"Should I Check Back?"
Saturday November 15, 2008
Reader and writer Anna L. asks "Should I follow up on all the freelance writing job applications I submit? Is it worth the time?"
I tend to follow up on only the jobs that mean something to me- those about which I am passionate. It has, historically, been worth my time, as I think a well-timed, well-articulated email can help you stand out a bit from the pack.
What's your opinion? Is it worth it to follow up? Or do you simply move on and budget your time elsewhere?
This reminds me of pitching news stories to the media as part of my career as a public relations professional and freelance public relations writer. In my experience, “news releases don’t make news,” as so many clients tend to think. News releases are tools used to help pitch a good piece to reporters, editors, broadcast producers, etc. The same could be true for job applications (freelance or otherwise). Well-timed and thoughtful follow-up is critical. Why leave yourself adrift in the sea of letters, e-mails and faxes with so many others doing the same thing? If your application (or news release!) is worthy of attention, by all means do follow-up and DON’T ask “did you get it?”. Put your game face on, practice your 30-second elevator speech and sell, sell, sell. If you think you’re right for the job, say so and give examples why. Be brief. Be professional. Stay positive.
I agree, just as your would follow up on a job application in the ‘real world’ you should do the same on the ‘net’. It keeps your name and idea in front of them and generally causes them to respond to you.