Read This Before Applying for Another Writing Job

photo by: kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Desperate times calls for desperate measures. And when freelance writing job leads are up, it’s tempting to apply for all of them. I know because I’ve been there. I used to do the same thing with regular full-time jobs, which explains why I’ve once worked as a private investigator, a research assistant and a loan executive (to name a few). It’s also why I once applied like crazy for freelance writing gigs everything from start-up magazines to unknown websites.

If you’re doing the same, stop, and read this.

Applying for jobs out of desperation is kind of like going on dates with guys you’re not interested in or on diets to lose weight. It’s a big drain on your time and energy and when you’ve got a goal to make it big, you don’t have either to spend unwisely.

Don’t do this

Here’s what happens when you spend the time and energy on things you don’t want: You get it!

1. Which means you waste time on a job that doesn’t suit you.
2. You lock yourself up into a time commitment that doesn’t allow for jobs that are a better fit.
3. You open up the door to bad client-consultant relationship.
4. You get further from your goals.

Do this instead

1. Get yourself out of fear and into the hands of faith. Trust the process and remember that taking one job you dislike may actually deter you from having the full-time freelancing career you dream of.
2. Take a deep breath and ask yourself: a) is this job a stepping stone to your eventual goal? b) what would working for this company feel like? c) are fear and desperation ruling your decision? d) is this is a good fit?
3. Close your eyes and visualize the job in question. If you feel nervous excitement at the prospect of taking it, then this might be the right fit. Butterflies are normal and may just indicate your anticipation with working with a new client. If, on the other hand you’re feeling sick to your stomach or those butterflies feel more like daggers, take a deep breath and say no. It’s really not worth taking a job you hate now if it will end up hurting you and your business in the future.
4. Create a wish list. We create lists for almost everything: shopping lists, a first home list, to-do lists, resolutions, our soulmate list. Why not take that same concept and create your dream client/job? Factors such as having a client that’s easy to work with, flexibility, job where you can use your creativity, job that pays well, or a position where you’re writing 100% of the time are plausible items. In fact, why not go wild with it, especially since you might get what you ask for. And don’t you think you deserve the best?
5. Create a must-have list. If you’ve ever watched HGTV’s My First Place or Property Virgins, you know that there’s a difference between your dream list and your, “I won’t settle for anything less than this list.” You may get every item on your dream one, but be prepared to create another that indicates your bottom line-things you must have otherwise you won’t seal the deal. It’ll help you greatly when deciding what job is worth applying for.

How about you? Any words of wisdom you’ve picked up along the way from applying to any and all types of job?