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It’s supposed to be a dream, this thing called writing — or more importantly, this thing that gets you paid, called writing. Playing the starving artist is fun for a while, but starving gets old.
You would wisely question that if writers have portfolios and the proof is indeed somewhere in the pudding, why the need for a writer’s resume at all? Sadly, however, you’d be wrong, because everyone and their dog is asking for resumes on job boards. Oh, and they still want to see that portfolio.
We’re going to look at some fun and creative ways to improve your writer’s resume and possibly add it to a list of side-hustles that can put money into your pocket while you build a stronger portfolio. Becoming a highly-paid writer is kind of like becoming an international airline pilot ― building flight hours or a portfolio isn’t always going to be sexy or fun, but it is necessary nonetheless. As is that resume, that we’re going to help you take to the next level.
The Importance of a Writer’s Resume
Your resume is one of three possible items that a hiring agent will focus on, along with your portfolio and cover letter, which means all three must be of solid quality to even get considered. In other words, you’ll want to avoid writing the worst cover letter ever.
Creating a writer’s resume is your first step to getting hired, whether that’s by an entire company or a lone client. However, there are a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid that are commonplace.
Make sure to proofread. Nothing will turn off a hiring manager more than spelling and grammatical errors on a resume. Pay more attention to the details, and consider sending it out to a freelance copy editor.
Explain your value. Make better use of the valuable piece of real estate that is your objective. Don’t write the same bland stuff everyone is writing. Really make your resume stand out. Better yet, write like a copywriter and sell yourself by stating benefits the company will receive from hiring you.
Err on the side of integrity. When it comes to resumes, there’s a fine line between fact and fiction. You still may be able to dress yours up a bit, but always err on the right side.
Customize it. Don’t send out the same resume for each new position. Tailor your resume specifically for the job ad. You can even use some of the same language from the ad as long as you don’t over-do it. And make it about them, not you.
Don’t forget to add any good side-hustles to your resume. So long as they support your benefits and show your value. Even sharing your passions on your resume can be a benefit if those passions also support your value or add to it.
If you have questionable gaps in your resume, you’ll want to research some good ways to overcome those gaps.
Not a Bad Side-Hustle
Side-hustles are great ways to build experience and get paid when you first start off as a paid, non-starving writer. Everything is a stepping stone to something else — hopefully, it’s bigger and better stones with higher pay.
Anything can be a side-hustle when you’re starting off, even a lucrative skill like ebook writing. All it takes is one client on a writing and job platform like Upwork to suddenly supply you with case study writing experience.
Writing resumes — once you learn how to perfect your own — can be a tremendous side-hustle and one that many writers would likely pay well for. Resume writing takes skill and practice, but since nearly all job ads ask for one, it’s likely a skill in high demand. Why not use that demand to your advantage? Anything you can proudly add to your portfolio is beneficial in the long run.
A Variety of Career Options
There are numerous types of writing you can specialize in, just as there are hundreds of niches and sub-niches you can also become a specialist in. From copywriting and content writing to technical and contract writing, there are more ways to make money as a writer than most writers realize.
However, one of the first questions you’ll want to ask yourself is this: Should I work as a freelancer or should I work for a company? You should consider the pros and cons of working for yourself versus working for a company. If you find yourself as a retiree who either wants or needs part-time income, part-time freelancing could be a viable source of income for you.
One thing no one tells you when you’re becoming a freelance writer is that you only think you go from having a boss to being your own boss. The truth is that you now have many bosses, and their names are “Clients.” So, in other words, eyes wide open — it’s only a dream until it becomes a nightmare.
The best piece of advice any writer can receive is to develop grit. Writing every day is critical, to be sure, but so is being able to take rejection and exposing yourself to the possibility of rejection.
Be hard enough to cold-call a hundred companies in a day. Why cold calling? No one else is doing it, because it’s scary and hard and we tend to avoid scary and hard things. Do it and stand out, then brace yourself for work.
Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll do well to remember two things in particular. One, you can’t go wrong with a good resume, which is why you should take the time to make sure yours is tip-top. And two, it’s all building blocks to something better up the road ― be not discouraged or deterred and ye shall be rewarded.
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