It’s an interesting phenomenon – even as we are seeing the decline of newspapers, long a major employer of writers, we have seen the rise of blogs and web-based news sites create new demand for writers. In fact, several writers with extensive print backgrounds, such as Josh Marshall, have parleyed their journalism experience into new and sometimes profitable websites.
Why? The web needs content to thrive – and who better to provide such content than professional writers. Of course, when the barriers to entry are low (i.e., blogs), the number of people purporting to be writers rises. So as a professional writer, remember that now more than ever you need a well-written and comprehensive resume. Even though most employers will end up spending time reviewing your work, they start with the resume. Think of it as the door opener.
As an ex-publisher, I’ve noticed that writers often fail to present themselves well on paper. Ironic, isn’t it? Most likely they’re too busy chasing the next assignment to allow time for their resume.
Don’t let that be you! Spend a half-hour today updating and refining your resume. It will pay off. I promise.