We may earn a commission if you click on a product link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Last updated: September 3, 2024
Entering the writing field, whether you aspire to be a journalist, copywriter, or novelist, has never been easy. In today’s challenging economy, securing a lucrative career as a writer can feel almost impossible. However, if you have passion and talent, you’re already ahead of the game. But, passion and talent alone won’t suffice if you lack a portfolio to showcase your skills. It’s a frustrating cycle: those without experience struggle to find jobs, and gaining experience without a job can be incredibly difficult.
As a fresh graduate, equipped with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a passion for writing, I was determined to secure a job in my field. Instead, I spent a year and a half waitressing and taking on odd jobs where I could while spamming marketing companies with resume-filled emails. Not until I realized that potential employers didn’t want to be told about my love and aptitude for writing, they wanted to be shown, did I earn the opportunity to work as a full-time Creative Copywriter.
So how do you let employers see that you’re the writer they’ve been searching for? Here are the top 5 ways to show your dedication to writing and create a name for yourself – all of them possible to do while holding a less-than-desirable day job.
Freelance
Write articles for every publication you can, as often as you can! In many ways, freelancing looks just as good on a resume as a full-time position does. It not only produces writing samples for you to present to potential employers, but it also shows resourcefulness, good time management, and your ability to adapt your writing to multiple styles.
Check out the writing category of craigslist.org’s ‘gig’ section, sign up for freelance communities (like upwork.com, textbroker.com, or cloudcrowd.com), pitch your stories to papers and magazines, and
The Freelancer’s Bible will help those new to freelancing learn the ropes, and will help those who’ve been freelancing for a while grow and expand.
Cultivate Relationships
Network and create strong ties with editors, other writers, and other creative types in general. It often helps to “know someone”, even when securing freelancing jobs. Build off of the relationships you already have, attend professional networking events in your area, and join local clubs and associations.
Staying in contact with other writers might afford you the opportunity to collaborate with them or accept jobs that they’re unable to take on. Remain accessible to others who aren’t in your direct field as well, for example, graphic artists, advertising gurus, etc., and let them know that they can turn to you when they’re in need of copy for their latest email blast or to accompany a design. Remember, however, that relationships require more than expecting favors without offering your own resources in return.
Discover top networking resources to boost your career with CareerAlley. Explore platforms, tips, and tools for effective professional connections.
Maintain a Blog and a Social Media Presence
Online presence is paramount for any writer seeking employment. Establish and regularly update your profiles on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and maintain an active blog. Treat these platforms as your professional portfolio, showcasing your writing talent and expertise. Avoid using them as outlets for personal rants or casual updates.
Instead, focus on creating content that reflects the quality and professionalism you would deliver to an employer or client. Consistent, high-quality posts can demonstrate your abilities, attract potential employers, and establish you as a credible and skilled writer in your field.
CareerAlley links to Blogging resources.
Find an Unpaid Outlet for Writing Presence
Writing for an online or print ‘zine’ or other start-up media outlet can be a great way to exercise your skills. Websites that are just starting out are often looking for writers to build up their content archives in exchange for helping to build your resume; even if articles aren’t always compensated for, you can still send them as ‘published work’ in your collection of samples when you apply to full-time positions.
Do the work you love, your way. Build rewarding relationships in the world’s Work Marketplace. Your home for the work you want.
Write, Write, Write
A published piece of writing holds certain clout, but the beauty of being a part of such a creative field is that it’s possible to continuously create and improve on your own time. Practice writing as often as possible, even if it’s with the intention of never showing anyone else your work (stories, articles, poetry, one-liners). You’ll be improving through repetition while creating concepts that may evolve into something worthy of publication later.
In the moments that you don’t have the inspiration to conceive new ideas, go back and critique your old work and others’ work. After reading and reviewing other writings, rewrite them using a different style or angle to broaden your skillset.
Learn how to create your own blog, vlog, or podcast and get it out in the blogosphere! (Super Skills)
Conclusion
Breaking into the writing field, especially in today’s competitive job market, requires more than just passion and talent. It’s about showcasing your abilities through tangible work, building a network of professional contacts, and maintaining a consistent online presence. By taking proactive steps—such as freelancing, cultivating relationships with industry professionals, and continuously honing your craft—you can create a portfolio that speaks volumes about your dedication and skill.
These strategies not only demonstrate your commitment but also open doors to potential full-time writing opportunities. Embrace every chance to write, whether paid or unpaid, and use each experience to strengthen your position in the industry. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to establishing a successful and rewarding writing career.
Additional Resources
Looking to set your own hours or make some extra cash? Take a look at our side hustle partners.
Joey Trebif is the pen name of Mark Fiebert, a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
