Applying for online jobs is easy or hard depending on who you ask. However, it need not be hard if you follow these guidelines:
- Identify the sites that are in tandem with your writing skills and interests. The online writing world is diversified. For example, there are content mills like Freelancer that offer beginners and experienced writers alike, the opportunity to bid for and write content for a variety of clients. There are also sites that specialize in blogging jobs, for example BloggingPro.
- Fill in and submit the required personal information. This is used to create your account. Ensure you give accurate details. Moreover, make sure that the contact email address you give is active and that you access it daily.
- Take a test if one is required. Some sites gauge the language and writing skills of applicants by giving a test or asking for a sample article. Whichever the case, give this task you best shot because it will determine whether you will be allowed to earn money of that platform.
- Update your profile. Once your account is ready, work on your profile. Upload your best high-profile photo because clients want to know they are dealing with real people, not robots. Create an attractive description of yourself and the services you will offer to prospective clients. Blow your trumpet but don’t overdo it.
- Upload sample articles. People who may want to hire you want to see a practical example of your writing and language skills as well as your depth in a specific area of content. Because you have time to create samples, upload only clean content that has not grammatical or spelling errors or any semblance of plagiarism. If you have a website or blog, provide a link to your content.
- Start bidding for writing jobs. Now you are ready to persuade those who have writing tasks to give to writers like you, to consider you before others. Remember, even in bidding, first impressions count. Persuade the client using language that is acceptable and representative of your writing skills and experience.
In addition
- If you want to submit your work to content markets like Dotwriter.com, you are likely to follow the process above, except that you will not bid for jobs. Clients will judge you from the content you have written and purchase it if it meets their requirements.
- If you have a writer’s website or blog, you can also contact prospective clients directly, a process called cold pitching. This is akin to unsolicited job application letters when you are looking for a job. Whether you succeed using this method depends on your persuasion skills and the quality of your writing.
A Final Word
There is no such as thing as a passive online writer. You have to work your socks off. Unless people notice your presence, abilities and skills, they will not hire you. The more jobs you apply for the higher your chances of getting a gig. It will be hard at the beginning but once you get regular clients who contact you directly, you might be the next USD millionaire in town.
