We’ve had some new blogging jobs posted on our telecommuting job site recently, and I thought now might be a good time to suggest a few guidelines for those of you applying. These tips also go for anyone wanting to contribute posts to our happy blog (you heard correctly, sign up on Telesaur, and you can contribute posts and bolster that writing portfolio). Here’s some tips to keep in mind as you apply to your next blogging job.
Don’t submit “blogs.”
If you’re going to play with the big wigs, you better know the lingo. Go ahead and say, “I blog my heart out,” or “I blog eight days a week.” Just don’t refer to posts or articles as “blogs.” Posts and articles are posts and articles. Okay, “blog posts” is a fine thing to say. If you’re feeling unsure, simply back up to the pre-bloggian era and use write, article, entry, etc.
Double-check your spelling.
That’s pretty obvious, but please at least triple check the site’s name. I’m pretty laid back, but if you refer to Telesaur as Telesnore, I’ll send the little dino to eat you. Be swell when you spell and you will do well.
Capitalize your sentences.
This is correct. this is not correct. This is correct. THIS IS NOT CORRECT!!!!
Pick three relevant writing samples.
Don’t submit one post (unless you’re contributing to our site – that’s perfectly cool), and don’t send us your thesis paper either. Employers would love to print it out and use it for a doorstop, but it won’t help you snag the blogger job you want. As for relevance, the samples you submit usually don’t have to match the opportunity’s topic, but at least make sure they fall in line with the style, attitude, and length of the site.
Let your submission hit the inbox.
You’re chomping at the bit. You have a nice cover letter drafted. Your resume sparkles. Your sample writing is carefully selected. You hit send – and an hour later you email the employer again: Did you get my super duper message?
Not cool. Give people time to read. This may surprise you, but not everyone checks email the moment it flies through the window. My suggestion: wait patiently. Don’t even follow up tomorrow. You are a slow roasted meal, not a dollar menu hamburger. Give it at least a week before you follow up.
Do you have any other suggestions for landing a blogging job?
images: juliejordanscott
