THESE WRITERS GOT HIRED IN 2024,
HERE IS HOW THEY DID IT.
The 20 best job search hacks according to 500+ writers who got hired so far in 2024.
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Turn on Auto-Apply
On average, people looking for writing jobs spend more than 10 hours per week searching and applying for writing jobs or gigs. This precious time could be better spent elsewhere. As a writer you are well aware that applying manually brings no added value whatsoever so letting the AI handle your applications makes sense most of the time. In fact, in 97% of cases, AI is more effective at getting candidates to the interview stage.
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Apply in the first 24h
There is so much competition right now in the writing field right now that most of the job openings get flooded by applicants and with a lower amount of jobs due to AI. Applying for jobs within the first 24 hours is key because early applicants appear on top of some ATSs. Often, recruiters will review the first batch of applicants 1 day after publishing the job ad, increasing your chances of securing an interview and moving forward in the hiring process.
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Get a mentor
If you just got out of school, getting a great writer as mentor can significantly help kickstarting your career in writing. Unless, you can find one willing to help for free, you will have to pay but the ROI is huge. With mentors’ guidance, you can expect 2-4 times more application responses and higher starting salaries as well. This is an investment that will pay dividends.
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Develop new skills during your job search
Developing new skills while looking for a legal role can make a difference for several reasons. Firstly, it keeps you engaged and productive, filling gaps in your schedule with meaningful activities. Secondly, acquiring soft and hard skills in writing will expand your job prospects, allowing you to apply to a wider range of positions and industries. As someone who writes for a living you can learn academic writing, technical writing ect skills which will make your profile more attractive down the line. During interviews, showcasing these skills demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement and can leave a positive impression on employers.
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Join a Slack community
Joining a Slack community can be incredibly valuable for writers. We have a few slack communities to recommend. They offer a supportive network of professionals who share job leads, industry insights, and advice on navigating the job market. Members can get feedback on their resumes, practice interview questions, and receive mentorship from experienced peers. Additionally, participating in relevant discussions and showcasing your expertise can increase your visibility and credibility, potentially leading to job opportunities.
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Tailor resume to jobs
Tailoring your resume to each job you apply is needed to highlights the skills and experiences most relevant to the position, increasing your chances of getting shortlisted by employers ATSs. We know that it doesn’t scale and doing this manually can be incredibly time-consuming and tedious. Using AI to customize your resume saves you precious time and ensures precision, allowing you to quickly and efficiently match your qualifications to the job requirements and boost your chances of landing an interview.
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Start a side project during your job search
Starting a side project as a writer during a job search period offers numerous benefits. It keeps you busy and engaged, ensuring that you use your time productively while waiting for job opportunities. Additionally, a side project provides an avenue for personal success outside traditional employment, showcasing your initiative and entrepreneurial spirit. If you are proud of it, go ahead and mention this project during interviews. Chances are that it will leave a positive impression, highlighting your commitment to self-improvement and your ability to manage multiple responsibilities effectively.
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Avoid being seen as unemployed
To avoid appearing as unemployed on LinkedIn, it’s beneficial to highlight activities that demonstrate your ongoing engagement and commitment to personal and professional development. Instead of leaving your profile blank or focusing solely on past job experiences, showcase your current endeavors. Some writers will fake that they past job experience didn’t ended yet or that they are working freelance. It is a classic! Other will showcase their role as mentor or founder of a startup. Be smart and keep your resume or Linkedin profile attractive!
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Re-establish connection with former colleagues
Re-establishing connections with former colleagues can be a valuable step in advancing your career. These professional relationships often provide support, advice, and insights into industry trends. Additionally, former colleagues can offer job leads, references, and networking opportunities that may open doors to new career opportunities. By reaching out and maintaining these connections, you not only rekindle old friendships but also strengthen your professional network. Hey! Are you guys looking for new writers in your team?
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Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile can significantly enhance your job search success. With an optimized profile, you can increase your search appearances by up to 2.5 times, making it more likely for recruiters to find you when they are looking for candidates with your skills and experience. By standing out in search results, you also increase the chances of recruiters reaching out to you directly for job opportunities, saving you time and effort in the application process. Remember, you aren’t the only PM looking for a job right now. Make your profile stand out from the crowd!
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Extreme research about the company
Researching everything about a company, especially the engineering part: technologies, teams ect. This thorough preparation demonstrates your commitment to joining the company and sets you apart from other developers. By understanding the company’s background, goals, and challenges, you can tailor your responses during the interview to showcase how your skills and experiences align with their needs. This level of preparation not only impresses the interviewer but also allows you to ask insightful questions, further demonstrating your genuine interest in the role and the organization.
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Be active on Linkedin
Being active on LinkedIn can significantly enhance your job search success. It allows you to showcase your expertise, connect with industry professionals, and stay updated on job opportunities. By engaging in discussions, sharing valuable content, and networking with potential employers, you can establish a strong online presence and stand out as a proactive and knowledgeable candidate. Recruiters often use LinkedIn to identify and reach out to qualified candidates, so being active on the platform can increase your visibility and chances of landing a job.
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Try to learn a speciality
In today’s competitive landscape, simply being a writer isn’t enough. To truly stand out, you need to develop a specialty. Becoming an expert in a particular field not only enhances your credibility but also allows you to provide unique insights and in-depth knowledge that generalists can’t match. Specializing in a niche, whether it’s technology, health, finance, or any other area, positions you as a go-to authority, increasing your value to clients and readers alike. By honing your expertise, you can carve out a distinct identity and build a more sustainable and impactful writing career.
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Stay Organized
Staying organized during your job search is not just about managing your documents; it’s about maximizing your chances of success. With a well-organized approach, you can expect significant improvements in various aspects of your job search journey. From receiving 2-4 times more application responses through profile optimization and strategic application techniques to boosting your interview scores by 1.5-3 times with tailored preparation for behavioral and technical questions, staying organized yields tangible results. Moreover, it can lead to a 10-20% increase in negotiation outcomes, thanks to a refined negotiation system that enhances the value of your offers while minimizing risks.
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Following up
Don’t be shy! Following up job applications can sometimes work and show your interest in the position. Sending thank-you emails after interviews not only demonstrates your gratitude for the opportunity but also allows you to reiterate your enthusiasm and briefly emphasize key points discussed during the interview. However, it’s essential to strike a balance and not overdo follow-ups, as excessive communication can sometimes be perceived as pushy or desperate. The key is to follow up strategically, such as after a reasonable period post-interview or application submission, to remain on the employer’s radar without appearing overly persistent.
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"Open to work" mention on Linkedin
While the “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn can signal your job search status to recruiters, it’s essential to approach its usage critically. Moreover, some recruiters and employers may view it as a sign of desperation or lack of discretion. Instead of relying solely on this feature, it’s crucial to proactively network, optimize your profile, and target job applications strategically. While somewriters would recommend it, we, at JMW believe that it better to avoid the “Open to work” mention on Linkedin.
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Attend Career Fairs
Attending legal career fairs can be beneficial in certain situations but may not always guarantee job success. While they offer opportunities to network with employers and learn about job openings, the effectiveness can vary. Some fairs may be crowded, making it challenging to have meaningful interactions. Additionally, companies may not always have immediate job openings or may prioritize online applications over in-person contacts. At, JMW, we believe that career fairs are a bit old school but may work especially for new writers.
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Connect with specialized recruiters
Connecting with specialized recruiters can be seen as a strategy to tap into niche job markets and access opportunities that might not be widely advertised. However, it’s essential to approach this tactic critically. Relying solely on specialized recruiters may narrow your options and overlook potential opportunities outside their expertise. It’s important to balance your job search strategy by also networking with general recruiters, exploring job boards, and leveraging your own connections to ensure a comprehensive approach to finding the right job.
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Offer to volunteer
Offering to volunteer in a firm can sometimes lead to a job. This is especially true if you are just starting your career in law. Sometimes offering to join a company as an intern can be an easier way to get in. Once you are in, try to be the best writer in the room to boost your chance of converting your internship to a paid job. Remember, as a writer humility is key. Usually, you will be able to start as an editorial assistant. Because there will be no volunteering jobs, try to call and see if they are willing to accept your offer.
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Try to learn a speciality
In today’s competitive landscape, simply being a writer isn’t enough. To truly stand out, you need to develop a specialty. Becoming an expert in a particular field not only enhances your credibility but also allows you to provide unique insights and in-depth knowledge that generalists can’t match. Specializing in a niche, whether it’s technology, health, finance, or any other area, positions you as a go-to authority, increasing your value to clients and readers alike. By honing your expertise, you can carve out a distinct identity and build a more sustainable and impactful writing career.
