What to Look for in a Writer: The most crucial part of this guide is knowing what to look for in a good writer. This part is the most important, but it can be tricky if you can't spot the signs of a good or bad writer. So here are some characteristics to look for when researching high-quality writers.
Published works: The first place to start vetting resume writers is to gauge their talent by reading their published work. In general, good indicators of a talented writer include the following:
- The scope of their writing (this marks the point).
- How often they write (this indicates motivation).
- The quality of their paper (which keeps raw talent).
Also, look for something else on their resume, like an extended essay or anything of the sort, to show they can adapt to different projects. Work experience: General work experience can indicate how motivated a writer is and how much experience they have with your industry and topic. Look for other things on their resume, including previous leadership positions or roles that fit your organisation and storytelling. For example, I have successfully paired auto writers and mechanics with aftermarket auto parts dealers. Communication skills: Freelancers are notoriously volatile, so measuring their responsiveness during the review process should indicate their ability to communicate during the project. This is even more important for in-house writers, who must communicate with team members to align on the project and adapt to your culture. Finally, communication is critical to aligning with agencies needing help understanding your brand, vision, and team. Enthusiasm: Beyond communication, confidence in a project or employee indicates their long-term commitment. The last thing you want is to be sneaked around mid-project by a freelancer or whoever you hire. Industry knowledge: If you operate in a niche or technology industry, hire a writer who is well-versed in your team's techniques, processes and terminology. Research skills: Not all writers will fully understand the themes and stories you want to tell. A good writer should be able to conduct proper research to have a firm grasp of the subject and provide an engaging factual tale. Consider the writer's research skills and whether they have undertaken large projects or research in college. References from other companies indicate past active engagement and can point you to high-end content creators. You can also look at an institution's or individual's past work, such as case studies or testimonials demonstrating their work ethic and quality. Certified Industry certifications can indicate the quality of writing and general industry knowledge/experience. For example, Google offers several certifications for people to learn more about SEO and PPC to help individuals improve their skills. Freelance writing is the cheapest option but also the least reliable. While you can strike gold and find a quality freelance writer for an ongoing project, it takes a lot of trial and error. Typically, freelance writers can be hired on a project-by-project basis or paid for their services.
Pros
- most cost-effective option
- abundant labour force
- can pay by item
- Can fill talent or workforce gaps
Cons
- work may be unreliable
- Talent is hard to measure
- lack of loyalty
You must be logged in to post a comment.