Responding to Freelance Writing Jobs on Craigslist to Get the Job

What to Do & What NOT to Do When Applying for Freelance Writing Jobs

I recently landed three new clients in one day. Hence, I was slammed - too much work to meet all the deadlines without help. So, I immediately placed an ad on Craigslist for SEO writers (SEO writing is my new thing).

Over the next 24 hours, I received roughly 75 responses, and they're still pouring in, fully a week after I placed the ad. That's a lot of competition. I outsourced work to three writers from that ad - and have outsourced more work since then. Two of the three I
 worked with I plan to outsource more work to when I need help.

My point? Once an employer uses you, they will most likely use you again and again and again. Following are some things that, as an "employer," turned me off, and others that made freelancers stand out (and made me want to call them).

Remember, I've been a recruiter for over a decade, so the following tips come with a healthy dose of experience behind them.

1. Don't Ask for More Information - yet. Why? Because it means more work for the person who's looking for help - at precisely the time they don't have the time to do more work.

When I got responses like, "Can you send more info?" or "I've never done this type of work before, but ..." or, "I'm interested in learning more ..." I immediately clicked through to the next responder.

My answer to all of these questions is an emphatic "No." As in:

No I don't have time to send you more info - because I'm on deadline; and

"No I can't work with you if you've never done this type of work before because I can't train you - because I'm on a deadline;" and

"No, I don't have time to teach you right now, although I'm thrilled you may be interested in learning more - because I'm on deadline."

I thought the ad I wrote was pretty detailed. It gave enough information for someone with the kind of experience I was looking for to be able to assess the job - without more detailed info UNTIL they were hired for the job.

TIP: If you read an ad and can do what it asks, then don't request more info up front - because the important info (deadline, rate, type of writing, etc.) should be in the ad. Wait until you've been hired and then ask questions.

 
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I have found work on the craigslist however, I don' send my CV unless I get a real response back from someone since you have no idea where you are sending your personal information of where you went to school and what degrees you have. I understand it is a hassle for you to respond but I have answered many ads that no response even a "you are being considered sit tight" to even let me know that my email actually went anywhere. Overall though, I think your article is valuable with good tips. Thanks

Posted on 06/30/2009 at 9:06:37 AM

WOW, this is an excellent article, I really learned a lot. Very well written and get's some "real" points across that people are usually too busy to share. Thanks

Posted on 06/18/2009 at 6:06:30 PM

Guilty as charged. I responded to an ad that said life stories. Which on craigslist could end up being stories that are the equivalent of a phone sex operator. I appreciate the advice in any case. I guess I'll just need to take my chance.

Posted on 05/18/2009 at 2:05:44 AM

I feel a little doubtful about responding to ads from individuals. I guess I think I've got a better bet of receiving payment from a company than an individual.

Posted on 11/06/2008 at 6:11:08 AM

Thanks for the advice.

Posted on 06/16/2008 at 1:06:34 PM

Great tips here. I like your advice to Cathering below, too. :-)

Posted on 01/27/2008 at 9:01:22 PM

Thank you!

Posted on 01/26/2008 at 12:01:53 AM

Depends Catherine. If they ask for a writing sample on a specific topic, link to that articles specifically. You can also include a link to your profile page, as well. I 'd write something like: Thank you for your interest in working with me. As you requested, following is a link to a writing sample on "XXXXXX" subject. For more samples, please click here. I look forward to hearing from you. That should suffice.

Posted on 01/25/2008 at 6:01:53 AM

I've gotten a job or two (not great ones, but they paid) from Craigslist with the "Here's my experience, writing samples available on request" sort of reply. Good to know I should just go ahead and send a sample. Now that I'm on AC - how does it look to include a link to my CP page to cover the writing sample end? Thanks for the useful info!

Posted on 01/24/2008 at 11:01:17 PM

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