Recruiting a writer based solely on portfolios can limit your talent pool. Many recruiters rush the process. They focus on applicants with “relevant samples” and overlook key factors like skill and experience. This narrow approach might make you miss out on candidates with true passion and expertise.
Modern recruiters looking at recruiting a writer don’t find importance of skill and experience when hiring. Instead, they try to rush the process by focusing solely on applicants who can provide “relevant samples”. This limits their pool of potential talent to a small selection of individuals.
Recruiting a Writer | Breaking News!
Just because someone has written about a certain topic, does not mean they’re the right fit.
Don’t get me wrong, while portfolios can be helpful, they don’t always tell the whole story when it comes to the best candidate for your job.
Imagine two writers, equally skilled in SEO, grammar, and service. Both are vying for a coffee company’s content writing gig.
Applicant 1 enjoys a casual cup of coffee daily.
Applicant 2 is a coffee connoisseur, deeply passionate about the craft.
The first has a portfolio showcasing one blog post and three social media posts about coffee. Number 2 brims with enthusiasm and knows coffee from bean to cup, from roasting to tasting.
Despite their superior knowledge and passion, Applicant 2 is disqualified due to a lack of “relevant samples.”
Isn’t this a missed opportunity? Shouldn’t a recruiter prioritize a candidate’s passion, expertise, and potential over a limited portfolio?
By focusing solely on past samples, recruiters risk overlooking hidden gems. In this case, Applicant 2’s deep understanding of coffee could lead to more engaging and informative content.
Let’s break free from the constraints of portfolios and embrace the power of passion and potential.
What are your thoughts on content writers? Do you think they are overrated? Read this blog post and then please share your thoughts with us.
When a writer can’t provide relevant samples | Recruiting a Writer
In my 15 years of SEO content writing, I’ve noticed a trend:
Here’s why:
- Volume of Work: With so many projects under my belt, it’s nearly impossible to remember every client and specific piece of content. Sure, I should’ve kept a portfolio, but I didn’t. I would not have had time for all the admin, and…
- Writers Don’t Always Have Access to Their Work: We often sign NDAs that prohibit us from sharing the fact that we worked on (usually our most prized) projects, and at other times, we do work long before websites are even published. Bottom line: in most cases, we don’t know where clients publish our work.
- Client Revisions: Often, clients make changes to the final product, making it difficult to use it as a fair sample.
- Changing Technology: Over the years, I’ve had to switch computers and clear storage, making it harder to access older work, hence, no samples.
So, what should you look for when hiring a writer?
We understand the time, effort, and frustration that goes into hiring a writer that suits your needs, company culture, and brand voice. Thankfully, there are several ways to determine whether a writer is suitable for your company.
- Skills and Experience: Focus on the writer’s qualifications, such as their years of experience, areas of expertise, and writing style. Don’t stumble upon their inability to produce ‘relevant samples’.
- Communication and Collaboration: A strong writer should be able to communicate effectively and work well with others, especially if they will be collaborating with more than just one person in your team.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt to different writing styles and project requirements is crucial if you want to hire them for all your blogs, web content, social media, marketing newsletters, and other content.
- Passion for Writing: A genuine love for writing is evident in the quality of the work produced.
Remember, a writer’s portfolio is just one piece of the puzzle. By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to find the right writer for your project.
Expert Tip: Consider creating a shortlist of suitable candidates, and hire each of them for a test project. That will give you an opportunity to get to know them and see who is the perfect fit for a long-term hire.
For more insights on finding the right writer, check out this detailed guide on How to Hire a Writer by Indeed. It covers everything from essential skills to tips for a successful hire.
Don’t Settle for Less | Visit Content Café Today
Don’t settle for less when recruiting a writer. Focus on their skills, passion, and ability to adapt to your brand’s voice. Want to find the perfect fit? At Content Café, we can help you connect with the right talent for your content needs.
Get in touch today for expert guidance!
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