is not any definite answer to this question, but I can tell you about what I do when it comes to hunting writing gigs. That will help you devise your plan of action.
How to decide which sample to show
What clients want?
The first step in the process is to see what client is asking for, as sending relevant samples is what you should do. Sending a sample of how-to article to a client who wants a sales page will do no good. Similarly sending a sample of an article to one who is asking for a press release will also not get you the job.
Have you written on the topic?
If you have written on the topic related to project advertise then send that sample, but while doing so do keep the following tip in mind.
When did you write that one?
This is very important. We all grow one article at a time, so sending a sample that you wrote 2 or 3 years back will do more harm than good, as it will not demonstrate you current style. Do not mistake in thinking that writing style is static; rather nothing is more organic than writing style. The more you write the better you become. You should, therefore, send the samples that you wrote in last month, or last to last month. Do not send any sample that you wrote more than 6 months back.
How many
As many as required to get the work. This is a judgment call you have to take. If the work advertised is going to last long than I provide more samples and if it is a small project then I do not send too many samples, or too many types of samples. It also depends on what a client is asking for.
This is how I decide on what samples to send and how many to send. I hope this will help you decide as well.
Tags: 3 Years, Definite Answer, Freelance Writer, Freelance Writing Career, Hunting, Job, Mistake, Organic Style, Perception, Press Release, Relevant Samples, Staff Writer, Uncertainty, Writing Samples, Writing Style
05 Feb 10 A Job-Search Guide to Help People Over 45 – VI
There is indeed something about age that you should care about. You need to know how you should handle age issue when searching for job after 45, and in this article, I am going to tell you precisely about that.
Show what you are capable of
Not everyone out there is hunting for young employees; in other words, not everyone is concerned about employees’ in one’s company. These people are more concerned about their present productivity, which they believe can only be boosted if employees with certain experience join their team. For these employers, the more experienced the team is the better result they will get. Capitalize of this line of thinking, and strengthen your candidacy by showing your experience. Also tell them what you can do for them, if hired.
Find employer seeking older employees
Not everyone loves young workforce, some take it for inexperienced lot that cannot deliver. This group of employers is looking for people who have ground knowledge of their field and know how things take shape. This group of employees will be a good fit for you. Search for such companies and apply categorically mentioning your experience.
Legal action upon discrimination
I know this is not good, and I wish it never come to that, but in some situations it becomes absolute must. Under the law of our nation, no employer can discriminate on the basis of age, so when push comes to shove, you should take an employer to the court of law. But you must understand that proving it will not be easy, regardless, you should seek legal action if you are discriminated against. You should not suffer due to your age.
Although I will not recommend legal course of action, as it is nothing but waste of precious time, which can be used to find a job. I also do not support any kind of discrimination, so if your age is told to be the reason for not getting a job then go forward and prove it in the court.
It has been heavy stuff here. Let’s take a break with a promise to meet in the next installment. Till then stay fit and keep looking. And yes do not forget to comment.
Tags: Break, Candidacy, Discrimination, Find A Job, Find Job, Fit, Getting A Job, Hunting, Job Guide, Job Help, Job Search, Looking For People, Precious Time, Productivity, Promise, Reason, Search People, Searching For Job, Workforce
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