Getting a blog job

Darren has a post with excellent advice for you if you’re hiring a blogger. In How to Advertise for a Blogger, he says:

“Specific Ads Work Best –

Ads for specific jobs tend to get a higher quality of applicant. Advertise for a ‘tech blogger’ or ‘entertainment blogger’ and you’ll filter out bloggers who are not interested in these topics. You’ll also attract bloggers who have more experience in these areas. Advertise for something general like ‘bloggers’ or ‘writers’ and you’ll attract a less focussed applicant and possible miss out on exactly what you’re looking for. Be specific in your headline and the body of the ad itself.”

OTOH, if you’re looking for a blog job, here are my tips:

* Read the ad, and then read it again. And then READ IT AGAIN. I consult with businesses which want to hire bloggers, so I’ve placed many ads. In 80 per cent of cases, people just don’t read the ad, it seems. I’ve no idea why this is so, but it means that if you read the ad carefully, and respond to what it says, your chances of getting the gig go way up;

* Create a blog if you don’t have one. The first thing a hirer looks for is an indication that you know what blogging entails;

* Many hirers have no idea what they should be paying bloggers, so charge according to what you feel the gig is worth. If you feel the gig should pay more, send a polite note to the advertiser and ask about the budget – just ask whether the budget is set in stone or whether there’s wiggle room. Often there is, and you’ll get the pay you want.

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