Writing is a saturated but diverse career field. Getting your foot in the door or having employers knocking on it can be challenging. To make a good impression on employers or clients, you will want to show that you’re adaptable, skilled, and well-versed in many different genres, industries, and writing applications. With so much skilled competition, you’ll have to scratch an itch that others can’t reach. How can you achieve such a feat?

Network With Other Writers

Firstly, you shouldn’t look at other writers as ‘the enemy.’ Other writers are essentially your colleagues, and by networking and developing professional relationships with them, you may unlock opportunities or gain industry insight that you wouldn’t have been able to before. You can also provide your own support and experience to your fellow writers, allowing your careers to thrive. You can also forewarn each other about clients to avoid, which is a significant advantage in the field; there’s nothing worse than a rude or underpaying client.

Create a Diverse Portfolio

When you start your writing career, you likely won’t want to be picky about the kinds of gigs or work you apply to. You will want to show you can write in various genres and applications. Set your portfolio apart from the rest by not only including snippets from your latest article or novel but also include headlines, email copy, website copy, technical writing, and contract writing. Essentially, any work you’re willing to do should be included in your portfolio. You can impress many clients or employers with your portfolio’s diversity and range.

Establish an Online Presence

Putting yourself out there is an excellent way to grow your writing career. How will potential clients consider you if you don’t exist to them? Create professional profiles on social media, especially writer-friendly platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or X (Twitter). Create a website for your portfolio and brand. Establish a professional email address where clients can send inquiries. You want it to be easy to find, learn about, and hire you.

Utilize Technology

In any career, technology can significantly enhance your career game. For writers, technology can help you quickly develop a website, create a writing portfolio, start digital marketing, and even harness your writing skills. For authors, you can take advantage of this free book writing app to hone your craft. You can store millions of word counts through online cloud services. Grammar and writing browser extensions can help you proofread as you go. No longer are writers hunched over a desk using a typewriter by candlelight (although typewriters are also an impressive piece of technology). Use digital technology to your advantage!

Tailor Your Resume

With so many writing jobs and so little time, it may be frustrating to learn that you should tailor your resume for each role, but it’s true. While you’re sending out hundreds of applications, recruiters are interviewing hundreds of people. You want to stand out from the rest, show dedication to the role, and be willing to go the extra mile. If the writing job you’re applying to is for a sports magazine, include any relevant industry or writing experience in your resume, including your portfolio. Showcasing your skills as a sportswriter is easier when you provide sportswriting content.

Learn SEO

There are many writing roles where search engine optimization (SEO) and copywriting go hand in hand. You don’t need to learn every detail about the ins and outs of SEO, but you should familiarize yourself with the subject and industry trends. Learn how to incorporate keywords into your writing with ease naturally. Discover SEO tools like keyword research. When you show you can use SEO knowledge and skills, you’re likelier to be hired for SEO- or marketing-based roles.

Keep Up With Industry Trends

Knowing what’s new and trending in the writing industry can put you at an advantage, especially during the application process. With the advancement of AI tools to aid writers in their process and the popularity of remote writing roles, showing you are experienced and familiar with the latest and greatest in the industry can show you’re adaptable and continuously evolving your craft.

Go to School

Even if you’ve gone to school for writing, you can always put more educational opportunities under your belt. You can get an additional degree in your field of choice or add another degree for a different, related field (like journalism, editing, or marketing). If you don’t want to spend a lot, you can take free or cost-friendly online classes to get certifications. You can join writing networks and societies to find better work and professional relationships.

Conclusion

It’s not easy to find work in a very saturated, competitive market. However, there are many things you can do to stand out in the writing crowd, such as diversifying your portfolio, going the extra mile with your resumes, and learning industry trends like SEO or AI writing tools. Connect and network with other writers to gain insight and form professional friendships.