Writing Jobs Overview
What would the world be like without written content? How would important information or compelling stories reach an audience, educate, inform, and change lives? In writing jobs, writing professionals create content for a wide range of media and purposes. They also sort through complex information and break it down for the average reader.
As a writer, you'll develop compelling topics, research sources for credibility, proofread, and make revisions when necessary. You may work for a newspaper, publishing company, magazine, online media outlet, private company, or educational service.
If you're entering a career as a technical writer, you're in luck. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics predictions, technical writer positions will increase by 6% within the next decade. To learn more about the most common types of writing positions, check out these writing jobs for prose pros.
The most important skills and qualities employers look for in writers include:
- Adaptability, including staying updated on changes in content management systems and software.
- Creativity and the ability to write compelling and persuasive content.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- The ability to meet deadlines.
- The ability to connect with an audience on a social and emotional level.
- Exceptional grammatical skills and the ability to write clear and concise content.
- Keen attention to detail.
- The ability to break down complex data into simple text.
For more details on writing positions, see Monster's example job descriptions for technical writers, grant writers, and content managers.
Salaries for Writing Jobs
Writers in the U.S. earn an average of $24.62 per hour within a range from $16.35 to $37.15. Pay often differs by the job type, however. For example, technical writers typically make $33.17 per hour within a range from $25.48 to $42.9, while copywriters earn an average yearly salary of $59,691 within a range from $47,469 to $78,487.
Try entering your job title and location into Monster's Salary Calculator to find out how much you can expect to earn. Additionally, you'll find a list of U.S. cities where writers are in high demand, as well as the next steps you can take to move up in your career.
How to Find the Writing Job That Fits You
Ask yourself the following questions to identify the most suitable writing jobs for you:
- What type of writing do I enjoy? Consider whether you prefer creative writing, technical writing, content marketing, journalism, copywriting, and so on.
- What is my preferred work environment? Determine if you prefer working in an office, remotely, or as a freelancer.
- What industries interest me? Finding a niche you’re passionate about can make your job more fulfilling.
Assess Your Qualifications and Set Your Goals
Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your job search:
- Assess your writing skills and strengths. For example, are you excellent at crafting compelling stories, creating informative articles, or producing persuasive marketing content?
- Evaluate your experience level and identify gaps. Is it worth attending a workshop, or taking a certification, to enhance your education and skills?
- Create a professional website or portfolio. Showcase your writing talents, personality, and commitment to writing.
- Consider your long-term goals as a writer. Are you looking for a stable job, or do you want to build a freelance career and be your own boss?
Review the Job Descriptions
Before you hit that “send” button on your job application, it’s crucial to read the descriptions for writer jobs. Each role is unique, and job descriptions outline the specific skills, experiences, and qualifications the employer is looking for. Focus on roles that resonate with your expertise and preferences to ensure a better application-to-interview ratio.
Research the Employer
Researching employers is another must before sending your writer job applications. Employers appreciate candidates who demonstrate knowledge of their company’s values, projects, and writing style. Explore the company’s website, read their blog posts, and get a sense of their brand voice to understand if it aligns with your own preferences and working style.
How to Apply to Writing Jobs
Ready to land that perfect writer job? Applying to writing jobs requires a killer resume that showcases your writing prowess, and an attention-grabbing cover letter.
Moreover, many employers will ask you to submit writing samples from previous employment, an internship, or your personal blog. Choose samples that are as closely related to a potential employer’s business as possible. For example, if you’re applying for a job writing blogs for a law firm, try submitting samples that cover legal topics.
Create an Effective Resume
Even the most seasoned writers can experience writer's block when putting together a resume for writing jobs. Luckily, Monster has resume tips just for writers to increase your chances of success. Here’s a recap:
- Customize your resume for each job application to show that you’ve taken the time to understand the role.
- Stick to a clean and professional resume format. Limit it to one or two pages, focusing on the most impactful information.
- Start with a summary of your writing background, related experience, skills, and accomplishments.
- Showcase your most relevant writing experiences that demonstrate your skills based on what the job description emphasizes.
- Whenever possible, quantify the impact of your writing work. For instance, mention the number of articles written, website traffic increased, or social media engagement achieved through your writing efforts.
- Alongside your writing skills, mention any related skills that enhance your value as a writer. These might include proficiency in SEO, keyword research, social media management, or graphic design.
- Double and triple-check your resume for any errors before submitting it. As a writer, impeccable grammar and spelling are vital, and even a small mistake can leave a negative impression.
Add a Cover Letter
Many full-time writing jobs require a cover letter when you apply, which can also serve as a writing sample. Put your writing skills to work by providing a brief introduction to yourself, your accomplishments, and your reasons for applying.
Mention specific aspects of the job description that excite you and align with your writing passions. For example, if a magazine is looking for an investigative journalist, express your enthusiasm for in-depth reporting and your eagerness to contribute groundbreaking stories.
Submit Your Candidacy
Are you ready to put pen to paper, so to speak? Monster can help you can be the wordsmith you were meant to be! Here’s how:
- Create your free profile on Monster and upload up to five resumes optimized for writing jobs.
- Set up job alerts with specific keywords related to your writing niche and geographic area.
- Navigate the job board and apply directly via Monster for any writing job that suits you.
- Tailor your application materials to increase your chances of obtaining an interview.
How to Follow Up on Your Applications
So, you sent out your application for that exciting writing job, and now you wonder what to do next. Don’t worry, we got you covered with some helpful tips:
- Avoid bombarding the employer with follow-ups immediately after sending your application. They need time to review all submissions. Wait at least a week before following up.
- Reach out to the hiring manager or contact person mentioned in the job listing or on the company’s website.
- If following up by email, keep it concise and friendly. Express your enthusiasm for the role and politely inquire about the status of your application. You can attach your resume and writing samples again for easy reference.
- If you prefer making a phone call, be polite and courteous. Introduce yourself, mention the position you applied for, and ask about your application.
Interviewing Tips for a Writing Job
Now comes the exciting part: nailing the interview process. Let’s get you ready to shine and secure that dream writing job!
Preparing for the Interview
Do the following to best prepare for your job interviews:
- Dig deep into the company’s website, blog, social media, and online reviews to understand their writing style, brand voice, and values. This’ll help you tailor your answers to match the company’s goals. For instance, if the company emphasizes storytelling, prepare to discuss how your narrative skills can contribute to its content marketing strategy.
- Select a diverse range of writing samples from your portfolio that showcase your versatility. Include published articles, blog posts, marketing campaigns, or any other relevant writing work.
- Working in a writing position involves more than the writing process. For example, you have to be a team player and be willing to help a company meet its goals. Be prepared to discuss all aspects of the job, emphasize your ability to collaborate, and take constructive feedback positively. Also, share examples of how you’ve tackled tight deadlines or creatively resolved writing issues.
Interview Questions for Writing Jobs
Another great way to prepare for your interview is to practice with Monster’s list of potential interview questions. Some questions you may encounter in a writer job interview include:
- What do you think makes good content?
- What made you interested in pursuing a career in writing?
- Describe your experience with content marketing/technical writing/creative writing/other writing styles?
- How do you know which sources are credible?
- Share an example of a challenging writing project you completed successfully.
- What tools or software do you use to aid your writing process?
- What is your approach to incorporating SEO principles into your writing?
Following Up After the Interview
Within 24 hours of the interview, send a sincere and concise thank-you email to the interviewer. Here’s an example:
- “Dear (Interviewer’s name), I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to interview for the (writing job title) position at (Company’s name). I truly enjoyed our conversation about (specific topic discussed during the interview) and I’m more enthusiastic than ever about the prospect of joining your team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s any additional information I can provide. I’m eagerly looking forward to the possibility of contributing my writing skills to (Company’s name).”
If the interviewer provided an expected timeline for their decision, wait until that period has passed before following up. Here’s an example:
- “Dear (Interviewer’s name), I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to check if there have been any updates regarding the (writing job title) position, as I’m still very interested in the opportunity and eager to work for (Company’s name).”
What to Do When you Get an Offer for a Writer Job
Let’s talk about how to make the best decision for your writing career. First, promptly acknowledge all job offers, express gratitude, and let them know you’ll need some time to review the details.
Next, carefully review the contract and ask all your questions before signing any contract. If you negotiate your salary, present your case professionally and research industry standards first.
Writer Job Career Paths
Full-time and salaried writing positions usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or journalism. Some advanced writing positions (such as senior writer) may require a master’s degree and/or several years of professional writing experience. So, consider taking further study to move up if necessary.
Grant writers and technical writers can benefit from being certified. For grant writers, the American Grant Writers' Association offers the Certified Grant Writer program. Technical writers can get certified by the Society for Technical Communication and the American Medical Writers Association. Read our guide on how to become a technical writer for more information on the credentials and skills you need.
Writing offers a vast array of career paths, each suiting unique interests and talents, such as:
- Author: Immerse readers in captivating worlds through fiction or non-fiction books, crafting compelling characters and stories that leave a lasting impact.
- Copywriter: Create persuasive and engaging written content for websites, advertisements, and marketing campaigns to drive audience engagement and conversions.
- Technical writer: Communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner, producing user manuals, product guides, and instructional documents for technical and scientific industries.
Writing Jobs: Similar Occupations
Want to widen your search for media jobs? Check out these similar positions: