Job Listings – August 7, 2007
Bad JuJu
Ever wake up after what you think is a great, productive day and find everything falling to bits in front of you? Welcome to my Tuesday. I hit one out of the park last week with a terrific article for a new client. The second article has him questioning why he hired me (he said so). I thought it was good. He thought it was rambling drivel. Bit of a separation of opinion there.
Not to mention problems with a book project for the ACA – I’m the managing editor on it. Mind you, it’s all volunteer written and edited, so the work ethic instilled by job security isn’t exactly present for most of the folks involved. We missed our deadline. We have authors who are AWOL and editors who have had chapters for months on end. Today’s news – another editor is having a family crisis and must drop out.
Then there’s the client who wants to talk today. He may have good news, but after the first few hits here, I’m wanting to just shut this machine off and go back to bed until tomorrow.
Anyone know how to exorcise bad vibes?
These jobs probably have better vibes in store for you:
Copywriter/NYC-based
Freelance Asst. Web Editor/Writer
Fashion Freelancer
Freelance Marketing Writer
SEO Ghostwriter
Freelance Bridal Writer
Freelance Article Writers
Freelance Real Estate Writer
Writer for Educational Publisher
Thanks for these listings, Lori. Just a heads up for everyone — I got the following response from the company that posted the real estate writing ad:
If you are interested in applying for the job please complete the following audition article and submit it in .rtf, .doc, or .txt format only:
Write a 500-word article about the real estate market in Flagstaff, Arizona. Remember that you’re writing for people considering a home purchase in Flagstaff, so tell them why a person or family would want to move there. Include pertinent information such as popular attractions or educational opportunities. Be sure to mention the city’s available real estate and include specific names of at least five communities or subdivisions in varying price ranges. You’ll also need to use the primary keyword phrase “Flagstaff real estate” two to four times, and incorporate variations such as “Flagstaff homes for sale” and “Flagstaff residential properties” a few times. The article will need a relevant title and one or two paragraph headings.
The bottom of the e-mail says:
A note: Your audition writing will not be used for ANY purpose other than to evaluate your writing style and ability to follow directions. We will not post it to any site, sell it, or use it for any other purposes. I understand that many people hesitate to submit audition articles, but due to the nature and volume of writing we deal with it is imperative that we thoroughly evaluate all of our applicants before we extend them an offer.
Even with that statement, I still think it’s ridiculous to ask for an “audition sample” when I sent the woman two good samples of my real estate SEO writing. Additionally, I know nothing about Arizona (since I live on the East Coast) — just the research for such an article would take me at least half an hour, if not more. I don’t feel like spending an hour or more writing something for free when I have no guarantee of paid work.
Just wanted to let everyone know that an “audition sample” is required so you can choose whether or not you want to submit your resume and samples.
I feel like writing an e-mail reply that says, “Next time your toilet overflows, call a group of plumbers and tell them to do an “audition” repair and see how far you get” but I am trying to stay calm and professional!
Lori:
My Monday was like your Tuesday… let’s hope tomorrow (Wednesday) is a bang-up day for us both!
Incidentally, I know of no good ways to ward off bad vibes. Maybe do something altruistic, “My Name is Earl” style? Hey, it can’t hurt! I just might try that one myself…
Angelique
Leigh, that sucks! I’m with you – “audition” pieces are useful to one person – the person hiring you or stealing your work. If they can’t tell from your initial clips you can write, they need to get a clue.
Sorry for writing so much in my comment, but I was steamed. Warning others here helped me get past the urge to tell them to ask a plumber to audition for them by fixing a leak for free. :0)
Lori, I empathize. Sometimes your instinct to turn it off and start over tomorrow is the best one to follow. It gives you a chance to renew your energy–and that usually helps. Take care.
Ya know, I always wonder how a client can LOVE the first piece you write for him or her and then suddenly find fault with a second or third. Seems to me one’s writing style would remain pretty consistent. I guess the same can’t be said for one’s evaluation brain waves!
Smudge, shower, light a candle, meditate! I had a day like that on Monday. Ick.
Thanks to Leigh for the heads-up. I just got one of those from a health company to whom I pitched — “you’re one of our six short-listed — write a 250 word sample article on X topic; if we use it, we’ll pay $25”.
And they ignored all the questions I asked in my original pitch.
Next!
Leigh, put it on your blog, too. It’s something others should be alerted to. And it’s just a bogus “offer”.
I have to confess, I ended up writing to the woman later in the day and attempting to explain why this practice devalues the work of creative professionals. I gave her a link to the no-spec Web site. I also used the good old “a plumber doesn’t audition for work by fixing a leak for free” line. I wasn’t rude, snotty, or mean. I simply explained that freelance writers, designers, illustrators, and musicians are running businesses, just like this company, and cannot give away their time for free.
She didn’t write back.
Good for you, Leigh. That’s a perfect way to handle it. You got your point across.
Perhaps if these people would pay a fighting wage they’d not have to audition writers? Just a wild thought…
lori, do you need some editing help with that project? is there anything i can do to help?
i love to edit and since i’m building my credits, i’d be happy to help.
email me if you are still under the gun (or PM me over @ anne’s forum).
becky
beckyscorner.com