Several years ago I placed a fairly detailed ad on Craigslist looking for a freelance copywriter who could take overflow work that I had at the time. I received an overwhelming response with more than 100 emails appearing in my IN box in the span of two days. Yikes! With all that talent available I was certain it was going to be a tough decision.

It wasn’t.

Out of all those responses, only seven were valid candidates. Here’s why:

At the end of my ad I asked for three things:

1) A resume or detailed bio

2) Two copywriting samples

3) A cover letter/email convincing me that you are the best person for the work.

These were straightforward requirements. Yet, the majority of respondents completely ignored them. Some only sent resumes while others only sent inquiries saying something like, “I’m interested in applying for this job.” Several told me they wanted to become writers so they didn’t have a resume or any samples to send yet, but would I please consider them. Add to that a slush pile of off-topic cover letters, resumes with typos, and book chapter samples instead of copywriting samples. It was disheartening.

For anyone who wants to be hired for a writing job or assignment of ANY kind, remember this: your very first writing client must be YOU.

Writers are in a unique position to demonstrate their talents from the very first contact with a potential client. Take advantage of it. If a client came to you and said, “I need a knock-your-socks-off cover letter to get the attention of a potential client,” you’d write it for him or her. So, if words are your business, then you need to treat yourself as the client and write a knock-your-socks-off cover letter for jobs and assignments YOU want. Here are three quick tips:

1. Give them what they ask for. Read the description, qualifications and requirements for the response. Then give it to them!
2. Consider your response an assignment. Research the company (if you can) to understand your audience, focus on the benefits (not features) of hiring you, and don’t send it out until it’s error-free.
3. View this as an audition. Maybe I’ve seen one too many episodes of America’s Got Talent, but here’s what I know: The people who come out well-rehearsed, confident in their ability, and do something that sets them apart usually go on to the next level of competition. Make sure you’re one of them.

The way to increase your writing profits is by always writing to impress, not just to inform.