Appling for Jobs

If you've done everything I've talked about up until now, you're ready to start applying for jobs.

The good thing about writing careers is that most of them don't require a degree or any formal qualifications. You just need to be good at writing.

The flip side of that is, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Why would anyone hire you when you don't have a degree or prior work experience to show that you're capable? And how are you going to stand out from all the other writers?

That's why a solid portfolio is so important starting out — it's basically all you have.

Getting your foot in the door

Your first writing job is the hardest to get. Everyone thinks they're a writer (especially with the help of generative AI), so there's a lot of competition and little setting you apart.

Everything gets easier after you have that first job, not just because it helps your resume, but also because of the experience and confidence it gives you. My advice is not to be picky when you're starting out. Take whatever writing job you can get — even if it's not what you're interested in — and work for a year or so to get some real-world experience.

Dont look for freelance work

Freelance work is fine when you're practicing or when you're a pro who can charge a high rate, but when you're trying to start your career for real, freelance work is probably only going to get in the way. You can make money from it and build on it, but there's a lot of risk, you don't get as much recognition/credibility, and usually the pay is garbage.

Starting and building a career with a salaried position is a much safer, more lucrative path.

Where and how to look

There are many ways to find a writing job:

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is an easy place to start. Make an account if you don't have one already. Search for writing jobs, and apply for all of them. You can also try to connect with other writers on there. As long as you're respectful and not annoying you should be able to do some useful networking there.

Other job sites

There are a bunch of other job sites you can use to find and apply for jobs. Just use them all and apply for everything.

Employment agencies and headhunters

These can be really useful. They get their cut when you get a job, so they're very motivated and helpful. Often candidates recommended by agencies and headhunters are given more consideration too. There are even some that specialize in helping writers, so look out for those in your area.

Company websites

Often companies list jobs on their site. It's not the most efficient to look at individual websites, but if there's a company you really want to work at or have some relevant connection with, check their site for job postings.

Ask your connections

If you know any writers or have a mentor, tell them you're looking for a job. They might know of an opening at their company or through their own connections. If you have a connection at a company with a writing job available talk to them about it, they might be willing to recommend you.

Alternative methods

If you've tried all the above with no success, here are some slightly less direct options.

Leave the country.

Ok, hear me out. I know this seems crazy but it actually does work. A native English speaker/writer in, say, America is nothing special, but in countries where English is a second language, you're a superstar by default! People move abroad and take English teaching jobs all the time, you can do the same thing with writing. Global companies often operate internally in English as well so you can even get away with not knowing the local language.

Switch roles

Large companies often allow some internal mobility. If you already have a job at a place that employs writers, you can try expressing your interest in switching roles to management.

Still can't find a job?

If you've been trying everything for months and still can't find a writing job, it's time to ask yourself some tough questions:

Do I suck at writing?

Maybe you're just not good enough. There's no shame in that, we all start somewhere. If you can be honest with yourself and admit your skills aren't where they need to be, you're already on the way to fixing the problem.

Am I unappealing as an employee/coworker?

There's a lot of competition for entry-level writing jobs. Many candidates are on roughly the same level. Many employers don't know what a good writer looks like. Combine all this and you're faced with one unfortunate truth: getting a writing job may depend more on your likeability than your writing skills.

Maybe you have an abrasive personality. Maybe you have bad breath. Maybe you seem like you're trying too hard. Maybe you seem like you're not trying hard enough. Maybe you have a terrible fashion sense. These things can seem stupid and irrelevant, but they do matter. Do some self-reflection and get some feedback from people who'll be honest with you.

When you're an established, respected writer you can present yourself however you want, but to start off with, you have to play the game.

It's no use. I've tried everything.

If you simply can't get a writing job no matter what you try, you probably have a blind spot. You're doing something wrong without realizing it. It's possible you haven't got the feedback you need, or if you did, you disregarded it.

Get some fresh perspectives and rethink things that you're taking for granted.

What next?

If you still need advice, contact me. I'm happy to help.

Otherwise, good luck!