One Good Job Deserves Another: Landing Gigs

I’ve been congratulated by a number of people on landing this gig – writing for the freelance category here at Bizzia. And it is a great gig – but landing it wasn’t a fluke or lucky or even about being the best person for the job. I’m not saying that you can’t get great freelance jobs those ways, but if you’re a writer, the best way to get hired for awesome long-term contract positions is to do an awesome job at the writing gigs you have today.

Let me tell you the story of how I got this position. Don’t worry – I’ll keep it short and sweet so as not to bore you!

Well over a year ago, I read about a position opening with b5Media writing for their college football blog. I didn’t know it when I applied, but actually knew Kori Ellis, the person in charge of the hiring (it’s a small world), so I can attribute landing that gig to networking and (I think – you’d have to ask Kori) writing a pretty persuasive email, along with great samples of writing.

And that job, though not glamorous, has opened doors. I was offered the job writing for Bizzia’s freelance category because Kori and the others here at b5Media already knew me, and they knew I’d fit well with this job. When you do one job well, you’ll automatically start getting offers for more work – and that’s what every freelancer wants, right? You don’t want to have to troll for jobs every day; you want to be offered work.

Doing well with a freelance writing job isn’t just about the words you write, though. The fact of the matter is that there are hundreds, probably thousands, of freelance writers who write just as well as me, or even better. To employers/clients, other things matter more, or at least just as much:

• Following Directions: Every client is going to have certain ways he/she likes things. Even the little things matter. Some, for example, want list of resources, while others want links embedded in the text. Some want pictures, while others want headings and bullet points. Double-checking your work to ensure that you followed EVERY direction is just as important as spell-checking.
• Eagerness: People want writers who are highly invested in the project, not someone who’s just doing a job for money. This is true with blogging especially, but most employers feel this way. Be enthusiastic about your job and eager to do the work, even if the job isn’t wonderful.
• Choosing your Battles: Yes, there may be problems, but not every battle is important. A site where you write has down time? Be flexible with your work. You’re not paid on time? Give your client a day or two before raising cain. If something is super important, don’t let a client walk all over you, but if it is hard to work with you, people won’t offer you more jobs.

In general, you want to be a pleasant employee. Anticipate needs. Be on board with projects. Don’t disappear. Try to think like you were your client – would you hire yourself? If you’re a model contractor, jobs will start falling on your lap, eliminating the need for you worry about finding small jobs to pay the monthly bills.