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I started freelance writing right after I graduated from college in December 2010 with a Bachelor's in Public Relations. I am thinking about looking for a professional office type job, but I'm not sure if employers will take me seriously. Do employers look down on job candidates who have freelanced for a while?
Before freelancing, I never really had a professional job.. I just had a couple public relations/writing internships and worked some random jobs throughout college. I still list my hostess job on my resume because I worked there for a couple of years. Is it time to take it off?
Being 26 years old, I feel like I should have had more professional experience and employers won't take me seriously. Does anyone have any advice? I want to mainly apply for writing/public relations/marketing type positions.
I've worked as a writer since age 22 (I'm now 63). Over the years, I've switched back and forth between freelancing from my apartment and working staff gigs at ad agencies, media companies, etc.
I'll work in an offfice for 5 or 6 years and -- when that job evaporates -- go back to working on my own. Often for years.
As another poster mentioned, companies that regularly hire creatives (writers, graphic designers, web designers, etc.) understand this. It's not a stigma.
Granted, during my solo periods, my workload has often been a bit too light for comfort. But I've just been hired for a full-time job -- staff, with full benefits -- after four years of freelancing on my own.
I've worked as a writer since age 22 (I'm now 63). Over the years, I've switched back and forth between freelancing from my apartment and working staff gigs at ad agencies, media companies, etc.
I'll work in an offfice for 5 or 6 years and -- when that job evaporates -- go back to working on my own. Often for years.
As another poster mentioned, companies that regularly hire creatives (writers, graphic designers, web designers, etc.) understand this. It's not a stigma.
Granted, during my solo periods, my workload has often been a bit too light for comfort. But I've just been hired for a full-time job -- staff, with full benefits -- after four years of freelancing on my own.
If I can do it at 63, so can you.
That makes me feel better, thanks Do you have any advice on applying for full-time writing or marketing jobs? What job boards do you use?
Do you have any advice on applying for full-time writing or marketing jobs? What job boards do you use?
When you contact companies online, always include:
1) A brief cover letter that gives a clear sense of your skills -- and your personality. Avoid repeating the information that already appears on your resume.
2) Your resume. Include the usual information (past experience, dates, etc.). Without going overboard, don't be afraid to also inject a bit of personality and style. After all, you're a writer.
3) 5-10 samples of your work. If the samples are viewable online, include the url in both your cover letter and resume. If you don't have a website? Simply combine your samples into a single PDF, which you can send as an attachment. I suggest making sure that your PDF includes a "tastefully designed" cover sheet, followed by your resume, followed by your samples.
Few job boards cater exclusively to writers and copywriters. The usual suspects (Jobster, Indeed, LinkedIn, CraigsList, etc.) are probably your best bet.
Also check the company websites of every firm that specializes in your area(s) of interest. If they haven't posted a suitable job, send a cover letter, resume, and samples anyway. You never know.
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Do you have any advice on applying for full-time writing or marketing jobs? What job boards do you use?
