Freelance Marketplace Critique of the Week: 4.19.05
You’ve posted your mini-bios at the MB Freelance Marketplace in hopes of snagging a great freelance – or full-time – gig. Word. But, are you completely satisfied with your listing? Do you think you’ve described your accomplishments, specialties and skills in the best possible light? Let’s check in with our expert, Jane Ashen Turkewitz, the premiere resume writer for MediaBistro, in our weekly segment where a real Marketplace profile, just like yours, is critiqued to give its owner insight on how to make it even more effective. As a former media recruiter, Jane has reviewed thousands of resumes and has successfully placed candidates at Time Inc., Hearst, Hachette, Primedia and other major media companies. Turkewitz has written hundreds of resumes for writers, editors, publishers, sales executives, marketers, graphic designers, business managers, technology executives, public relations professionals and others.
The critique of the week goes to Vic LeBlanc, whose profile begins:
Multi-media communications “jill of all trades” specializes in creating stories, imaging and messaging that resound. Expert writer/editor for print/online and broadcast. Resourceful, broad base of experience includes public and media relations, creating/maximizing outreach opportunities and collaborative partnerships. Interested in most subjects, especially music/culture, community and cause-related events/projects.
Jane sez:
Vic, the first thing I see under your name is “Publicity/Marketing/Advertising Promotions, Copywriter and Coordinator (5-10 years).” As an Editor looking to hire, I would probably skip right on to the next candidate if this was the first thing I read. Why? Well, in publishing, there is a separation of Church and State (although some would argue that this line is blurred). If I’m an Editor, I want someone who writes editorial, not someone on the business side of things. I also don’t necessarily want a “Jill of all trades.” I want someone who has specialized in my topics – food, wine, entertainment, fashion, finance, etc. Talk up your areas of expertise up front in your profile!
As written, your profile belongs in the “Publicity/Marketing/Advertising” category in the Freelance Marketplace. I get the feeling that you are senior in your communications career, but, junior in terms of your editorial work. Create a different profile for the “Editorial” category and try to blow out your experience in terms of your editorial background, vs. your communications work. Even if it’s minimal, it will be THE focus of your profile and I think this will help.
Finally, how ’bout those clips? You need to attach a variety that best represent your editorial talents. That’s what your competition is doing.
If you are interested in having your listing critiqued, send a note to the folks at the Marketplace.
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