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Finding Freelance Writing Jobs: Here’s Where Hiring Managers Are Looking for YOU

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Freelance writers need jobs.

Hiring managers are discussing where they go to find freelance writers. So if you've ever asked me how to find freelance work or writing jobs, here's your answer!
Hiring managers are discussing where they go to find freelance writers. So if you’ve ever asked me how to find freelance work or writing jobs, here’s your answer! Image Credit: Flickr

Companies need bloggers, content writers and brand journalists.

Wouldn’t it be simple if there was a common ground where we could all just meet, connect and help each other out?

Well, there is. Sort of. It’s called the Internet.

The last few weeks I’ve been hanging out in a few of my favorite LinkedIn groups to get the scoop on the latest industry news.

One thread made bells, chimes and whistles go off in my head.

Hiring managers are discussing where they go to find freelance writers. So if you’ve ever asked me how to find freelance work or writing jobs, here’s your answer!

If you’re a writer, I know you need this list. If you’re a marketer or small business owner trying to populate a blog consistently, you want to know where to find good quality writers. Today’s post is a win-win for anyone who works in words or needs copy ASAP.

6 Places Hiring Managers Say They Find Freelance Writers

1. LinkedIn: One director of marketing uses the search feature in LinkedIn to look for journalists in her niche market. The takeaway: Complete your LinkedIn profile and include relevant keywords so your profile shows up in search results.

2. HR Departments: One marketer queries her HR department to see if any resumes have come in from potential freelance writers. The takeaway: Send query letters to marketing companies you’d like to work with. Keep your name in their office files!

3. Peers and Colleagues: A communications company representative asks others in the office and in similar businesses who they recommend. The takeaway: Always put your best foot forward. Doing a good job for one client opens the door to recommendations and additional writing gigs.

Hiring managers are discussing where they go to find freelance writers.

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4. Blogs and Portfolios: The president of a copywriting company says he looks at the bylines on articles he enjoys reading. The takeaway: Start a blog or do a few guest posts. Even though you’re writing for free, it’s an online sample of your skills. You never know who might read one of your posts and want you to write something similar for them — for pay.

5. Creative Talent Agencies: One marketing communications manager prefers to go the agency route. She scans the pool of writers, reads their resumes and finds one who suits her needs. The takeaway: Join an agency and completely fill out all profile details to make your resume shine!

6. Professional Writing Organizations: A content marketing manager and communications company owner say they find talented writers by looking at job boards and databases from professional writers groups such as The Editorial Freelancers Association, The Society of Professional Journalists, The American Society of Journalists and Authors and Public Relations Society of America. The takeaway: Keep up your membership dues and update your contact details for all professional affiliations.

Not one hiring manager or decision maker mentioned placing ads for freelance writers on Craigslist, freelance writing forums or on their own company websites. Interesting, isn’t it?

So, tell me: Are you looking for freelance work, or are you on the hunt for writers to hire? Let’s make some connections in the comments below!

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Published by Angela Tague

Hi! I collaborate with content marketing companies, SEO agencies and media publishers on their web content production. I utilize my background in print media journalism to write, research, conduct interviews, fact-check texts, follow client-focused style guides and meet deadlines. I strive to create content that fits seamlessly with your company’s marketing and journalistic goals by aligning with the audience and voice you prefer. Connect with me on Twitter @AngelaTague.

10 Replies to “Finding Freelance Writing Jobs: Here’s Where Hiring Managers Are Looking for YOU”

  1. Pingback: New Year, New You: 15 Ways to Boost Your Biz in 2015 | Web Writing Advice

  2. What a great post Angela! It’s good to know where hiring managers are finding their freelance writers.

    For me most of my clients come either from:
    1. Twitter
    2. Guest posts/client posts
    3. Referrals from other freelance writers or business managers/marketers

    I also apply to job board as well and have some clients via this route.
    Elna

    1. Hi Elna, Thanks so much for chiming in with where you’re finding writing jobs. It’s so helpful for “newbies”! ~Angela

  3. I am really interested in becoming a freelance writer, but having no experience or any samples of work to show, not sure how I am going to get started. As a part time writer of poetry and romance novels, self published, I am sure I could succeed as a freelance writer.

    But how do I start if I have no experience? I do post on social media sites and have a blog where I have interviewed other authors and written book reviews, as well as posting excerpts of my novels.

    Thanks for sharing information about Freelance writing Angela.

    1. Hi Phoenix! Thanks for stopping by! But, you DO have experience. Use your blog posts as writing samples, or pen a few things on sites like Medium or LinkedIn Pulse, so you have URLs to share. Have you started browsing the freelance job boards yet? (https://www.webwritingadvice.com/12-freelance-writing-job-boards-and-lists/) Or, if you have your heart set on one particular website or blog, why not send them an email or private message on social media? Ask how they hire writers for their blog and tell them what you can do for THEM, and go from there. A big part of landing freelance jobs is networking and digging for the jobs. Good luck! ~Angela

  4. I very good article. I started my own freelance writing business just over three years ago, yet I STILL haven’t been able to get one single paid writing assignment. The genre in which I blog and write articles is the horror/supernatural field.

    1. Hi Alan! Thanks for stopping by and reading. So, have you approached publications in your genre? For example, magazines or websites that publish articles about the supernatural? Have you pitched them ideas? Keep the mindset that you’re bringing something to the table for the publication. How can you help THEM? It’s not about you needing work, it’s about you providing great content for your client. Good luck! ~Angela

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