Technical writers ensure that documentation is accurate and yet understandable to the layperson, and legal writers are needed to translate many complex legal issues into plain English for ordinary people. Professional writers can specialize in press releases, advertising copy, and slogans. Travel writing jobs are no longer just the purview of travel magazines or relegated to freelance submissions; airlines, large travel agencies, and tour companies can also employ travel writers. In fact, there are far more professional writing opportunities than can be mentioned in this article.
At a professional level, writers usually require tertiary level qualifications and experience in their craft. Journalism or writing majors are the most common specializations, but people can also train as scientists, doctors, or teachers, for example, and then begin to write about topics of interest for their professional journals, specialty magazines, or newspapers. Science writing jobs have increased with popular concern over global warming, and science writers are offering warnings and solutions in both mainstream and scholarly publications.
Unfortunately, professional writing is such a competitive field that it can be hard to get the initial breaks that will lead to obtaining full-time writing employment. This is where internships can be very valuable while still at college. You can also benefit from working on college newspapers, magazines, or departmental newsletters. Editing writing jobs can be another pathway to many writing jobs. For example, some top magazines will hire graduates as low-level editors and gradually move them into other jobs in the organization.
Before applying for professional writing jobs, you need to be clear about the requirements of the job. Do you have the qualifications, experience, and skills to do the job? If so, do you have documentary evidence of this? Take the time to look for jobs you would really like to do and for organizations you would like to work for. If you do not meet all the criteria to obtain the sort of writing job you would like, set goals to develop the skills and experience you need to do so.
You should write often and submit your writing to as many publications as you can, as often as you can, in order to build a file of ''clippings'' to show potential employers. No one is going to hire a writer who cannot prove they can write. Even if you are not currently working in a paid writing position, you can work towards it by being committed to the process of writing. By doing this, you will improve as a writer, create contacts in the industry, and build a writing portfolio you can use to sell yourself.
Writers write. It’s that simple. So any application for a professional writing job needs to emphasize your training, experience (including volunteer positions and internships), and published writing over as long a period of time as possible. For example, if you wrote for your high school newspaper, this is proof of a genuine commitment to writing as a career. Of course, as time goes on and you have more recent and impressive credentials, you can leave your earlier efforts off your resume if you so desire.
You need to present your credentials in a well-written and succinct resume. Some writers make the mistake of trying to be creative with their resumes. However, professional writing jobs are really like any other professional employment. They have specific employment criteria, and human resource departments or editors like to be able to clearly identify applicants who meet their criteria. It is therefore important to target your resumes and application letters to specific jobs and to use subheadings that match the stated requirements of the position. If you do this, you will increase the likelihood of being offered an interview.
If you obtain an interview, it can be helpful to visit the workplace ahead of time and get a general idea of the culture. For example, you would not want to turn up for your interview formally attired in a suit when employees are wandering around in jeans and t-shirts. There are all sorts of work cultures in the mass media, and you will have a far better chance of being offered a job if you seem to match the organizational culture.
Be as relaxed as possible during your interview but also be as professional as possible. Writers need to work with deadlines, so it is important to show that you are competent and reliable. You will also need to demonstrate an interest and excellence in research. Before your interview, it is also important that you do some research on the organization you are applying to. If you are asked what you know about the organization, you need to have an intelligent response ready. It can also work in your favor to have carefully read a number of articles written by staff writers (if it is a publishing organization) and to be able to comment on the styles of different writers and what you like about them. The interviewer may also ask you about your goals as a writer. Think about this before the interview and have a considered response ready.
If you follow these steps in applying for a professional writing job, you will give yourself a very competitive chance of landing the job of your dreams. As with any job search, you need to be able to identify your ideal position, determine if your qualifications, skills, and experience match the criteria, fill in any gaps in this area, and then submit a professional application for similar jobs. If you are goal-oriented, persistent, and intelligent in your approach to finding the right professional writing job, you will succeed where others fail.
