Job Listings – May 1, 2007
Following Directions
I’m constantly surprised by the number of people who have horror stories regarding writers. Yea, I said writers. See, just like any other professional group, writers seem to suffer from the same malady – we don’t follow directions. As much as I’d love to oppose those who say writers drive them crazy when they don’t follow simple directions, I can’t. I’ve experienced the same thing.

See, these complaints are coming from your potential clients. They post an ad, much like the ones listed below, and they tell you exactly what they want from you. Yet invariably, they are inundated with submissions that don’t follow directions. One employer lamented that he specifically stated no attachments, yet all but three of his respondents sent attachments. Another said she asked for a letter stating the candidate’s qualifications. Only one person followed through. The rest just added attachments and contact info. In my own experience, I asked for a query letter and some samples. Only one person out of ten bothered to do that. One person was brazen enough to send a note saying “Call me” with just a name and number. Another sent an attachment and a signature.

If you think potential employers will look past all their requirements and head straight for your brilliant resume and clips, you’ve got a surprise coming. Because you didn’t bother to follow directions, they discounted you as someone who’s either A) difficult to work with or B) someone who isn’t able to follow simple directions. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Give them what they ask for. Be diligent enough, professional enough, to honor their requirements. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor will it compromise your art. It might just land you the job.

This week’s offerings:

Content Editor
Freelance Writer
Website Writing
Freelance Magazine Editor
Freelance Editor
Blog Writer
Diet Blogger
Freelance Writer
Contributing Writer
Project Writer