This post was written by Deb
Landing a Blogging Job: Application Tips
Blogging is more informal than more traditional forms of writing, but you still need to be careful. Especially when applying for a blogging job. Sometimes we’re in such a rush to get our application or introductory email off before the competition we don’t take enough time to proofread. Big mistake. Here are a few tips for applying for a blogging gig.
- Be honest: If you don’t know enough about the niche, or haven’t the experience the client requested, don’t lie. Lies have a way of showing themselves eventually and the last thing you want is to screw with your reputation.
- Follow instructions: If an ad says "no attachments" or requests you put certain information in the subject line, it’s in your best interests to do so. Many employers receive tons of applications. You want yours to stand out for the right reasons. Many employers feel if you can’t follow instructions on a job ad, how will they be able to trust you to follow instructions with their blogs?
- Proofread: I’m the worst offender when it comes to typos, but hopefully not when I’m applying for a job. In fact, many times, I’ll send my cover letter to a trusted friend or relative in order to ensure it’s typo free. This is the biggest mistake people make when applying for a gig. Always proofread.
- Just list the facts: Your potential client doesn’t need to know you’re home with the kids, unless your blog is about staying home with the kids. Ditto for financial situations and other personal details.
- Check your form letter: If you’re using a form letter, do check to make sure you changed the name of the recipient as well as the name of the business. If you’re sending a Dear Mrs. Migilicutty letter to Mr. Madison, you’re getting the job.
Be yourself when applying for a blogging gig. Let a potential employer know your strengths and why you’re perfect for that blog. If you’re passionate about your subject it will show through.
Good luck!
April 4, 2008 | Filed Under Blogging Jobs
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I’d add 3 tips (just from our side of the fence):
1. Propose a solid idea. Don’t let it be a duplicate or a slightly different version of something we already have.
2. Stand out in some way. We get a metric tonne of applications (100-200 per day) and most of them are “just average”. The 10% that are better than “average” have a very good shot of getting a shout back.
3. SHOW your passion. Don’t just tell us you’re passionate.
Those are the 3 things that have stopped great writers from getting jobs at b5 in the past. The suck of it all is that there’s so much noise that we have to put rigid standards in place. And there are so many applications that we can’t work with everyone to develop an idea anymore.
Thank you Jeremy. I suspected b5 received hundreds of applications each day. I (we) appreciate your offering tips to stand out. I agree, showing passion of a topic is important. Those are the applications that stand out.