After the Interview: 8 Key Steps to Land the Job

Get an offer with these expert tips

Joel Schwartzberg is a workplace communications coach, speechwriter, and bestselling author whose books include "Get to the Point!" and "The Language of Leadership," with articles published in Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, and Newsweek. He brings over two decades of senior communications and editorial leadership experience at organizations including the ASPCA, PBS, and Time Inc.

6 min read • Originally published March 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Joel Schwartzberg

6 min read • Originally published March 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You found the job opening, scheduled the interview, met the boss and now all there is to do is wallow in anxiety and check your email every 15 minutes, right? Wrong.

As in dating, there are some tactical follow-ups to your first interview that may help secure your second, or even get you a job offer. But, if you think it begins and ends with a simple thank you note, think again.

Below, job specialists share important tips for making a successful post-interview impression.

1. Say Thanks

“You can send a thank you note” by e-mail, snail mail or the pony express. Just make sure that you send one,” says award-winning speaker and former human resources recruiter Abby Kohut. “Leaving the relationship with the interviewer on good terms will always serve you well.”

Yet, in the epic debate over email versus hand-written thank-you notes, manual writing seems to have the upper hand. “I have employers tell me all the time what a difference a handwritten thank you note makes,” says Lynne Sarikas, executive director of the MBA Career Center at Northeastern University.

“Those are the candidates they remember, and if they’re having trouble deciding between two candidates, the thank you note can tip the scale.”

“The employer will not always remember what you said in your interview, so use this as another final opportunity to prove yourself,” says Tom Gimbel, president & CEO of LaSalle Network, a Chicago-based staffing and recruiting agency. “Thank the employer for taking the time to meet with you, reiterate your interest in the position and express your excitement in next steps.”

Most consultants also recommend thanking everyone you meet, not just those who interview you. “Send a note to anyone who was particularly helpful to you, such as an administrative assistant,” says Ronald Kaufman, executive coach and author of Anatomy of Success. “And be sure to make each note unique.”

2. Show Off Your News Sense

Heather Huhman, founder and president of the content marketing consultancy Come Recommended, advises job seekers to forward the hiring manager interesting relevant articles.

“Read industry publications and pick an article on which you have an opinion and believe the hiring manager will also enjoy,” she says. “The easiest way to send it is via email with a short note about why you’re sending it.”

If you’re familiar with the company (and you should be if you want to work there), you can also send unsolicited ideas and suggestions. But don’t be critical of what the company is doing or suggest anything controversial. The point is solely to illustrate your strategic approach, creativity and strong interest, not how you’d run the company.

3. Make That Connection

Leverage what author, speaker and human resources consultant Dianna Booher calls your “relationship capital.”

She recommends offering to link your interviewers with others who can do something for them, including potential clients, strategic partners, sources of industry information and job candidates (not for your job, duh.)

Other connection boosters: Ask to be added to company newsletters and other communiqués and take advantage of industry events.

“If your industry has a networking event in the near future, ask the hiring manager if she will be attending,” says Huhman, “Gently remind the hiring manager by sending a ‘hope to see you there’ email with details about the event and why you think it would interest him.” And, oh, show up.

4. Check Your Spelling

Keep in mind all the ways follow-up notes with your potential employer can be assessed.

“Recruiters like me know that career coaches help candidates write their cover letters and resumes, but rarely does anyone seek advice for a note,” Kohut says. “For us, they’re a sneaky way to learn about the real you — your true spelling and grammar ability and your creativity shine through.”

“I’ve personally had candidates lose job offers because they emailed letters that had not been proofread and were full of errors,” says Bruce Hurwitz, president and CEO of Hurwitz Strategic Staffing.

“I also know of occasions when a bad interview followed by a good letter actually repaired the damage and got the candidate the job, so what a person does after an interview is critical.”

5. Keep Researching

You should know well the company you’re hoping to work for, not only for your happiness and security, but also to seed conversations with potential employers. If you haven’t done it already, this is the time to double check that match.

Look up the company on Wikipedia or get specific information from BizJournals.com, making sure to check out relevant news headlines as well as basic information. You can also look up executive names on LinkedIn. You may have more in common than you think, including colleagues.

Why so much research after the fact? Because, if your first interview was a good one, you’ll ideally be called in for that crucial second meeting with the person you’ll be reporting to should you land the job. And, since he or she will have whittled the list of candidates down to two to three at this point, you want to do everything possible to become the top pick.

Staying abreast of the company’s happenings and industry news to align them with your experience is a good way to make an even stronger impression.

6. Be Patient

What do you do after sending a perfect follow-up? Wait.

“Exercise as much restraint as possible not to call or email the hiring manager for at least one week,” says Kohut. “Delays happen and trying to rush the process may be detrimental to your success as a jobseeker.”

Huhman advises job seekers to keep emails or phone calls to one per week, paying close attention to timelines shared by the hiring manager. “If you don’t hear anything back after contacting the individual three to four times, it’s probably time to move on.”

However, don’t simply “check on the status” of the opening when reaching out. “Make each and every point of contact with the organization meaningful,” says Huhman.

Clark Baumgartner, director of human resources for D&B Supply, says that too many of the same follow-ups create a negative impression. “Coming across as desperate is not a redeeming quality,” he says. “And if the company is interested, you’re now in a poor position to negotiate.”

7. Mind Your Social Networks

Even if you haven’t heard back from your future professional home, they could still be Googling you as they make their final decision.

“If your social media does not reflect the skills you presented during the interview, be sure to update Facebook, LinkedIn and anything else that’s floating around out there about you,” says Sherry Beck Paprocki, co-author of the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Branding Yourself.

In other words, don’t post anything online you wouldn’t be comfortable saying to your new boss’s face, including anything about your previous employers, what advocacy groups you support or your Neil Diamond obsession.

8. Know What You’re Worth

Salary typically doesn’t come up in the initial interview, so use this down time to decide on your “magic number.” Sites like Salary.com, Glassdoor and SimplyHired can help.

If you use another online salary reference, just make sure to check the date—the salary information you go on shouldn’t be older than your wallet. Knowing the standard salary for your next job is a separate issue from what you’re currently making, and key to getting what you want.

If you’d like to hone your interviewing and follow-up skills even more, consider getting the help of a pro. Mediabistro’s Career Services offer everything from a mock interview to several sessions of career counseling to tackle interview and networking skills, career transition and more.

Topics:

Get a Media Job, Get Hired, Interview Tips

Climb the Ladder

How to Advance Your Marketing Career: 8 Proven Strategies

Practical ways to get promoted faster, stand out to leadership, and accelerate your growth in marketing.

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

7 min read • Originally published August 7, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Ayana Young

Ayana Young is a communications and PR strategist with 15+ years of experience spanning media relations, lifestyle brands, professional sports, and publishing.

7 min read • Originally published August 7, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

You’re a marketing coordinator approaching your second annual review. You’ve been getting great feedback, people like working with you, and you received the standard 3-4% raise at your one-year mark. This time, you’re hoping for more—a promotion, title change, and significant raise.

But the review comes and goes. Good feedback, another small increase, and the usual “great job, keep it up.” You’re left wondering: what’s it going to take?

Moving up requires more than doing your job well. If you’re not doing above-average work, actively improving your skills, and achieving visible results, you’ll likely remain in the same role longer than you’d like.

Here are eight strategies that can help you advance your marketing career faster.

1. Uncover Significant Insights

If you discover something from a marketing perspective that nobody else has found, you’ll immediately set yourself apart from colleagues who stick to day-to-day thinking.

This might mean:

Discovering a new profitable audience segment
Finding a landing page that isn’t converting and figuring out what would work better
Identifying a tactic that increases social media engagement by 3x

Many people are too busy (or too lazy) to dig deep into the data and find something interesting. If you can uncover meaningful insights and bring them to leadership, they’ll take note of the initiative and critical thinking required to reach the next level.

2. Think Like the Executive Team

When you can walk into meetings with company leaders and speak knowledgeably about the business, you earn their trust—especially if you’re consistent. Too often, people at lower levels freeze up because they’re nervous or show up unprepared.

A few tips:

Treat them as regular people. Don’t freeze up because they’re higher on the org chart. They’ll take you more seriously if you speak directly and confidently about your subject.
Over-prepare. Put in extra preparation for meetings with executives who have decision-making power.
Think big picture. Focus on the business overall, not just your area. When leadership discusses promotions, they’ll remember who demonstrated strategic thinking.

3. Make Things More Efficient

Save the company time, and leaders will look out for you. If you implement a new report, process, or tool that saves people time, you become an immediate asset.

When data takes forever to pull together, or processes run inefficiently, the business wastes time in the weeds instead of making decisions that actually move the needle.

As a marketing professional, go the extra mile and create something new—even if it’s outside your job description. Build something you can show your boss and say, “Here’s what I created and how it will save everyone time and effort.”

Write these things down. You’ll need them to support your case for a promotion.

4. Get Comfortable Presenting

The ability to sell yourself is crucial in most jobs, but presenting is especially important in marketing—whether to clients, vendors, or internal leadership.

People who can comfortably communicate information in meetings appear more knowledgeable and prepared. They’re often the ones who get promoted. Leaders look for future leaders with traits like confidence, charisma, the ability to inspire others, and overall preparedness.

If presenting doesn’t come naturally, practice. Volunteer to lead meetings, present campaign results, or pitch ideas. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become.

5. Document Your Big Wins

It’s powerful to walk into a review with specific accomplishments and how they directly affected the business.

Did you make an optimization in a digital campaign that generated $200,000 in incremental sales? If you have proof written down, that’s leverage when asking for a promotion or raise.

Most people don’t do this—which is exactly why you should. Marketing can feel intangible because you can’t always correlate every decision with results. But from a digital standpoint, make sure your tracking is solid so you can connect your decisions to outcomes.

Keep a running list of:

Campaign optimizations and their results
Major projects you completed
Process improvements you implemented
Any other high-impact initiatives

6. Build Relationships with the Sales Team

The best marketers have strong relationships with sales. Keep an open line of communication with sales reps who interact directly with the marketing you’re putting out.

You can look at numbers all day, but you also need qualitative information to understand the real issues.

Example: Imagine a high-end furniture store where marketing targets people in their late teens and early twenties. Sales reps will deal with customers who walk in and leave quickly once they realize the cheapest sofa costs $3,000. As a marketer, taking the initiative to talk with sales reps and identify these issues creates trust and true collaboration.

That collaborative mindset will boost your career and reputation because you’re thinking like a leader.

7. Be Fast with Replies

Nothing is worse than sending emails or making calls and feeling like you’re talking to a brick wall. Leaders are trusted to be reliable and quick with follow-ups because, in times of crisis, they’re the ones people turn to.

If you want to advance your marketing career, master fast communication. You can’t keep marking emails as unread and accidentally forgetting about them.

Even if you can’t complete a task right away, reply with: “Confirming receipt. Focusing on a few urgent tasks right now, but I’m on it and will follow up shortly.”

A quick reply lets people know you’re paying attention and reliable. If you take forever to respond or often forget things, you’ll stay stuck in your position longer than you’d like.

Helpful habits:

Put your mobile number in your email signature as an alternative contact
Organize your inbox into subfolders to avoid missing things
Put your work email on your phone so you’re always accessible

8. Be the Hardest Worker

The person with a reputation as a slacker won’t be the one getting promoted. Current leaders look for future leaders with certain qualities—and work ethic is near the top of the list.

Marketing is not an easy field. There are tons of nuances, and things are always changing. To keep up and stay ahead of everyone else, you have to outwork them. There’s no simple formula or shortcut. Put in consistent effort, and you will reach the next level.

Key Takeaways

Leaders in any company are looking for marketing people who:

Communicate effectively
Work efficiently and improve processes
Make a measurable impact through hard work
Think strategically about the business
Are reliable and responsive

Start your journey to moving up in marketing—check out available opportunities on our job board.

FAQs About Advancing Your Marketing Career

How long should I stay in a marketing role before expecting a promotion?

Typically, 18-24 months is a reasonable timeframe to demonstrate results and earn a promotion. However, this varies by company size and culture. Focus on accomplishments rather than just time served—if you’ve delivered significant results in 12 months, that’s worth discussing with your manager.

What skills are most important for advancing in marketing?

The most valuable skills for career advancement include data analysis, strategic thinking, presentation skills, and cross-functional collaboration. Technical skills like marketing automation, analytics platforms, and digital advertising are also increasingly important at all levels.

Should I specialize or be a generalist to advance faster?

It depends on your goals. Specialists often command higher salaries in their niche, while generalists have more flexibility and are often better suited for leadership roles. Early in your career, gaining broad experience is usually beneficial. As you advance, developing deep expertise in one or two areas can set you apart.

How do I ask for a promotion in marketing?

Come prepared with documented accomplishments and their business impact. Schedule a dedicated meeting (not your regular review) to discuss your career path. Be specific about what you want and why you’ve earned it. If a promotion isn’t possible immediately, ask what you need to do to get there and establish a timeline.

Is it better to get promoted internally or switch companies?

Both paths work. Internal promotions often come with smaller salary increases but provide continuity and institutional knowledge. Switching companies typically results in larger salary jumps (10-20%+) and can accelerate your title progression. Many marketers alternate between the two strategies throughout their careers.

How important is networking for marketing career advancement?

Very important. Building relationships both inside and outside your company opens doors to opportunities, mentorship, and industry knowledge. Internally, relationships with leadership and cross-functional teams directly impact promotion decisions. Externally, a strong network can lead to job opportunities and professional development.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Go Freelance

Freelance Writing Jobs in the Age of AI: What the Data Says and How to Position Yourself

The floor is falling out of commodity writing. The ceiling for specialists has never been higher. Here's how to end up on the right side.

By Mediabistro

The Mediabistro editorial team draws on 25 years of media industry expertise to cover jobs, careers, and trends shaping the industry.

6 min read • Originally published March 6, 2026 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Mediabistro

The Mediabistro editorial team draws on 25 years of media industry expertise to cover jobs, careers, and trends shaping the industry.

6 min read • Originally published March 6, 2026 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re a freelance writer in 2026, you’ve heard the doom chorus: AI is coming for your job. And if you’ve been paying attention to the data, you know there’s some truth in it. But the full picture is more interesting, and more useful, than the headlines suggest.

The freelance writing market has been split in two. The bottom is collapsing. The top is thriving. Where you land depends less on talent than on how you position your services. Here’s what the numbers actually say, and what you can do about it.

The data: what’s really happening to freelance writing jobs

A landmark study by researchers at Imperial College London, Harvard Business School, and the German Institute for Economic Research analyzed nearly two million freelance job postings across 61 countries between July 2021 and July 2023. Their finding: within eight months of ChatGPT’s launch, demand for freelance writing jobs fell roughly 30%, the steepest decline of any category they studied. Software development dropped about 21%. Graphic design fell 17%.

The Vollna Upwork Market Report, which analyzed 2.2 million projects, confirmed the earlier trend is accelerating. Writing projects on Upwork declined 32% year over year in 2025, the largest drop of any category on the platform. Eleven of twelve major work categories saw declines. Entry-level project availability fell below 9%, down from 15% the prior year.

And it’s not just volume. A Brookings Institution analysis found that freelancers in text-heavy services like copyediting and proofreading saw roughly a 2% monthly decline in new contracts and about a 5% decrease in total monthly earnings on platform. Perhaps more surprising: high-skill freelancers were not insulated from these effects. They were, in some cases, disproportionately affected.

Meanwhile, a separate February 2026 study (“Payrolls to Prompts” from Ramp) found that more than half of businesses that spent on freelance platforms in 2022 had stopped entirely by 2025. Freelance marketplace spending as a share of total company spend dropped from 0.66% to 0.14%. AI model spending went from zero to 2.85%.

That’s the floor collapsing (always give the bad news first).

But here’s the ceiling

While generic writing gigs dried up, something unexpected happened at the top. Upwork reported that AI-related freelance work crossed $300 million in annualized value by late 2025. Freelancers working on AI-related projects earned 44% more per hour than those on non-AI projects.

The same pattern showed up in Upwork’s Q3 2025 earnings report, where gross services volume grew 2% year over year overall, but 52% of that growth came from AI-related work. Content writing was still listed among the top 10 most in-demand AI-related skills on the platform in September 2025, because businesses want writers who can work with AI tools, not writers who pretend AI doesn’t exist.

Fiverr’s data tells a similar story from the buyer side. Spend per buyer rose 8.3% year over year even as the total number of active buyers declined. Fewer clients, but bigger checks.

Niche specialists reported the strongest gains. Finance writers averaged about $73,000 per year. Fintech writers earned as high as $0.95 per word. White paper specialists commanded $6,000 or more per month. Medical writers charged $60 to $150 per hour. The pattern is consistent: commodity content vanishes, specialized content gets more valuable.

What clients actually want now

The shift isn’t just about who’s hiring. It’s about what they’re hiring for. In an Upwork survey, 58% of businesses said they would prioritize AI proficiency when hiring freelancers. But at the same time, 39% said they lacked trust in AI’s accuracy. That tension is the opportunity.

A University of Copenhagen study of 25,000 workers across 7,000 workplaces found that AI’s productivity impact was underwhelming for most businesses. The majority of workers saw only about a 3% time savings. Companies that went all-in on AI content are now discovering they still need humans who can think, not just humans who can type. Multiple freelance writers have reported a rebound in inbound client inquiries in late 2025 and into 2026, with clients explicitly requesting subject-matter expertise and original content without AI involvement.

So the market is sorting itself out. Clients who want cheap, undifferentiated content are using AI directly. Clients who want content that actually performs (ranks, converts, builds authority) are seeking out writers who bring something AI can’t replicate. That “something special” is what you need to sell.

How to position your freelance writing services right now

Positioning isn’t branding fluff. It’s a business decision about what you sell, to whom, and why they should care. Here are five concrete moves that the data supports.

1. Pick a vertical, not a format

Don’t call yourself a “content writer” or “blog writer.” Those labels describe a format that AI can produce. Instead, position yourself in the industry you serve: fintech, healthcare SaaS, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and real estate tech. The industry niche is the moat.

Specialized freelancers routinely charge two to three times more than generalists, and the gap is widening. A cybersecurity writer who understands threat assessments, or a medical copywriter with FDA submission experience, faces essentially zero AI competition. Clients in regulated and technical industries need writers who already speak the language and understand the stakes. They’re not going to explain their business to someone who “writes about everything.”

2. Sell outcomes, not word counts

The $0.30-per-word era is over for anyone serious about making a living. Reframe your services around what the writing does for the client’s business: organic traffic growth, lead generation, conversion rate improvement, reduced churn through better onboarding content.

When you tie your work to revenue or pipeline metrics, you move from the “cost center” column to the “investment” column in the client’s head. This is also what protects your rate from downward pressure. AI can produce words, but it can’t own a business outcome.

3. Become AI-fluent, not AI-dependent

According to a Freelancer Kompass 2026 report, 84% of freelancers now regularly use AI tools, up from 41% three years ago. The data from Upwork is clear: clients prefer writers who use AI to augment their process, not writers who either avoid AI entirely or who let AI do the thinking.

The winning position is “I use AI to work faster and deliver better work, and my expertise is what makes the output actually good.”

That means learning to use AI for research, outlining, first-pass drafts, and editing assistance while keeping your judgment, voice, and subject matter knowledge as the irreplaceable layer. Workers using AI for augmentation outnumber those using it for automation by more than two to one, and that ratio tells you where the market values human involvement.

4. Build proof, not a portfolio

Traditional writing portfolios are table stakes. What clients want now is evidence that your work produced results. Case studies with metrics (traffic growth, leads generated, conversion improvements) are worth more than a dozen published clips. If you’ve helped a client rank for a competitive keyword or grow a newsletter subscriber list, document it. The shift toward measurable outcomes is accelerating, and writers who can show their ROI will have a permanent advantage over those who can only show their prose.

5. Package your services as retainers, not one-offs

The freelance writing gigs most vulnerable to AI are one-off commodity projects: a blog post here, a product description there. Those are exactly the tasks that a client will eventually hand to ChatGPT or Claude. Position yourself for recurring revenue by offering ongoing content programs, editorial calendars, quarterly content audits, newsletter management, or brand voice consulting. Retainer relationships are harder for AI to replace because they’re built on trust, context, and accumulated knowledge of the client’s business.

They also smooth out the feast-or-famine income cycles that make freelancing financially precarious. Subscription-based freelance services are gaining traction across the market, and writers who can pitch a monthly program instead of a per-piece rate will be better positioned this year and beyond.

The bottom line

The freelance writing market in 2026 is not dying, exactly. But it’s splitting and changing, and arguably, becoming even more important as a differentiator for business.

Commodity writing is being absorbed by AI, and no amount of hand-wringing will reverse that. But the demand for specialized, strategic, human-driven content is growing. Writers who position themselves on the right side of that split, by choosing a niche, selling outcomes, using AI as a tool, building proof, and packaging their work as ongoing partnerships, may be able to earn more than they ever did before.

The data supports this. The question is whether you’ll position yourself to benefit from it.

Topics:

Go Freelance

Interview Tips

Salary Negotiation: How to Boost Your Job Offer, Ask for a Raise & Negotiate Beyond Money

Top negotiators show you how to ask for what you're worth

By Brittany Taylor

Brittany Taylor is an enterprise marketing manager and content strategist with over a decade of experience in B2B content marketing, brand building, and ghostwriting, with bylines in SELF, Teen Vogue, and Mediabistro. She currently leads content and branding across multiple brands at HireQuest Inc.

7 min read • Originally published February 19, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Brittany Taylor

7 min read • Originally published February 19, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Let’s talk shop about one of the biggest hurdles you’ll be dealing with during the job hunt: salary. Both sides of the table know that’s the end game—and always will be, at least until your landlord agrees to barter blog posts or infographics for rent—but nobody wants to bring it up first.

And if you’re a woman, that’s especially true. “We don’t always think we should be negotiating things and when it comes to compensation, we also tend to be paid less,” says Fatimah Gilliam, CEO of The Azara Group, a consultancy company that focuses on negotiation and diversity services.

The thing is, when you don’t negotiate, it has major financial repercussions. Over the course of your career, the $5,000 you may have left on the table when accepting your first job offer, no questions asked, can add up to hundreds of thousands. Raises are pegged to your baseline salary, as are bonuses. Remember learning about compounded value in high school math? Here’s where that idea comes into play.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a recent college grad or a media veteran making a lateral move. “No matter what stage of your career you’re in, accepting whatever offer comes your way is a big mistake,” says Diane Domeyer-Kock, executive director of The Creative Group.

Per Katie Donovan, founder of Equal Pay Negotiations, 84 percent of hiring managers expect you to. “What that means is that at least 84 percent of offers do not have all of the money available in that offer,” Donovan shares. “They’re proactively low. It’s on purpose. They expect you to come back and say, ‘Hey, wait a minute, that’s not right.'”

So how do you play the game without flinching, folding or showing your cards too soon?

Take a deep breath, steel your nerves and read on.

How to Boost Your Job Offer

The most power you’ll ever have throughout your relationship with an employer is before you accept a job offer.

Your goal during the interview process is to make the hiring managers fall in love with you. The more they want you on their team, Donovan says, the more power you hold. In an ideal world, they’ll be the ones to bring up salary terms.

If you handle it right, you can get them to do just that. Leave “desired pay” fields on applications blank (or fill them in with placeholder text). When they bring up how much you want to make, swallow your “a cool million, thanks” retort and try responding with one of Donovan’s favorite lines: “I don’t know enough about the job to know what it should pay,” or, “Well, what’s it budgeted at?”

Whatever you say, make it about what the job’s market value is. To establish market value, you’ll need to do some research. “You can never negotiate in a bubble and say, ‘OK, I want X more just because,'” Gilliam tells us.

“You need to speak to your friends. You need to speak to people in different industries.” Salary.com, Glassdoor and job sites with listings that offer salaries or ranges are all great places to start your investigation.

Try salary calculators, too, and be on the lookout for consistent answers rather than outliers. When you present your research, suggest a number from the higher end of the market range. Chances are you won’t get the number you throw out—the company will want to get you down lower.

If you aim on the higher side of what’s reasonable, you and your prospective employer will probably agree on an average salary.

The Right Way to Ask for a Raise

Asking for a bump in pay is all about timing—and we don’t mean when you need more moola in the house-renovation fund. “The best time to ask for a raise is not necessarily when you need the money; it’s when you’re most likely to get your request approved,” Domeyer says.

“This could be after you’ve finished a successful project and your valuable contributions are top of mind, or a positive time for the company, such as when the business lands a deal or realizes an upswing in quarterly revenue.”

Don’t wait for your annual review, Donovan warns, because your company has already allocated money for that season. Set it up earlier, she advises, like three or four months before. And when you do, Domeyer urges you to schedule a meeting with your boss and let him know in advance that you want to talk about your compensation. You want him to be ready to talk money, not be caught off-guard.

Once you’re face-to-face, “start talking about how you’re doing in the job. You want them to agree that you’re doing good [work],” Donovan says. “Then, once they say that, you say, ‘Well, that’s why I was so surprised to find out that I’m underpaid for the market.'” Make it about the market, not about you, and keep the tone along the lines of “how do we fix this problem” rather than “I want $10,000 more a year.”

If your manager asks you for a number, pull out your research and say something like, “Based on what I’m seeing, it should be…” And just as you would do at an interview, quote the higher end of the range rather than the median.

What to Do When the Answer Is “No”

One of Donovan’s biggest pet peeves is when employees take the first “no” as their final answer. “The negotiation actually starts with ‘no,'” she shares. “Keep going. Don’t walk away.” If you’re told that the company can’t afford to pay you a higher salary, try coming back with details supported by your research (yep, here it is again).

“Say, ‘I’m surprised to hear that because I know our company has doubled profits the last four years—whatever the data is,” Donovan urges. “Have a response so that ‘no’ is thrown to the side and you can move to, ‘So, can I get my $10,000 raise?'”

Often, employers will set certain qualifications on discussing and approving a raise—perhaps you can talk about it in six months, or you need to hit certain sales goals. Never take that “no” at face value. “Try to find out what conditions would qualify as a better time to approach the subject. If your boss tells you that he or she doesn’t think you deserve more money, find out why,” Domeyer says. “Ask for guidance on what you need to do to warrant the raise.”

And finally, Gilliam says, you have to know when it’s time for you to walk away. Ask yourself if you’re comfortable with a smaller raise, or returning to the topic during the next quarter, or jumping through various hoops to be eligible.

As you ponder these questions, keep in mind this is about you, not about what your significant other thinks you should settle for or when your mother thinks it’s time for you to take a stand and quit.

Negotiating Beyond Money

Job titles, heath care, company-paid training, vacation time—there are all sorts of other extras that are part of your compensation package that a lot of candidates think are set in stone. And you know what? They’re not. While your prospective employer might not have a lot of wiggle room, money-wise, “that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other things you can negotiate for,” Gilliam says.

Do you want a more flexible start or end time? Do you need to move your start date? Would you like to telecommute a few days a month? Would you really like to work for so-and-so rather than whoever? All of these options tend not to change the bottom line for the company, but they can make a huge difference to your job satisfaction.

If you think asking for these sorts of extras just isn’t done, think again. Domeyer tells us that a survey conducted by The Creative Group found that more than one-third of advertising and media execs worked with candidates to make things like flextime a possibility.

Remember, a new job isn’t (just) about making more money. You want to be successful, whether you’re moving to a new company, starting in a different industry, or working your way up the corporate ladder. Being successful has a lot to do with being happy. If you know what would make you look forward to coming to work in the a.m., there’s only one way to get it: Ask.

One way to make yourself more valuable in the eyes of your employer is by learning a new skill. Check out Mediabistro’s online courses, where our industry experts teach you the in-demand skills to keep you competitive in the media industry.

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Skills & Expertise

What Does an Event Coordinator Do? Job Description, Skills & Salary

Everything you need to know about event coordinator jobs and how to break into the field

By Jenell Talley

Jenell Talley is a journalist and program analyst with a background spanning media, government, and editorial work. She holds a journalism degree from Howard University and a master's in human resources management from the University of Maryland.

6 min read • Originally published April 5, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Jenell Talley

6 min read • Originally published April 5, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Event coordinators are the organizational backbone behind conferences, weddings, corporate gatherings, and everything in between. They handle logistics, manage vendors, and ensure events run smoothly from start to finish. If you’re detail-oriented, thrive under pressure, and love bringing people together, this could be the career for you.

What Does an Event Coordinator Do?

An event coordinator organizes events from conception to cleanup. Day-to-day duties vary depending on the employer and event type, but typically include:

Meeting with clients to understand event goals and vision
Preparing and managing event budgets
Scouting and booking venues
Coordinating with vendors (caterers, florists, DJs, photographers)
Securing sponsors and managing sponsorship relationships
Handling press outreach and marketing
Arranging food, beverages, and entertainment
Overseeing event setup and breakdown
Managing on-site logistics and troubleshooting issues
Conducting post-event analysis and reporting

“Depending on the size of an event, the preparation could take months or even a year,” says Christian McKenzie, who spent three years as an event coordinator for Macy’s before becoming a business account manager at Sears Holdings Corporation.

During her time at Macy’s, McKenzie pitched potential vendors and talent, processed invoices, worked with the legal team to draft service contracts, and managed relationships with clients—including celebrity handlers.

Event Coordinator vs. Event Planner

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a distinction. Event planners typically handle higher-level strategy and client relationships, while event coordinators focus on execution and logistics. At some companies, coordinators assist planners; at others, the roles overlap significantly.

Types of Events

Event coordinators may specialize in specific event types:

Corporate events – Conferences, product launches, team-building retreats
Weddings – Ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners
Nonprofit events – Fundraisers, galas, charity auctions
Music and entertainment – Concerts, festivals, award shows
Trade shows – Exhibitions, industry conferences
Virtual and hybrid events – Webinars, online conferences, hybrid gatherings

Skills Required for Event Coordinators

Hard Skills

Budget management – Creating and tracking event budgets
Contract negotiation – Securing favorable terms with vendors and venues
Project management – Coordinating timelines, tasks, and teams
Event management software – Proficiency in platforms like Eventbrite, Cvent, or Social Tables
Marketing and promotion – Social media, email campaigns, press outreach
Virtual event platforms – Zoom, Hopin, or similar tools for hybrid/virtual events
Basic legal knowledge – Understanding permits, contracts, and liability

Soft Skills

Communication – Managing relationships with clients, vendors, and teams
Attention to detail – Nothing slips through the cracks
Problem-solving – Thinking quickly when things go wrong
Time management – Juggling multiple deadlines and priorities
Emotional intelligence – Staying calm under pressure, reading the room
Adaptability – Pivoting when plans change at the last minute
Stamina – Long hours, nights, and weekends are common

“And you have to have stamina,” says McKenzie, who logged plenty of night and weekend hours after putting in a full day at the office. “You don’t always get to quit at quitting time in this line of work.”

Event Coordinator Salary

Event coordinator salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry. Here’s what to expect:

Experience Level	Average Salary
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 – $48,000
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$48,000 – $60,000
Senior (6-10 years)	$60,000 – $75,000
Event Manager/Director	$75,000 – $100,000+

Factors that affect salary:

Location – Major metro areas (NYC, LA, Chicago) pay more
Industry – Corporate and luxury events typically pay higher than nonprofit
Company size – Large agencies and corporations offer higher salaries
Specialization – Niche expertise (weddings, tech conferences) can command premiums

Tools and Technology

Modern event coordinators rely on software to manage complex logistics. Key platforms include:

Eventbrite – Ticketing, registration, and event promotion
Cvent – End-to-end event management for corporate events
Social Tables – Venue diagramming and seating arrangements
Asana/Monday.com – Project and task management
Canva – Creating event marketing materials
Zoom/Hopin – Virtual and hybrid event platforms

Career Path and Advancement

Typical Career Progression

Level	Title	Years of Experience
Entry	Event Coordinator, Event Assistant	0-2 years
Mid	Senior Event Coordinator, Event Planner	3-5 years
Senior	Event Manager, Senior Event Planner	5-8 years
Leadership	Director of Events, VP of Events	8+ years

Work Settings: Freelance vs. Agency vs. In-House

Freelance – Flexibility and variety, but inconsistent income and no benefits
Agency – Exposure to diverse clients and events, fast-paced environment
In-house (corporate) – Stability, benefits, deeper focus on one brand’s events

Who Do Event Coordinators Report To?

Reporting structure varies by organization. Event coordinators may report to a Director of Events, an Event Manager, a Marketing Director, or a VP of Operations. At smaller companies, they may report directly to leadership.

Similar Job Titles

Roles with overlapping responsibilities include:

Event Planner
Conference Coordinator
Meeting Planner
Production Assistant
Experience Designer
Special Events Coordinator
Corporate Events Specialist

Industry Trends for 2026

Virtual and Hybrid Events

Virtual events are now a permanent fixture. Event coordinators need expertise in virtual platforms, digital marketing, and remote audience engagement to stay competitive.

Sustainable Event Planning

Sustainability is increasingly important. Coordinators should know how to minimize waste and carbon footprint—from sourcing local food to using electronic invitations instead of printed ones.

Influencer Collaboration

Social media influencers can significantly boost event visibility. Understanding how to identify and negotiate with influencers—especially on Instagram and TikTok—is a valuable skill.

Diversity and Accessibility

Events increasingly cater to globally diverse audiences. Accommodating various cultural and accessibility needs—from language translation to wheelchair access—is essential.

How to Become an Event Coordinator

Education

A degree in marketing, public relations, hospitality, or communications is helpful but not required. Many successful event coordinators come from diverse educational backgrounds.

Get Experience Through Internships

“It’s the internships that make the difference,” says McKenzie. Seek opportunities to build your resume while still in school—you’ll be ahead of the competition when you graduate.

Build Your Network

Attend industry events to meet potential employers, clients, and mentors. Join professional organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI) or the International Live Events Association (ILEA).

Develop a Specialty

Specializing in a niche—corporate events, weddings, music festivals—can help you stand out in a competitive market.

Get Certified

Certifications can boost your credibility:

CMP (Certified Meeting Professional)
CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional)
CMM (Certificate in Meeting Management)

How to Get Ahead

“Impress your manager with a skill no one else has,” says McKenzie. Securing sponsors, mastering a new platform, or developing vendor relationships can set you apart. Take classes, find a mentor, and stay current by reading trade publications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an event coordinator do?

An event coordinator organizes and executes events, handling logistics like venue booking, vendor management, budgeting, and on-site coordination. They ensure events run smoothly from planning through completion.

What skills do you need to be an event coordinator?

Key skills include project management, budget management, negotiation, communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving. You also need stamina—long hours, nights, and weekends are common in this field.

How much do event coordinators make?

Entry-level event coordinators typically earn $38,000–$48,000 annually. Mid-level coordinators make $48,000–$60,000, while senior coordinators and managers can earn $60,000–$100,000+ depending on location and industry.

What’s the difference between an event coordinator and an event planner?

Event planners typically handle higher-level strategy and client relationships, while event coordinators focus on execution and logistics. However, the titles are often used interchangeably, and responsibilities overlap at many organizations.

Do you need a degree to become an event coordinator?

A degree is helpful but not required. Degrees in marketing, hospitality, communications, or public relations are common backgrounds. Experience through internships often matters more than formal education.

What certifications help event coordinators?

Popular certifications include the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), and Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM). These can boost credibility and career advancement.

Is event coordination a stressful job?

Yes, it can be. Event coordinators manage multiple deadlines, handle last-minute changes, and work long hours during events. However, many find the work rewarding—especially when an event comes together successfully.

What software do event coordinators use?

Common tools include Eventbrite (ticketing), Cvent (event management), Social Tables (venue planning), and project management platforms like Asana or Monday.com. Virtual event platforms like Zoom and Hopin are also essential.

Ready to start your event coordination career? Browse event coordinator jobs on Mediabistro.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Productivity

14 Habits & Career Success Secrets of Media Pros

Hint: Take a night off. How easy was that?

By Allie Misch

Alexandria Misch is a multimedia journalist and content strategist with over a decade of freelance experience, with bylines in New York Magazine, Esquire, the Los Angeles Times, and The Verge. She is based in New York City and works across writing, editing, photography, and production.

6 min read • Originally published October 12, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Allie Misch

6 min read • Originally published October 12, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

To be successful (or even gainfully employed) in this era of industry uncertainty, it seems like you have to go above and beyond the general requirements. Read on to understand how easy it is to implement these little life hacks and keep your career in check.

1. Be good to your body

Even though movies make it seem like members of the media pay rent by writing (whiskey in hand) in dark corners of empty bars, it’s not sustainable.

Taylor Lorenz, director of emerging platforms at The Hill, pays special attention to what she puts in her body. “It’s very hard to eat healthy while working in media,” she says. “Your schedule is often long and unpredictable–you’re either sitting in front of your desk or on the run for a story, [but] by prioritizing what goes into your body you can operate on a higher level by remaining healthy and more resilient.”

Lorenz never eats processed foods, limits her alcohol intake to less than two drinks a month, and drinks almost three gallons of water a day. “Lots of people think I’m a wacko health freak, but keeping my body healthy allows me to operate at maximum capacity and my diet has been critical to my professional success,” she says.

2. Stop obsessing over email

Have you ever caught yourself sitting there debating signing off Best or Sincerely, then backspace entirely, revert to your old-standby of Thanks! and get too stressed out to send the email? You’re not alone.

“I will deliberate over one message for half an hour ensuring that I’ve expressed myself clearly and kindly to a client or collaborator,” says Abby Carney, a freelance journalist and editor. But especially in the freelance game, time is money. Read over the message to make sure it’s free of errors, then fire it off.

3. Disconnect during downtime

We’re not just talking WiFi here. Try heading outside, away from any outlets.

Heather Whaling, founder and president of Geben Communication, avoids checking email, social media or taking calls when she’s at home with her young son. This may sound impossible as the head of a PR agency with offices across the midwest, but Whaling insists it’s actually added-value at the office.

“By incorporating these periods of disconnection into my schedule, I’m sharper and more creative when it’s time to focus on work,” she says.

Ready to take your media career to the next level? Find your next position among Mediabistro’s job listings today.

4. Call your grandma

“I know the thought of a phone call paralyzes a lot of fellow millennials,” Lorenz acknowledges. “But there’s no replacement for a good heart to heart over a long phone call.”

You may even find it easier to dial 10 numbers instead of composing a tweet in exactly 140 characters proclaiming how much you miss your sister. Catching up with friends and family keeps things in perspective when life seems out of your control.

5. Know what’s happening in the world

Whether she’s in Chicago or Columbus, Whaling starts every morning with the New York Times. “[It] helps me get a frame of reference for the day, monitor trends that could be relevant to our clients and stay informed about current events,” she says.

Plus, reading today’s headlines not only helps you as a conversationalist at cocktail parties, but you’re also supporting your industry peers at the end of the day.

6. Pay attention to trends

Knowing what’s in the news will keep your consumption well-rounded, but you should also seek out specifics.

“I spend a lot of time keeping up on tech trends, researching forward-thinking brand campaigns and understanding how technology is changing communications and business,” says Whaling. “With that foundation, I’m able to help clients infuse innovation and creativity into their communication and take a fresh approach to best practices.”

7. Don’t just hashtag #goals, create them

Every day Lorenz looks at her list of long-term goals and her five and 10-year plans. Her weekly to-do’s are the background of her cell phone. And with a resume boasting companies like Time, Inc., Refinery29, Business Insider, and the Daily Mail, it’s safe to say she’s hitting her marks.

“I change my goals constantly,” she says. “But this way I make sure I’m always moving forward. This includes (but is not limited to) six detailed spreadsheets to make sure she’s on track.

8. Stay in school, kids

Learning to cook a meal, cut hair and apply makeup has very little to do with being a journalist, but Lorenz took classes in all three. Since graduating college, she’s been enrolled in at least one (if not two or three) classes outside of work.

“It’s so fun to learn new skills!” she says of her extracurricular studies on copywriting, creative writing, graphic design, advertising and marketing, to name a few. “[It] always broadens your horizons and keeps your mind fresh, even if you never put those skills to use.”

9. Connect with your community

Whaling recently rolled out a program allowing her employees to use up to 30 hours of “work time” to volunteer for for nonprofits they believe in.

“Of course, being involved in the community is the right thing to do from an altruistic perspective, but it’s also good for business,” she says. “By making community involvement a core component of my workflow, it helps me add value to causes I believe in, plus it generates new business opportunities.”

10. Block out your schedule ahead of time

And avoid the inbox timesuck.

“I used to spend so much time in my inbox that I was focusing on whatever happened to be at the top of my inbox, instead of focusing on the things that truly warranted my time and attention,” says Whaling. Now she schedules three or four times per day to check emails for about 20 minutes each time. She quickly assesses each email, responding to those that take “less than two minutes of attention.” If it requires more brain power, she’ll “calendar block” time to take care of it.

11. Go old-school when list-making

Carney is meticulous when it comes to making lists. She keeps two “old-school” (paper) day planners to write in all of her appointments, social engagements, to-do lists and deadlines.

“I was highly neurotic [as a child] and panicked about missing any homework assignments,” she says. “I always wanted to make the best marks. I’m still the same when it comes to my career.”

12. Don’t blow your deadlines

Maybe the list-making does the trick, but word on the street is Carney doesn’t miss a deadline. As both a writer and editor, Carney contributes her success to staying ahead of schedule.

“I never imagined that anyone would blaze through a deadline or wait until the last minute to ask for an extension unless it was an emergency situation,” she says.

13. Realize what’s worth your time

“To be successful in journalism in 2016, I think you sadly can’t get stuck on making every assignment top-notch,” says Carney. With the Internet, inevitable deadlines, and an increase of content creation, sometimes speed is all that matters.

“You have to churn it out day after day, and hopefully if you churn enough, you’ll have more time to work on assignments that really matter to you, and you can write something you’re proud of,” says Carney, who speaks from experience as assistant editor at Time Out New York, which still prints weekly.

14. Give yourself a break

No matter your profession, it’s important to give yourself one night of nothing to recharge.

“Every week I spend four nights working on my freelance jobs, one night in class or teaching myself a new skill, one night either going to a talk, meetup, or event or socializing with friends,” Lorenz explains. The last night she treasures as her night off to cook, listen to music on her record player, or walk around the city.

“It can be tempting to skip my ‘night off’ and meet friends for dinner or to go out,” she says. But she protects it for her sanity’s sake, which isn’t a bad idea for us all to consider.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Productivity

Go Freelance

Freelance Writing Jobs: Where to Find Work & How to Get Started in 2026

A practical guide to finding freelance writing opportunities and building a sustainable career

By Mediabistro Education

6 min read • Originally published November 21, 2023 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Mediabistro Education

6 min read • Originally published November 21, 2023 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Freelance writing offers the flexibility to work from anywhere while earning a living with your words. Whether you’re interested in content marketing, copywriting, journalism, or technical writing, the demand for skilled freelance writers continues to grow across virtually every industry.

This guide covers where to find freelance writing jobs, how much you can expect to earn, and practical strategies for building a sustainable freelance writing career.

Types of Freelance Writing Jobs

Freelance writing spans many specializations, each with different skill requirements and pay rates:

Type	What It Involves	Typical Pay Range
Content Writing	Blog posts, articles, website copy	$0.10–$1.00/word
Copywriting	Sales pages, ads, email campaigns	$0.25–$2.00+/word
SEO Writing	Search-optimized content	$0.15–$0.75/word
Technical Writing	Documentation, guides, manuals	$50–$150/hour
Ghostwriting	Books, articles under someone else’s name	$0.25–$3.00+/word
Journalism	News articles, features, interviews	$0.50–$2.00/word
UX Writing	App/website microcopy, interface text	$75–$150/hour
Grant Writing	Nonprofit funding proposals	$50–$100/hour

Where to Find Freelance Writing Jobs

Job Boards and Marketplaces

These platforms connect freelance writers with clients looking for content:

Mediabistro – Media, publishing, and content jobs from established companies
Upwork – Large marketplace with writing jobs at various pay levels
Contently – Connects writers with enterprise brands (portfolio required)
ProBlogger Job Board – Blogging and content writing opportunities
LinkedIn – Search “freelance writer” and filter by remote
Indeed – Filter for “freelance” or “contract” writing positions
FlexJobs – Vetted remote and flexible writing jobs (paid subscription)

Content Agencies

Agencies provide steady work but typically pay less than direct clients:

Verblio – Blog content for various industries
Scripted – Premium content marketplace
ClearVoice – Content creation platform for brands
Skyword – Enterprise content marketing
nDash – B2B content community

Direct Outreach (Cold Pitching)

The highest-paying freelance writing jobs often come from pitching directly to companies or publications. Target:

Companies in industries you know well
Startups and growing businesses (check Crunchbase for recently funded companies)
Marketing agencies looking for overflow help
Publications that accept freelance pitches

Freelance Writer Rates: How Much Can You Earn?

Freelance writing rates vary widely based on experience, specialization, and client type:

Experience Level	Per-Word Rate	Hourly Rate	Annual (Full-Time)
Beginner	$0.05–$0.15	$15–$30	$25,000–$40,000
Intermediate (2-4 years)	$0.15–$0.50	$30–$75	$40,000–$70,000
Experienced (5+ years)	$0.50–$1.50	$75–$150	$70,000–$120,000
Specialist/Expert	$1.00–$3.00+	$100–$250+	$100,000–$200,000+

Factors that affect rates:

Specialization – Technical, medical, and finance writing pays more
Client type – Enterprise clients pay more than small businesses
Complexity – Research-heavy pieces command higher rates
Turnaround time – Rush jobs warrant premium pricing

Skills Required for Freelance Writers

Writing Skills

Grammar and style – Solid command of language fundamentals
Research – Finding and synthesizing credible sources
Adaptability – Writing in different voices and formats
Storytelling – Engaging readers and maintaining interest
SEO knowledge – Understanding keywords and search optimization

Business Skills

Self-marketing – Promoting yourself to attract clients
Negotiation – Setting and defending your rates
Time management – Juggling multiple deadlines
Communication – Managing client relationships
Financial management – Invoicing, taxes, and budgeting

How to Get Started as a Freelance Writer

1. Choose Your Niche

Specializing makes you easier to hire and allows you to charge higher rates. Consider industries where you have experience or a genuine interest: technology, healthcare, finance, travel, marketing, etc.

2. Build a Portfolio

Before you can land clients, you need writing samples. Options for building your portfolio:

Start a blog in your niche
Write guest posts for established sites
Create spec pieces (samples written without a client)
Offer discounted work to build your portfolio

3. Create an Online Presence

Set up a simple website to showcase your work and optimize your LinkedIn profile for freelance opportunities. Include your niche, writing samples, and contact information.

4. Set Your Rates

Research market rates for your niche and experience level. Start competitive but don’t undervalue yourself—raising rates is easier than you think once you have testimonials.

5. Start Pitching

Apply to job board listings, reach out to potential clients directly, and let your network know you’re available. Consistency is key—treat finding work like a job itself.

6. Deliver Great Work

Meet deadlines, communicate proactively, and exceed expectations. Happy clients lead to repeat business and referrals—the foundation of a sustainable freelance career.

Essential Tools for Freelance Writers

Writing and Editing

Google Docs – Collaborative writing and easy sharing
Grammarly – Grammar and style checking
Hemingway Editor – Readability analysis
Scrivener – Long-form writing projects

SEO and Research

Ahrefs/SEMrush – Keyword research and analysis
Google Trends – Topic research
Clearscope/SurferSEO – Content optimization

Business Management

FreshBooks/Wave – Invoicing and accounting
Toggl – Time tracking
Notion/Trello – Project management
Calendly – Scheduling client calls

Setting Up Your Freelance Business

Legal Considerations

Decide on your business structure (sole proprietor vs. LLC), understand your tax obligations, and consider contracts for client work. Freelancers must pay quarterly estimated taxes and self-employment tax in addition to income tax.

Contracts and Agreements

Always use a contract that outlines:

Scope of work and deliverables
Payment terms and rates
Revision policy
Deadlines
Rights and ownership

Growing Your Freelance Writing Career

Increase Your Rates Over Time

As you gain experience and testimonials, raise your rates. Inform existing clients of rate increases and quote higher rates to new clients. Most experienced freelancers raise rates annually.

Diversify Income Streams

Beyond client work, consider:

Creating digital products (courses, templates)
Affiliate marketing through your blog
Coaching or consulting
Writing your own books

Build Long-Term Client Relationships

Retainer agreements and ongoing relationships provide income stability. Prioritize clients who value your work and pay fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find freelance writing jobs?

The best places to find freelance writing jobs include job boards like Mediabistro, marketplaces like Upwork and Contently, content agencies, LinkedIn, and direct outreach to companies and publications in your niche.

How much do freelance writers make?

Freelance writer income varies widely. Beginners might earn $0.05–$0.15 per word ($25,000–$40,000/year full-time), while experienced specialists can earn $1.00+ per word ($100,000+ annually). Most full-time freelancers earn $40,000–$80,000 per year.

Can I work from home as a freelance writer?

Yes. Freelance writing is one of the most location-flexible careers. Most freelance writing work is done remotely, allowing you to work from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere with internet access.

Do I need a degree to become a freelance writer?

No degree is required. What matters most is your writing ability, which you can demonstrate through a portfolio. Many successful freelance writers come from diverse educational backgrounds.

How do I get clients as a new freelance writer?

Start by building a portfolio (even with unpaid or spec work), create a professional online presence, apply to job boards, pitch directly to potential clients, and leverage your existing network. Consistency and persistence are essential when starting out.

What’s the difference between content writing and copywriting?

Content writing focuses on informative, educational content (blog posts, articles) designed to engage and inform readers. Copywriting focuses on persuasive writing (ads, sales pages, emails) designed to drive specific actions, such as purchases or sign-ups. Copywriting typically pays more.

How do I set my freelance writing rates?

Research market rates for your niche and experience level, consider your cost of living and income goals, and factor in the time required for research, writing, and revisions. You can charge per word, per hour, or per project—whatever works best for your workflow and client expectations.

Is freelance writing a stable career?

Freelance writing income can fluctuate, especially early on. Stability improves as you build long-term client relationships, diversify income streams, and establish a strong reputation. Many freelancers achieve stable, full-time incomes within 1-2 years of consistent effort.

Ready to find your next writing opportunity? Browse freelance writing jobs on Mediabistro.

Topics:

Go Freelance

Journalism Advice

Hed, Dek, Lede & More: 10 Journalism Terms Every Freelance Writer Should Know

From kill fees to slush piles, here are the publishing terms you need to know before pitching editors.

By Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer, journalist, and copywriter with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as a health writer for AARP with previous staff roles at WebMD and WW. Her work has appeared in Prevention, Healthline, Woman's Day, Parade, and Writer's Digest, and she is the author of four books.

7 min read • Originally published June 2, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

7 min read • Originally published June 2, 2015 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

When in doubt, ask. Unfortunately, many new freelance writers don’t follow that advice for fear of appearing inexperienced. Instead, they assume that when an editor says a spring cleaning idea is too “evergreen,” she means it’s too environmentally focused—when the term actually refers to stories that are general and not timely.

That’s just one of the many terms you might hear in a newsroom or see in an email from an editor. Below are 10 essential journalism terms every freelance writer should know before pitching.

1. Hed, Dek, and Lede

These three terms are used constantly in journalism and publishing:

Hed — The headline of an article
Dek — The sub-headline that appears below the main headline
Lede — The introductory paragraph(s) of an article

All three are intentionally misspelled so editors don’t confuse them with the actual story text when marking up drafts.

Michael Sullivan, a freelance journalist in Los Angeles, says he often has to write multiple headlines for the same piece. “I feel like I have to title every story I write, like, three different times,” Sullivan says—one for print, one for web, and one for email alerts.

When pitching, make your lede as compelling as possible and try to include a strong hed and dek. You can even use the headline and dek as your email subject line to catch an editor’s attention. For example, introduce a feature about hair loss as: “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: 7 Steps to Fight Alopecia Before It Starts.”

Even if your titles aren’t used in the final product, writing them demonstrates that you’re willing to go beyond what’s requested—which can increase your chances of landing future assignments.

2. Slug

A slug in journalism is a word or combination of words and numbers used in a publication’s content management system to identify a story.

In a newsroom, every component of a story—whether a two-inch blurb or a 30-inch feature—is assigned a slug so editors can quickly identify pieces as they manage a large influx of content.

As a freelancer, you probably won’t need to create slugs yourself. If you do, check the internal story roster or ask an editor about the publication’s format.

3. FOB and BOB

FOB (front-of-book) and BOB (back-of-book) refer to news items and shorter articles located at the beginning and end of a print magazine.

“For me, the front of book and the back of book seem kind of interchangeable as far as what runs in them,” says Renee Roberson, blog tour manager at WOW! Women on Writing.

FOB and BOB pieces are excellent opportunities for new writers to break in. Magazines rarely assign features to unproven writers, but these shorter sections are often more accessible.

“[Front of book] is one of the few places I might assign a story if I haven’t worked with you before,” explains Abigail Lewis, editor of Whole Life Times. “However, occasionally, if a writer has strong clips and a well-crafted query, we will assign a department or feature.”

Every publication’s FOB and BOB sections are different—New York magazine’s FOB is called “Strategist” and features party roundups and brief Q&As, while its BOB includes reviews and the “Approval Matrix.” Study several issues before pitching.

4. The Well

The well is the middle section of a magazine where you’ll find longer, more in-depth feature articles.

“That’s where all the feature stories are—typically the stories that are put on the cover, the profiles,” notes Roberson.

Want to get in the well? Start by writing smaller pieces in the FOB or BOB sections before pitching feature-length articles. If you’re eager to go in-depth, pitch features to trade or regional publications before targeting national magazines—smaller outlets are much more likely to take a chance on new writers.

5. Slush Pile

The slush pile refers to the mass of articles or query letters that have been rejected—whether physically discarded, set aside, or deleted from an inbox.

The key to keeping your pitches out of the slush pile is targeting the right editor. Mediabistro’s How To Pitch section details which editors at leading publications are open to pitches.

“I have actually Googled some of the editors’ names and have actually found articles where they talked about how to stay out of the slush pile,” Roberson says.

Another tip: Flesh out your query to make it distinctive. Start with a crisp lead sentence and a hook, then outline sections of the article, including data or quotes. “You have to sort of take some time and put a different spin on it,” Roberson advises.

6. On Spec

When you write on spec (short for “on speculation”), you do so without a guarantee of publication. Editors typically request on-spec pieces to see the finished story before agreeing to pay for it.

Writing on spec might make sense if you know an editor and believe you have a strong chance of approval. If you write well and cultivate relationships, editors will want to work with you on an ongoing basis—which may make spec work worthwhile, says Long Island journalist Ellen Pober Rittberg.

However, the practice is risky and time-consuming. Consider pitching another outlet for your idea before investing time in something that may never be published.

7. Over the Transom

An over the transom submission is an unsolicited piece that an editor did not request—you simply send it hoping it will be published.

This strategy is risky. Publications have strict guidelines about what they accept, and submitting work regardless of their rules may suggest you can’t follow directions. You’re also spending time on a story you may never be paid for.

Before proceeding, read the publication’s guidelines to see if they accept unsolicited submissions.

8. Kill Fee

A kill fee is a payment made when an assigned article is cancelled (“killed”) before publication. This can happen if news breaks, another article runs long, or editors decide the story feels dated.

Kill fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the original article fee, as stated in your contract. However, some publications may shelve your article without paying anything.

If you don’t see a kill fee mentioned in your contract, request one before you begin writing to protect yourself.

9. Clips

Clips are published articles from your portfolio of work. The goal is to build a collection that showcases your talent, the diversity (or specialty) of your writing, and evidence that publications have trusted you with assignments.

Chicago-based writer Alicia Eler recommends sending three clips from different publications when requested. “Show that you can vary your voice and perspective depending on the potential audience,” she explains.

As you acquire more clips, update your portfolio regularly—it should evolve as you expand your reach to more prominent publications.

Looking for freelance writing opportunities to build your clips? Browse media jobs on Mediabistro.

10. Closing Date

The closing date (or “close”) is when a publication is being finalized for print. This is typically a hectic time in the newsroom, with last-minute edits happening everywhere.

This is the worst time to pitch or expect a response to anything that isn’t urgent. Do yourself a favor and do not contact your editor during closing. You can find a publication’s closing dates in its media kit.

FAQs About Journalism Terms

What does “hed” mean in journalism?

Hed is journalism slang for “headline.” It’s intentionally misspelled so editors don’t confuse it with the actual story text when marking up drafts or giving feedback.

What is a dek in journalism?

A dek (also spelled “deck”) is the sub-headline that appears below the main headline. Like “hed,” it’s deliberately misspelled to distinguish it from story text. The dek typically expands on the headline and gives readers more context about the article.

What is a lede?

A lede is the opening paragraph or paragraphs of a news article. It’s spelled this way to avoid confusion with “lead” (as in leading a story or a lead role). A strong lede hooks readers and establishes the most important information.

What is a slug in journalism?

A slug is a short identifier (word or phrase) assigned to a story in a publication’s content management system. It helps editors quickly identify and organize stories. For example, a story about city budget cuts might have the slug “BUDGET-CUTS-2026.”

What does “on spec” mean?

“On spec” (short for “on speculation”) means writing an article without a guarantee of publication or payment. Editors may request spec work to evaluate a writer’s abilities before committing to an assignment.

What is a kill fee?

A kill fee is partial compensation paid to a writer when an assigned article is cancelled before publication. Kill fees are typically 20-50% of the original assignment rate and should be specified in your contract.

What does FOB mean in publishing?

FOB stands for “front-of-book,” referring to the shorter articles and news items that appear in the first section of a magazine. These are often good opportunities for new writers to break into a publication.

Topics:

Go Freelance, Journalism Advice

Job Search

How to Address Employment Gaps on Your Resume (Without Losing the Interview)

HR professionals share exactly how to explain gaps, what language to use, and where to address time off on your resume.

By Kristen Fischer

7 min read • Originally published February 5, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

7 min read • Originally published February 5, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

It’s an age-old conundrum: whether you were unemployed for a while or took a leave of absence, how do you address date gaps on your resume?

Traditionally, there are two schools of thought: ignore the gap and deal with it when you speak to a hiring manager, or be upfront about it so you don’t have to choose your words carefully during the interview—assuming you get that far.

We asked several HR and career experts to settle the issue once and for all.

Be Truthful About Employment Gaps

“Be proactive—address it upfront,” suggests Heather Huhman, a former hiring manager and founder of Come Recommended in Washington, D.C. “In a competitive job market, employers are pickier about who they interview. Having obvious gaps of employment makes many hiring managers wary about you—whether it’s a fair assumption about your character or not.”

Amy Phillip, a Brooklyn-based career coach and resume writer who formerly worked as an HR director, agrees that you have to be honest about gaps, no matter how short.

“If you don’t address gaps, you won’t get an interview,” she warns. “The more transparent you can be, the better.”

If you don’t explain professional time off in your resume, a hiring manager may infer any number of things about you—and that could cost you the interview.

“You don’t want to leave anything open to interpretation,” Phillip adds. By addressing it upfront, questions about why you took time off are out of the hiring manager’s mind before they even meet you.

Keep Dates Simple

One way people minimize the appearance of resume gaps is to list only years of employment rather than months. So if you were out of work during the summer but employed by October, it still looks like continuous employment.

But should you disclose every short-term break? It depends.

Phillip never references months on a resume. Dawn Bugni, Master Resume Writer, says she only lists months when it helps a client.

For example, if you were laid off in June, you may want to note that your sabbatical began then. “If the search is protracted and the month becomes a detriment, switch to years only,” she notes.

How to Reference Employment Gaps

So you’re going to address the gap—where exactly do you include it?

Phillip suggests referencing time off exactly where the gap appears chronologically in your work history, or placing the note at the end of your professional experience section.

If you have more than two periods of unemployment to explain, put the reference at the bottom and state both dates in one statement.

What Language to Use

The less detail you share, the better. The last thing a recruiter wants to see is intimate details of why you took time off.

Phillip says including fluff or filler is never a good idea. Instead, include a one- or two-line note stating that you took a “professional sabbatical,“ followed by the dates.

Important: “Don’t use the words ‘leave of absence,'” cautions Phillip. In HR terminology, that implies a medical or family-related leave, which isn’t always viewed favorably. “Professional sabbatical” implies time off from your professional life without getting too personal.

“Job seekers need to focus on the positive done and skills gained while between positions, not on explaining why they were between positions,” Bugni adds.

Some may argue that being vague still omits the truth. But Phillip says by simply referencing your sabbatical, you can explain it during an interview if asked—without having to address the elephant in the room.

Fill in the Gaps with Activity

Most professionals who were laid off didn’t spend all their time watching TV. Instead, many kept busy by attending networking events, interning or volunteering, taking professional development courses, or going back to school.

Jobs aren’t always easy to come by, and it’s not uncommon for people to be unemployed for a year or more. By including these activities in your professional experience section, you’re not ignoring the gap—you’re showing you stayed productive during it.

A recruiter will see that although you weren’t “working,” you didn’t spend your days waiting for the phone to ring.

“Put it under ‘Professional Experience,'” says Phillip. “I would not separate that out to a separate section.”

Phillip recently worked with a young architect who took five years off to have children but wanted to return to her profession. She noted her time as a new mom on her resume and received plenty of calls. She had to take a step down to get back into the field, but she got a job, and her gap did not hold her back.

“The gap wasn’t even a question during the interview, because it was already addressed in the resume,” Phillip says.

Rethink Your Cover Letter Strategy

Many people omit gaps from their resume and explain them in the cover letter instead. But Phillip says this can waste your time. Why? Because most cover letters don’t get read.

She admits that during her time as a hiring manager, she only read a cover letter if the applicant was from out of town and needed to discuss relocation expectations. Otherwise, the cover letter was futile.

That’s not the viewpoint of all hiring managers, and many companies require cover letters. However, Phillip suggests not using the cover letter as your only means of explaining gaps.

Bugni agrees: “There is no guarantee a cover letter will be read in the order intended, if at all. I do not risk sharing anything important only in the cover letter. I do it on the resume and might mention it in the cover letter too—although you don’t want a cover letter to become a regurgitation of the resume.”

Key Takeaways

Address gaps proactively — Don’t leave them open to interpretation
Use “professional sabbatical” — Avoid “leave of absence” terminology
Keep it brief — One to two lines maximum
Show activity — Include volunteering, courses, or freelance work during gaps
Use years, not months — When it helps minimize short gaps
Don’t rely on cover letters — Address gaps on your resume directly

“Resume writing is sales and marketing. Do what it takes to present skills in the most positive light possible,” adds Bugni. “Put effort into selling the value you bring to an organization, not explaining why you were able, forced, or chose to take time away from the work world.”

Need help with your resume? Mediabistro’s Career Services offer everything from a quick resume edit to career counseling sessions to tackle your CV, networking skills, career transition, and more.

FAQs About Employment Gaps on Resumes

How do I explain an employment gap on my resume?

Address it directly by listing a “professional sabbatical” with the dates where the gap appears in your work history. Keep the explanation brief (one to two lines) and focus on any productive activities during that time, such as volunteering, courses, or freelance work.

Should I put a sabbatical on my resume?

Yes. Using the term “professional sabbatical” is preferable to leaving an unexplained gap. It acknowledges the time off without getting into personal details, showing you’re transparent with potential employers.

Is it better to use months or years on a resume?

Using years only can help minimize the appearance of short gaps. If you were unemployed for a few months but working by year’s end, listing only years makes the transition seamless. However, if months help your case (showing you started a sabbatical recently), include them.

Should I explain employment gaps in my cover letter?

Don’t rely solely on your cover letter to explain gaps—many hiring managers don’t read them. Address the gap on your resume first. You can mention it in your cover letter as well, but the resume should be your primary venue.

What’s the difference between “leave of absence” and “professional sabbatical”?

In HR terminology, “leave of absence” typically implies medical or family-related leave, which can raise questions. “Professional sabbatical” is more neutral—it simply indicates time away from your career without suggesting specific circumstances.

How do I address a gap if I was caring for family?

List it as a professional sabbatical with the dates. You don’t need to explain that you were caregiving on your resume. If asked during an interview, you can briefly mention it without going into detail. Focus on any relevant skills or activities during that time.

Will employment gaps hurt my chances of getting hired?

Not necessarily—especially if you address them proactively. Unexplained gaps raise more red flags than acknowledged ones. By being transparent about what you did during your time off, you demonstrate honesty and initiative, which many employers value.

How long a gap is too long to explain?

There’s no fixed rule, but gaps of a year or more warrant explanation. Even extended gaps can be addressed positively if you show you stayed engaged through volunteering, education, freelance work, or other professional activities. Focus on the value you bring, not the length of the gap.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search, Resumes & Cover Letters

Career Transition

How to Change Careers in Media Without Starting Over

You can transition from reporter to publicist or producer to social media manager. Here's how to leverage what you already bring to the table.

By Jennifer Pullinger

7 min read • Originally published January 24, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Jennifer Pullinger

7 min read • Originally published January 24, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Last updated: January 2026

Are you a reporter thinking about becoming a publicist? A radio producer who wants to reinvent themselves as a social media strategist? The big question: Is it possible to transition to a different career in media without paying your dues all over again?

The answer is yes, according to the career experts we talked to. You’ll likely need to brush up on your skills in certain areas, but you can take what you already offer as a media professional and parlay it into a new opportunity.

1. Research Your Dream Job Description

Say you’re in magazine editing but want to move into email marketing. Do your skills translate? Start by looking at a sample of email marketing manager job descriptions.

Ask yourself if you’ve done any of what’s described so you can evaluate how practical your transition will be. Better yet, pick the brains of those who already have the job you want.

“You really have to do your homework and talk to people who made it there. That’s part of your research process,” says Allison Hemming, president of The Hired Guns, a top interim creative talent agency in Manhattan. Look for “similar trajectories” of careers that you can model yours after.

“Ask around! Is it something where you can enter in and be super-industrious, or do you really need to go get training and start at the bottom? And then manage your own expectations accordingly,” Hemming says.

Pro tip: Spending time with people in your target role can provide valuable insider information that gives you a leg up on how to position yourself for the job you want.

Hemming notes that if your skills truly are lacking or you’re looking to do a complete career change, you might have to start at a lower level. That can actually benefit you because you won’t miss out on skills that serve as building blocks for your career.

“When undergoing a career change, it’s actually quite difficult to do a straight lateral move, particularly in this economy. So don’t obsess about having to start at the bottom. More often than not, you will end up coming in a rung or two lower. Stop thinking of this as a complete downside. There are things that you may still need to learn,” Hemming says.

2. Optimize Your Resume with Transferable Keywords

Approach your career transition like an SEO specialist would approach a website: strategically highlight the keywords that matter most for your target role.

Sharon Jautz has spent more than 30 years working in human resources for the media industry. Now director of talent acquisition at SANDOW, she learned this lesson firsthand during her own job search.

“I got rid of my objective or my summary at the top, and I used keywords that can fall into any industry: career-coaching, crisis management, and managing compensation structures. So then it became, ‘Oh, she can do that!,’ and less on ‘Oh, she worked for these companies,'” Jautz says.

For example, if you’re a radio reporter who wants to be a television news director, highlight your “news chops.” Emphasize your relationships with newsmakers and your ability to manage a crew. These skills are critical to both radio and television news.

How to identify transferable keywords:

List skills from your current role that apply to your target job
Review job descriptions for common terms and requirements
Replace industry-specific jargon with broader professional language
Focus on achievements that demonstrate universal competencies

A word of caution: The job market is competitive, especially if you lack concrete experience in your target sector.

“The problem is, in this quirky, kooky, wacky job market, you don’t have to really overthink these things. If you don’t have broadcast experience, you don’t have broadcast experience. There are plenty of people with broadcast experience out there. So this is a tough time to be rethinking your strategy,” says Jautz.

3. Think Like an Entrepreneur

If you don’t have hard-core skills in your target area, other attributes like being highly organized and creative can be just as important.

“If you are a quick learner, if you have an intellectual curiosity, that’s more important than experience,” says Michelle Madhok, founder and CEO of SheFinds Media.

Lucky breaks, being in the right place at the right time, and creating opportunities for yourself can all get your career transition on track. Take it from Madhok, who seized an opportunity to make a transition without starting over.

In 1995, Madhok was at CBS Broadcasting working in the entertainment marketing division when she was asked to take the lead on CBS.com. “They said, ‘Do you do Internet?’ And I said, ‘I have an AOL account.’ And they said, ‘You are in charge of CBS.com,'” recalls Madhok.

After working at CBS for a few more years, she moved to AOL where she created one of the most highly trafficked online women’s channels on the web. In 2004, she founded SheFinds.com.

The key takeaway: You can get a break if you keep your eyes open and are ready to seize opportunities. It also helps to know how to create quality content. Being a good writer or editor, or having a sense of what information people want, holds currency wherever you take your media career.

4. Immerse Yourself Online

Looking to move into digital media but you’ve never blogged, produced a podcast, or managed a Google Ads campaign? The good news: it’s easy to get experience on your own.

Ways to build digital skills:

Take online courses in your target area
Start a blog or newsletter in your area of expertise
Build a social media following around a topic you know well
Produce content that showcases your abilities
Use LinkedIn and Twitter to research employers and job openings

“You sort of want to infiltrate the field before you actually join it. So when you do start talking to people about what you want, and you start going on interviews, you can talk like you are already an insider and a colleague rather than somebody who’s making a career change,” says Lindsey Pollak, author of Becoming the Boss.

“People also appreciate that you are so passionate about it that by the time you’re actually ready to make the move, you’ve already kind of become part of that area.”

5. Make the Leap

If you’re having a hard time making the leap without demonstrable experience, Pollak says you can get some through volunteer work or by helping friends.

“People who start up styling businesses started by going into the closets of their friends. People who wanted to go into cosmetology would do the makeup of all of their friends before they got hired,” she says.

Once you have that experience, show off your results. Talk about everything in terms of what you accomplished.

“So rather than saying, ‘Volunteered to do PR for an organization,’ you want to say something like, ‘Wrote one press release a month for nonprofit organization and generated 50 media hits,'” says Pollak.

If you’re a high performer and can communicate that well, you’ll be on your way to making the jump from one media career to another.

Fast-track your transition: One of the best ways to speed up your career change is by learning a new skill. Mediabistro offers courses in today’s most in-demand areas like social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing. Browse all courses.

Ready to explore new opportunities? Browse open positions on the Mediabistro job board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change careers in media without starting at entry level?

Yes, though you may need to come in a rung or two lower than your current level. The key is to identify transferable skills and position yourself strategically. Research your target role, optimize your resume with relevant keywords, and build experience through side projects or volunteer work.

What are the most common career transitions in media?

Common transitions include journalist to PR/communications, producer to social media manager, editor to content strategist, and broadcast reporter to corporate video producer. These transitions work well because the core skills (storytelling, deadline management, content creation) transfer across roles.

How do I make a career change from journalism?

Journalists have highly transferable skills: research, writing, interviewing, working under a deadline, and storytelling. Highlight these in your resume using keywords that apply to your target industry. Consider roles in PR, content marketing, corporate communications, or brand journalism where your newsroom experience is valued.

Do I need additional training to switch careers in media?

It depends on your target role. Talk to people who have the job you want to understand the required skills. If there are gaps, you can fill them through online courses, self-directed learning, or hands-on projects. Some transitions require formal training, while others just need demonstrated experience.

How long does a media career change typically take?

Career transitions can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on how different your target role is from your current one. Building new skills, expanding your network, and gaining relevant experience all take time. Start positioning yourself for the change while you’re still employed.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Career Transition