https://superpath.co/ logo
Join Slack
Powered by
Hi All! I'm a former English major looking for a f...
# work-career-advice
n
Hi All! I'm a former English major looking for a full time copywriting job. I have been working for an agency that pays very little, but I've been able to build up a portfolio over the last month. However, I'm not sure how to apply for a full time position that actually pays fairly without having the standard 3-5 years of experience. I know I'm a good writer (not to toot my own horn) and I can learn quickly, but most people I contact don't really pay attention to me. I've been looking on LinkedIn, BuiltInSF, and Indeed. Any tips for how to get noticed or actually get the attention of a recruiter for a copywriting job? Maybe there's another place I should look? Or another tactic to have? Or do I just need to be more patient? Thanks in advance!!
🙌 1
🙌🏻 1
r
My advice would be to look for positions at smaller companies—you will be able to learn a lot and have your hand in more tasks, but they also may be more willing to “take a chance” on someone more junior. Offering to do a few articles for them on a freelance basis—I'd that's the kind of thing they accept—can also be a way to prove your chops.
đź‘Ť 4
n
Thats such a great way to look at it. Definitely will be easier to get the attention of recruiters at smaller companies too. Thank you so much @rough-lion-1732 !
❤️ 1
And I love the offer to do freelance first too.
l
Piggybacking on Rachel's note, startups would also be a great way to get your foot into a company. Plus, its not uncommon for early marketing hires to end up building out their team (if that's something you'd like to do).
👆 3
g
Here's an idea - Outreach via LI to your target companies. But instead of merely sharing your pitch + portfolio, can you send them a free and helpful example of something pertinent to their company? For example, if you're an email copywriter and follow the company's newsletter, maybe there are a few issues you could think up of better subject lines & hooks for. You could send them those edits (in a polite way) and express your interest in working with them. And if they are interested, but just in freelance, that freelance position could turn into a FT one if you play your cards right / are strategic with the company you do this technique with.
t
This might be a controversial take, but my advice is to find a way to connect and cold email the hiring manager directly. Small biz, agencies, and startups will be more receptive to this approach especially if you put real thought into your pitch emails. Just remember, cold email is still a numbers game. However, if you have 100 companies that you'd love to work at and you send 100 thoughtful emails, you'll likely hear back from at least 10 of them. And, all you need is one of them to say yes and take a chance on you to land your dream job.
a
if i'm reading this right, you've only been freelancing / writing professionally for a month? i would build up your freelance portfolio for longer before applying to full-time positions. when i'm hiring writers i do pay much more attention to their portfolio than to formal work experience, BUT i rule out anyone with less than a year of professional writing experience.
đź‘Ť 2
r
Internships are also a great way to get your foot in the door at larger companies! You can have an internship and do some freelance work on the side and that's a great way to network, build your portfolio and gain professional experience.
n
@gentle-lamp-95006 I love this idea!!!! I've been messaging recruiters on LinkedIn and offering to write a sample article for them, but I love the idea of tailoring it specifically to that company. That's a great way to stand out and show I'm interested.
@thankful-sundown-92610 I don't find it controversial! I love that idea. Do you think cold emails are better than LinkedIn connect messages? I was thinking I would try LI first, then follow up with email. Thoughts? @adventurous-train-95174 Fair point! My plan is to continue doing freelance while looking for full-time jobs. TBH, I've been working for myself for the last two years as an artist (where I also write SEO blog posts for my own blog) and I need some more stability. It would be ideal if I had more experience, but I'm hoping to find a way to make it work full-time. My hope is that somebody will give me the chance to write a sample for them so they can see I am capable. @rough-lion-1732 True! Thank you! I'll be on the lookout for internships as well! Thank you everyone for the feedback I truly appreciate it!
🙏 3
🙏🏽 1
t
@nutritious-dawn-72747 I'd try both and see what works better for you.
♥️ 1
a
Have you taken any copywriting courses? There's a lot more to copywriting than just being a good writer. I'd invest in a course to show you're serious about it. Copyhackers is a good place to start!
♥️ 1
n
@agreeable-exabyte-16698 I've taken a few on LinkedIn Learning! I haven't heard of Copyhackers though so I'll check that out. Also didn't mean to make it sound like copywriting is as simple as having general writing skills. I've been writing copy for my own small business over the last two years as well as for the company I'm currently contracted with. I definitely have a lot to learn but do feel confident in my abilities!! That being said, more courses can never hurt and, as you said, can show I’m serious about it.
🙂 1
a
Learn some basics in SEO - it will help you structure your content and use the correct keywords. Also good to add to your CV. Learn to do some keyword research part of learning SEO. Many writers today are writing for specific industries - what is yours? Many companies struggle with tone of voice - and need help with that.
Open in Slack
PreviousNext
Powered by