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 Manya Chylinski, who begins her profile thusly:

Travel, art, and culture are my areas of expertise. To date my writing has been short pieces (book reviews, newsletter articles), company-confidential reports, and front matter and cover copy for textbooks. I am ready for feature stories and major markets. I have more than 12 years of experience with the written word--from fact-checker to librarian to editor to writer; broad-ranging interests; a keen sense of deadlines and responsibilities; and to top it off, a light-hearted and humorous side.

Jane advises,

Manya,

Your profile represents a challenge as your experience, in terms of what has been published, is limited. For your opener, I'd take out anything having to do with business writing (i.e., company-confidential reports) and focus on the editorial pieces you have had published. I would also hold off on saying that you are "ready for feature stories and major markets." Why close the door on someone who would hire you to do book reviews or other short pieces? I just don't see anyone initially hiring you for long pieces with your background. However, they may hire you for smaller pieces and give you larger pieces over time. That would be optimal.

One other thing that stands out. Under "other" you encourage readers to view some of your travel pieces at your site. You provide the following member name for interested parties to use to log in: PaPaMiKaRi. Can you change this name? It's too obscure for anyone to get a handle on. Make it easy for the potential employer to read your work. And, while I'm at it, why not provide one of these travel pieces as an attached work sample?

If you are interested in having your listing critiqued, send a note to the folks at the Marketplace.