Written on August 30th, 2006 at 12:08 am by Darren Rowse
How to Apply for a Blog Job
So you want a blog job……
Well some of you seem to if the amount of traffic and subscribers to the feed at the Job Boards are anything to go by.
I’ve just been chatting to a number of the advertisers who have listed jobs and there have been three resounding pieces of feedback:
- They have had a lot of applicants.
- They’ve had some amazing quality applicants.
- They’ve also had some applicants who are not doing themselves any favors in the way they’ve applied for positions.
It’s this last point that I’d like to address in this post.
The fact is that there are significantly more people looking for blog jobs than there are jobs on the market at present. This is definitely changing as more businesses and networks emerge - however for the time being, if you are a blogger looking for work, you need to think quite carefully about how you apply for blogging jobs.
Here are 11 tips to keep in mind as you apply:
1. Act Quickly
Jobs are going quickly. Just a day after opening the boards I’d heard back from numerous advertisers that they thought they’d already found someone for their jobs. While I’d encourage applicants not to rush the process (and come across as not having thought it through) I would suggest that you need to act reasonably quickly when applying for a blog job or you could miss out. 24 hours is a long time in blogging - take any longer than that to express your interest in a job and you might miss out on it.
2. Follow the Instructions
Many of those advertising ask for specific things to be included in their applications. Some ask for examples of writing, others ask for links to your blogs, others ask you to answer a question and all ask you to apply in a certain way (generally via email to a certain email address). A consistent piece of feedback from advertisers has been that many applicants fail to apply in a way that is consistent with the instructions. Failing to show that you can follow steps outlined in a job advertisement isn’t a good first impression to a prospective employer.
3. Sell Yourself
I’ve noticed that at b5 when we last opened up for applications to join the network that quite a few bloggers seemed to be suffering from inferiority complexes and sent in applications that could almost have been interpreted as a list of reasons NOT to hire them. As with any other non blogging job, applicants should see their application as an opportunity to sell themselves for the blog in question. Give concise reasons why you would be good for the blog. Talk about your experience, your knowledge of the topic, your passion for communication, the way you work with others etc. There’s no need to present yourself as something that you’re not or to hype yourself up - but as you write ask yourself whether what you’re adding to your application would make someone more or less likely to hire you.
4. Write Well
Blogging is a written medium and your written application gives your prospective employer a hint as to how well you will perform. See your application as an audition in and of itself and put together a well written, well spelt, well structured application that demonstrates your grasp of grammar and the written language and you’ll be a step closer to securing the position.
5. Give examples of Your work
Most job ads ask for examples of your work so you should be prepared to give them as they can make or break your chances. There are a number of things to consider in the choices you make around what to give as examples:
- unless asked for full written examples include links to your work on your own blog/site (something a number of advertisers have fed back to me)
- if you do need to include full examples, put them at the end of your application where they won’t disrupt the flow of your application letter
- pick examples of your work that relate to the blog you’re applying for (for example pick examples that highlight your expertise in the topic and show off the style of writing that the blog would be in
- pick a number of posts that show your versatility and diversity of writing styles (ie you might like to submit a list post, a humorous post and a ‘how to’ type post.
- if you don’t have a suitable example already - write one specifically for the application
6. Be Concise
Advertisers are reporting that they are getting quite a few applications. I know from personal experience that it takes time to wade through them all so you can stand out by being concise and not overwhelming people with your applications. Don’t be too concise however as you do need to include everything that they ask for and sell yourself (see above).
7. Demonstrate a Knowledge of Blogging
Different jobs require different levels of experience in different fields but it would usually be an advantage to show your understanding of the medium. You can do this by showing your own blog (with a link) if you have one and ensuring that when your potential employer goes to look at it that it’s updated, professional and working. Give examples of how you’ve built your blog over time. If you don’t already have a blog then I’d highly recommend starting one. In my experience, most blog employers are looking for someone with at least some experience in blogging and even a basic personal one that you can show as an example of how you can maintain a blog over the long term can help your application.
8. Demonstrate a Knowledge of the Topic
This is vital in most cases. People don’t generally employ or contract people to write a blog for them on a topic that they have no knowledge in or passion for. Show that you have a good grasp of the topic by talking a little about it and how you’d tackle the blog. The examples of your writing can be a great place to do this.
9. Don’t apply for everything
I’ve discovered over the last few years that there are a few bloggers out there that are serial appliers for blog jobs. No matter what the topic they seem to apply for it, even though they have little or no understanding of the topic in many cases. While I know it can be frustrating to see jobs advertised that you’re not suitable for - it doesn’t do your reputation much good if you apply for them anyway.
10. Demonstrate that you’re willing to go beyond writing well
Over the last few months I’ve noticed a change in how blog networks are advertising for bloggers. While previously they seemed to be just looking for writers - these days they are also looking for people who will go beyond the basics of adding content and are looking for people who will demonstrate an ability to build a blog in other ways. So if you feel you have expertise in another area than just writing demonstrate this also. It might be blog promotion and marketing, it could be building community on a blog , it might be SEO or it could be blog design. The more skills you bring to the blog the more likely you are to get a second look in the initial filtering stage.
11. Stand Out from the Crowd
I’ve already alluded to the fact that there seems to be a significant oversupply in bloggers in comparison to blog jobs at present. This is definitely changing however you need to assume that when you send a job blog application that it will be one of a number of others. As a result you need to consider how you’ll stand out. You can do this by doing all of the above - but you might also want to consider how you can go above and beyond to get the attention of your potential employer. Don’t be gimmicky or cheesy - but be creative and entrepreneurial and you could just get an edge.
42 Responses to “How to Apply for a Blog Job”
Aaron Brazell
August 30th, 2006 12:42 am
Thanks for the great entry, Darren. I can vouch for #2 as being a significant problem. Whenever I am looking for people for anything, I provide detailed instructions and expect a follow through that meets those requirements. If someone can’t take the time to dot their I’s and cross their T’s, the likelihood of them being able to follow through on a contract and expectations is slim.
Curt
August 30th, 2006 1:03 am
Being interested in blog jobs but not thinking I’m good enough to apply for them this post really helped out.
I still think (and know) that I have things to work on but this posts helps with pinpointing key areas. Thanks for the tips Darren.
wentworth
August 30th, 2006 1:42 am
It’s interesting reading what jobs are available. It gives some idea of what topics are hot.
Does it ever snow in Australia?
brem
August 30th, 2006 1:54 am
Great tips.
Fool for Five :: Where Can I Find ProBlogging Jobs?
August 30th, 2006 1:57 am
[…] Update: Darren Rowse has some good tips on getting a job over at Problogger. […]
Jim Turner
August 30th, 2006 3:01 am
After looking again at the job board, is there a way Darren that the site could be updated to let prospective bloggers know when a job has been filled it may save the blogger and advertiser a lot of time and energy.
Emeka
August 30th, 2006 3:05 am
Great tips, Darren, I always enjoy your posts, you have a way of directing the blogging orchestra.
However, I just posted an article on Nigerian scam in my new blog, could you please help me drive traffic to it, we are trying to fight this crime, its killing us here in Nigeria.
Los Angeles Acting Class - EMASLA
August 30th, 2006 4:40 am
Awesome post as always, insightful and motivational.
A Los Angeles Acting School
Stuart
August 30th, 2006 5:00 am
Darren’s second point is vital. If you can’t follow instructions then you’re simply showing that you are not the right person for the job you’re applying for.
Many businesses get so many applications for a position that the first filter they apply is whether or not the application has been made in the way that was requested in the ad for the job.
When we’re looking for a new writer it doesn’t matter how wonderful an applicant’s resume looks, if their application isn’t presented in the way we requested then it goes straight into the garbage.
Wentworth - it does snow in some parts of Australia. Wise Australians live in parts of the country where we can wear shorts all year round :)
Kimber
August 30th, 2006 5:27 am
Back in traditional business,
if the candidate can’t follow instructions,
their resumes are tossed.
UNLESS the position is for a role that requires creativity or extreme confidence.
Would I turn away a salesman who instead of e-mailing his application,
dropped it off personally, sweet talking the receptionist and learning the names of key contacts?
Of course not!
The ITtoolbox Blog Potato
August 30th, 2006 8:08 am
Do you want to be a blogger?…
Whether you are competing with thousands of people for a ProBlogger Job Board job or applying to become an ITToolbox blogger you should read the tips from Darren Rouse from Problogger on How to Apply for a Blog Job….
Darren Rowse
August 30th, 2006 8:46 am
we’ll be adding a feature to tell people when the job is filled shortly. It will be up to advertisers to let us know that it is but it’ll help cut down on needless applications.
duncanriley.com » How to apply for a blogging job
August 30th, 2006 9:07 am
[…] You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your ownsite. […]
Darren Rowse
August 30th, 2006 11:04 am
snows here quite a bit - in some parts.
shirazi
August 30th, 2006 2:42 pm
This is one of the many best things you do for bloggers.
How to Apply for a Blog Job - BlogOpportunity
August 31st, 2006 9:53 pm
[…] Darren Rowse of Job Boards and Problogger has provided some tips on How to Apply for a Blog Job. Some of Darrens tips include: […]
Clark
September 1st, 2006 11:16 am
Perhaps you could also start a topic aimed at small companies looking to hire employees. Simple replies acknowledging receipt of application might be one suggestion for one of the employers listed on your board. It only takes a minute to set up a boilerplate response.
Renee
November 8th, 2006 10:37 am
wow :-O
What should you do to get a job as a blogger… : Businesshackers…
February 9th, 2007 8:11 pm
[…] OK let’s assume you decided to apply for the job… what should you do next… the answer is to be found here:link […]
Sabri SaifulSham
February 27th, 2007 12:24 am
You summarize it concisely. A lot of people underestimate themselves and didn’t do justice to themselves. Some of them even just sent a two liner as an application. Said a lot for their laziness…~
bikz
May 18th, 2007 11:00 pm
# 9 i think is the most important aspect don’t rush for everything. just concentrate more on your knowlegdable topics.
Dee
May 27th, 2007 5:18 pm
I just stumbled upon your blog after reading John Chow’s blog. I love the information and the tips are great too! I am relatively new to blogging and have been considering starting a blog. I am having a difficult time with coming up with a name for my blog.
Ashlee
July 9th, 2007 8:32 am
I am just starting out, but love to write. Can anyone give me advice? It seems as if you have to be well experienced to do this.
jacks
August 16th, 2007 12:30 pm
I think anyone can start out. Just start with easier jobs with good deadlines and keep your schedule clear.
Miko
September 9th, 2007 4:00 pm
Good entry, finally some useful and practical advice from the guys themselves. This really helps. Thanks for posting this!
Isabelle
September 14th, 2007 9:52 am
Did you think about offrering this service in other languages?
jobs and more
September 14th, 2007 6:05 pm
web2.0 jobs the future?
How to Advertise for a Blogger
October 2nd, 2007 5:27 am
[…] Having run the ProBlogger Job Boards for over a year now and having seen hundreds of jobs advertised in that time - there are a number of tips that I’d give to advertisers looking to fill job positions via our blogger job boards (note - if you’re a blogger looking for a job then I wrote a post previously on How to Apply for a Blog Job). […]
hongdandan
October 5th, 2007 8:43 pm
i want to be blogger,your word is so useful for me.thank you very much.
Arbeitsvermittlung mit Jobs und Jobbörse.
October 17th, 2007 1:55 am
When there is because this service in german? web2.0 is the future for a long time. Stupid comment from the user ‘jobs and more’. bye… :)
Michele
November 15th, 2007 9:06 am
Awesome tips! Thanks ;-)
Michele
Writing the Cyber Highway
Dom
December 3rd, 2007 10:33 am
I have started some suggestions/tips for finding a new job. Feel free to add your tips or anything that would help someone in finding a new job.
Dom
December 3rd, 2007 10:33 am
Here is the link to the blog i started:
http://jobsearchaid.blogspot.com/
Tim Hollis
January 3rd, 2008 9:48 am
Thanks for the good advice posted here. I am somewhat niched in political satire but am seeing how it goes. I’ll let you know.
ajacx
January 17th, 2008 1:16 am
i also looking for a job,but how ? there are many people outside there…but they are just giving the job to someone else.
Antenna
January 31st, 2008 9:08 am
Considering the onslaught of bloggers and blog sites, I would imagine editors will soon be in demand.
Mohanraj
February 1st, 2008 4:27 pm
Interesting post for the budding bloggers like me. Thanks for the tips Darren.
Love with blogging
Mohanraj
blue
February 21st, 2008 3:15 pm
#12……. write, write, write, like your life depends on it! One must love creating articles for folks to enjoy…. articles that draw people in - make them want more - make them want to comment…enroll….buy….sell…..dream….
It does no good to write for the check - without putting your heart in it it’s just words.
Philosophy of the true blogger: ‘Blog before food….’
Personaler
April 7th, 2008 11:15 pm
Good entry, there are some useful and practical advice. Thanks for posting this!
namrata singh
May 2nd, 2008 10:01 pm
how to become a blog writter?
hi! i really appriciate the topic however i wanted to know how to apply for a blogger writter and is it essential to have a few blogs already online. i m new to this and have a flair and passion to write so if some bdy can enlighten me on the same it wud be very helpful.
Tim H
May 13th, 2008 5:13 am
Namrata Singh - It is probably a very good idea to have at least one blog already up and running before you apply. Same any any other job, a lack of experience will play against you.
replica watches
July 2nd, 2008 4:56 am
Namrata Singh - It is probably a very good idea to have at least one blog already up and running before you apply. Same any any other job, a lack of experience will play against you.
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