by Job Savants
6. August 2009 09:15
When applying for any job, the short term goal is to grab the attention of the employer. Using a canned cover letter or traditional resume may not allow you to accomplish that. It is crucial to your success that you take the time to make sure your cover letter and resume specifically highlight your experience that relates to the role. To highlight your qualifications when applying for writing jobs, keep in mind the following considerations for your writing experiences.
Volunteer Writing
Never underestimate the effect of describing your volunteer experience as a writer. Many people don’t consider mentioning their volunteer work when applying for a job because they don’t think it’s worth it. But remember, the employer wants to know that you are an effective writer, not if you made money doing it. Noting your volunteer experience serves two purposes. It shows that you can write well and that you are passionate about a given cause.
Freelance Writing
Many freelance writers deal with a great dilemma when deciding to abandon the life of a freelancer and embark on the journey of a full time staff writer. Some freelance writers work from home, while some full time staff writers work in the company’s office. This in itself can be quite an adjustment. But more than that, many freelance writers stumbled upon the profession because they have a natural love of writing, not years of formal training or knowledge as a staff writer, and so their resumes may reflect this. Keep in mind, most employers don’t read every line of every resume they receive. They quickly scan them to make sure you have the skills they are looking for. If you find yourself in the category of one who has served as a freelance writer, and the rest of your employment history in a field or industry that has no relation to writing, consider creating a “writing credentials” section and list it before the “employment history”. You have a better chance of “standing out” in the mind of the employer.
Full Time Writing
It goes without saying that you want to list your previous full time writing experience when applying for a job as a full time writer. But, don’t assume the experience will speak for itself. You have to make it “speak”, make it colorful, wow the employer with your writing style, clarity, and effective vocabulary when describing your role at your previous company (ies). Going the extra mile when writing your resume is another way of showing the potential employer that you have the skills to go beyond the call of duty, which can be an asset to any company.
When writing your resume to apply for a job as a staff writer, be sure to include all of your experience that relates to what the company is looking for. No matter how minor you think it may be, include it. Who knows, that little blurb about you “volunteering at a summer writing camp for 3rd graders” could be just what you need to get to the top.