🙅🏻‍♀️ Freelancers Hate Resumes

Freelancer writers had no qualms sharing their feelings on my recent LinkedIn poll.

After submitting a formal application with a resume and cover letter for a freelance gig, I wondered how other writers felt about the process. So I reached out to my LinkedIn network…

⛔ And over half gave a resounded “Hell no” to the formal job application process.

What freelancers had to say

While poll respondents were a hard no, some writers hopped into the comments to weigh in a little more deeply.

Many (myself included) fall into the “it depends on the situation” camp. Either it had to be a brand they were excited to work for or had clear and competitive pay options.

I agree, although I don’t love the application process. And as another writer pointed out, these online apps often have thousands of applicants. When I look back and reflect on those gigs that required a full resume and cover letter…I don’t recall ever hearing back with a response.

My takeaways to use in your own freelance biz

Even with lackluster results, I continue to send out this type of application for the right client.

But I don’t spend hours on it.

Instead, I have a resume I made a few years ago with my overall freelancing expertise and previous work history. I just update the year on the file name and it’s ready to be sent.

I also have one cover letter template I use and simply swap out some of the language to make it relevant for the client’s audience and content needs, plus some updated writing samples.

I don’t have to recreate the wheel with every single application. And even if I don’t see immediate results, I never know what will pan out — and that’s true of just about anything in freelancing!

🌱 Sowing seeds everywhere eventually turns into a well-tended garden.

How about you? Do you apply to freelance jobs with all this extra documentation required? Hit reply and let me know!

Until next week,

Lauren

When you’re ready, here are 2 ways I can help you with your freelance business:

Organize your business with my income tracker or pitch tracker. 

Read The Fully Booked Freelance Writer to follow my exact process for keeping a full schedule (whatever that looks like for you).