Writing can be an incredibly rewarding career path with the flexibility of matching a range of lifestyles, interests, and expertise. From remote and freelance writing job opportunities to creative and technical roles, there are writing jobs to suit many personalities and career goals.
If you're interested in becoming a writer, this guide will introduce you to top writing jobs, key skills you'll need, practical steps to launch your career, and explain why using images of your writing can boost your professional appeal. Read on!
Young copywriter working at home / image from Depositphotos
Top 6 types of writing jobs to consider
Diving into the world of professional writing reveals a diverse landscape of opportunities. Let's explore the top categories that aspiring wordsmiths can consider:
Freelance writing jobs
Freelance writing offers flexibility and control over your job, including projects, clients, schedules, and rates. Freelance writers often create content for blogs, articles, marketing materials, and more. Popular freelance writing platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, and ProBlogger, where you can find projects based on your skill level and interests.
Remote writing jobs
Remote writing jobs allow you to work virtually anywhere, making writing more accessible and popular as a career. Remote roles might include content writing for companies, ghostwriting, or even social media management. Many companies now offer remote writing positions, and job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are great places to start your search.
Creative writing jobs
Creative writing jobs are ideal for those who enjoy storytelling and artistic expression. Roles in this category can include fiction writing, screenwriting, content creation for entertainment media, and blogging. Creative writing jobs can be found in industries like publishing, media production, and online content creation.
Technical writing jobs
Technical writing jobs focus on creating clear, concise documents that explain complex information. This can involve writing user manuals, guides, and product documentation for software, healthcare, and engineering fields. This niche combines analytical thinking with effective communication, as technical writers help bridge the gap between technical knowledge and user understanding.
Content marketing jobs
Content marketing jobs blend writing skills with marketing strategy, creating blog posts, social media content, email campaigns, and other content to engage audiences and promote brands. Strong SEO knowledge, audience awareness, and adaptability to various content formats make this role ideal for writers who want to contribute to a company's brand and growth.
Journalism
Journalism involves gathering, researching, and reporting on news and events. Journalists write articles, conduct interviews, and investigate stories for print, digital media, and broadcast. This career path is perfect for those who thrive on tight deadlines and are passionate about working for newspapers, online news outlets, and magazines, with chances to specialize in politics, health, and culture.
Skills and qualifications to start a writing career
While formal qualifications aren't always required, having certain skills can boost your chances of landing a job:
- Grammar and writing mechanics. A solid understanding of grammar and composition and the ability to adapt your writing to different tones and styles is essential.
- Storytelling and creativity. A writing job can benefit from your creativity and emotional intelligence, whether you're weaving a narrative or crafting engaging marketing copy for a specific target audience.
- Research skills. Strong research skills help you understand subjects and produce accurate, informative content.
- Digital fluency. You should be comfortable with content management systems, collaboration tools, and other software commonly used in digital publishing, e.g., platforms like WordPress and Google Docs.
- SEO expertise for content writers. Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential to make your work more visible online without sacrificing content quality.
- Time management. Effective time management helps you prioritize tasks, maintain a steady workflow, and consistently deliver quality content on schedule, especially in freelance or remote settings.
A degree in English, Journalism, or a specialized technical field can be helpful, especially if you're going for technical writing jobs. However, even without a remarkable degree, a strong portfolio of writing samples is a great way to demonstrate your skills.
First steps to land your first writing job
Once you know which type of writing job you'd like to pursue, there are a few steps to take to increase your chances of landing a position:
- Build your portfolio. Even if you don't have paid experience, consider creating sample pieces, volunteering for projects, or contributing to open publications.
- Network and join writing communities. Connect with other writers, join online writing communities, attend webinars, and collaborate on pro bono projects for experience and testimonials. Considering that 85% of positions are filled through networking, building connections can significantly boost your chances of finding the right writing opportunities.
- Pitch and apply consistently. Consistently apply on job boards or reach out directly to clients or companies, tailoring your pitches to demonstrate how your writing skills align with each opportunity.
- Start with smaller projects. Taking on smaller freelance projects can help you build confidence, gain experience, and gather testimonials to enhance your profile.
- Establish a digital presence. Today, employers headhunt talent online, using social media platforms. To effectively showcase your expertise and engage potential clients, make sure to create a social media account to share writing tips or create a niche-specific blog with your works.
Copywriter working on a story / image from Depositphotos
Crafting a writing portfolio with images and text snippets
Your portfolio is your digital handshake—a key to establishing credibility as a writer. So, select your strongest pieces across diverse genres and styles to craft a compelling one. Use photos of your writing, including published articles, personal projects, and mock assignments to visually demonstrate your work in context and help potential clients or employers see your experience in layout and presentation.
Tailor your portfolio for each application by highlighting relevant samples. For technical writing positions, feature your best how-to guides or product descriptions. Showcase your ability to adapt your voice to different audiences and mediums. Include metrics like engagement rates or client testimonials to quantify your impact.
Regularly update your portfolio to reflect growth and the latest accomplishments. A professional portrait picture in your portfolio can create a polished and credible look in combination with the images of your writing.
Conclusion
Getting into writing can open doors to a fulfilling and flexible career, whether you're interested in freelance, remote, creative, or technical writing jobs. With the right skills, determination, and a strong portfolio with images and snippets of your writing, you can successfully build a career that fits your interests and lifestyle. Take the time to find a niche and style that works best for you.