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Freelance Cover Letter: What You Should Include + Examples

A well-detailed freelance cover letter has the potential to make your profile stand out – a prospect that most self-employed people want.

Not only does it give you the chance to express to your clients what makes you the right fit for the job , but it also shows clients how you’ve put in the work to better understand them and their needs .

Learn in this article why you should use a freelance cover letter, what information you should include in it and download our free cover letter for freelance work !

Benefits of a freelance cover letter

• Things to include in your cover letter

Freelance cover letter sample (Free download)

Before we get started on all the things you should include in your cover letter, let’s first talk about why a cover letter is so important to freelancers and how it can help you with your client proposals .

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First things first, a cover letter tells your clients exactly who you are and what it is you can do for them. It allows you to highlight your strengths and tells your client that you are serious about having the opportunity to work for them .

Another reason why you should include a cover letter with every proposal is that it has the added benefit of bolstering your resume. If your resume is not persuasive enough to garner a call back, a cover letter attached to it can help.

Need a hand with your freelancer resume? 💡 How to List Freelance Work on Your CV

Things to include in your freelance cover letter

Now that we’ve established the importance of a cover lette r, let’s take a look at some of the most important things that your cover letter should include :

#1 Your name and information

Start your cover letter with your name and your contact information . You don’t want potential clients hunting for information on how to contact you should they wish to work with you. Your contact information should include your email and phone number .

#2 Date + client’s name and information

The next thing to include in your cover letter is the current date, name of your client, and any available contact information (email or office address).

Make sure to position this on the left side of your cover letter as it is generally what is expected.

#3 Salutation (greeting)

Always greet your client with a polite salutation (Dear Mr., Ms., or Mx.) before you start your opening paragraph. It’s always a good idea to r esearch your client and use their last name in your salutation – this shows that you’ve done your research.

Seeing their name on the cover letter may grab the hiring person’s interest and they will probably be more receptive to your application .

#4 Introduction

The beginning first paragraph of your cover letter should contain an opening line that hooks your client in straight away . For example, you could give them feedback or a compliment.

Try mentioning how you learned about the project, what caught your attention from the project description and show your enthusiasm for the position by mentioning some facts about it.

Hello Mr. Maas, Thanks for adding the Profile Verification feature to freelancermap. I’m a long-time freelancermap user and since I verified my profile I’m getting in touch more often. I noticed you are currently also looking for a SEO expert and I’d be happy to help you rank for keywords such as “XY” or “YX” in the top 5. I belive my past experience could make a valuable asset for the team.

#5 Your achievements and reasons why you should be considered

Now it’s time to start writing the main body of your cover letter. You should start by listing your achievements – consider adding in factual data about how your work helped improve a particular product or company. 

An achievement example to include in your cover letter as a digital marketer or SEO :

For the past 6 months, I helped XY place 15 relevant keywords in the top search results, resulting in an increase of X% in traffic and therefore an increase of X% in the number of customers.

By doing X and Y, I increased (Client X) website conversion rates by 32%.

Including numbers and data rather than vague achievements increases your chances of landing the project because it shows your clients how your work can improve their performance.

Tip: Include relevant keywords that the clients used in the job description (e.g. responsibilities or needed qualifications). Match those keywords with your actual skills to demonstrate that you would be a good fit for the project.

#6 Conclusion and CTA

Conclude your cover letter with a brief (but strong) closing paragraph. Reiterate your value to your client and hint at how you can be of use to them by teasing an impressive achievement.

Here’s an example of a closing paragraph for a freelance cover letter :

I’d be super happy to show you how I was able to increase (previous company)’s revenue in a short period of time. Would you have time for a 15-min call? I propose August 5 @ 9am or August 9 @ 10am (EST). If that works, please send me a zoom or other video link for the call.

#7 Sign off and name

Sign off your cover letter by using simple one-liners such as ‘ Kind regards ’ or ‘ Sincerely ’ along with your full name at the end .  Also do not forget to thank them for their time and consideration.

I appreciate your time and consideration . Best regards, The freelancer

More information and tips for a cover letter for a freelance job:

• Proofread – Review your cover letter for typos or spelling mistakes (Especially in a cover letter for a freelance writer!).
• Build trust – Clients just want the work to be done efficiently and on time. Show them how you worked with other clients.
• Mention tools you use for work, communication or project management – This will help the client understand your working process.
• Availability – Will you be working with other members of their team?If the client is based in the US say: I am also available in US time zones.
• Technical excellence – No 2 freelance jobs are the same, read through the project description and identify what expertise is especially required by the client. Let them know that you have that important skill.

With the examples provided before, you can customise your own freelancer cover letter , but here’s a free template that you can use to get your own cover letter started !

You can download it (no e-mail address required) and use it for reference.

Don’t forget to customise it according to your preferences and the job in question .

Of course, depending on the work to do, the cover letter will be different. A freelance translator cover letter  would have fewer similarities with a cover letter for a freelance web developer in terms of skills.

However, the cover letter format and structure will apply to any industry.

Do you have a cover letter example that gets you instant responses from clients? Share your tips and experience with us!

You might also like :

• NDA for freelancers – Tips & template
• How to convince clients they should hire you
• Templates & Documents every Freelancer should Have

Natalia Campana

Natalia is part of the international team at freelancermap. She loves the digital world, social media and meeting different cultures. Before she moved to Germany and joined the freelancermap team she worked in the US, UK and her home country Spain. Now she focuses on helping freelancers and IT professionals to find jobs and clients worldwide at www.freelancermap.com

Grato Natália!

Como sempre nos dando apoio e dicas super importantes para o nosso sucesso!

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Cover Letter Examples

2 years ago   •   9 min read

Finding a good freelance job is more challenging than it seems.

Clients aren't always accepting freelance work, although when they are, it's possible to find lots of them on Upwork.com and other freelancing platforms .

The Challenge is for freelancers to write excellent cover letters that clients actually notice. We've compiled the following samples as starting points for cover letter writing.

Social Management Project Cover Letter Example

Hi [client name],

I am writing to you because I am interested in working with you on your Social Manage Project. I have over ten years of experience working with social media management, and I believe that my skillset is a perfect match for your needs.

I understand that you are looking for someone who can help you make sure your social media accounts are up-to-date and engaging, so that you can increase engagement and drive leads to your website. My goal is to provide you with the tools needed to accomplish this goal.

I have worked with companies like [company names] and [company names], who have hired me as their social media manager because they recognized my passion for what I do, as well as my ability to get results. Please feel free to check out some of my work samples at [link].

My fee is $XXX per month, paid monthly in advance via Upwork or PayPal. If this sounds like something you would be interested in discussing further, please let me know!

Mechanical Engineering Cover Letter Example

Dear [client name],

I'm writing to you today because I'm interested in the Mechanical Engineering job on Upwork . As an experienced Mechanical Engineering freelancer, I'd like to apply for this position.

I understand that your company is looking for someone with extensive experience working on a variety of projects and a proven record of success. I have over 10 years of experience working as a Mechanical Engineering freelancer, and I'm ready to show you how my skills can help you meet your goals.

I've worked with clients from all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, India, and Australia. My clients have included small businesses and major corporations alike. Some of my past clients include [list previous client names], who have been very happy with my work and would be happy to provide references if needed.

I specialize in engineering, design, development, and manufacturing. My skills include:

• Designing prototypes
• 3D modeling
• Building prototypes from scratch or using existing parts
• Making sure that all parts are compatible with one another during assembly
• Creating detailed schematics of the entire system
• Providing technical support throughout the project lifecycle

I look forward to hearing from you about this position!

Financial Analysis Project Cover Letter Example

Dear Mr./Ms. [client name],

I am a top-rated freelancer on Upwork with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. I have worked with a range of companies, including [company name] and [company name].

I specialize in creating financial models, forecasting models, and analytics reports for clients both large and small. I can help you create a custom solution that will meet your needs and help you achieve your goals.

I believe that every job starts with a conversation. It is important for us to discuss what you are looking for before we begin so that our work together is successful from start to finish.

Please let me know if you would like to set up a time to talk about your project further.

Thank you for your consideration,

Copywriting Project Cover Letter Example

I am write to applying for the  freelance copywriter project .

I have been working as a freelancer for the past five years and have been able to produce high-quality content for various different industries. I am currently working on a web development project with a client in the finance industry. This will be my fifth project with this client, and we have just begun to work together on the next project. I have also worked on a project for [client name], where I wrote copy for an advertisement that was published in [publication name]. The client was very happy with the result and asked me to write more content for them.

In addition to writing copy, I also take care of all other aspects of the job including editing, formatting, and proofreading. My background includes working as an editor at [publication name] where I edited articles written by journalists and bloggers who were not native English speakers or writers.

I would love to be considered for this position so that we can get started with another wonderful project together! Please let me know if there is anything else you would like from me so that we can move forward.

Graphic Design Project Cover Letter Example

Dear [name],

I saw your posting for a graphic design project and I believe I am the perfect candidate for the job. I have been working as a freelance graphic designer for over four years and have experience with projects like yours.

My experience includes:

• Creating logos and branding elements
• Building websites from scratch
• Designing brochures, catalogs, and business cards
• Creating brand guides to help you maintain your brand consistency across all of your marketing materials

I am confident that I can provide you with the highest quality work possible. Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions or concerns about my qualifications.

SEO Project Cover Letter Example

I am writing to apply for the Freelancer SEO project. I have been working as a freelance SEO expert for 5 years, and have worked on a variety of projects in that time.

My expertise lies in creating great content that will get your site noticed and give it the boost it needs to rank well in search engines. I also do keyword research and optimize your existing pages to make sure they're ranking as high as possible.

I am confident that I can provide you with high-quality results. Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to see from me before making a decision!

Data Analysis Project Cover Letter Example

Dear [company name],

I am writing to apply for the Data Analysis Project. I would like to thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

As a freelancer, I have worked on several projects in data analysis and data entry. I have experience working with spreadsheets and databases, as well as SQL and Python. I am also familiar with VBA, Matlab, R, SAS, and SPSS.

I believe that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this position. If you have any questions about my qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please let me know when you are able to schedule an interview so that we can discuss the details of this project further.

Illustrator Project Cover Letter Example

Dear [Client Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Illustrator project on Upwork .

I understand that you are looking for someone with experience in both illustration and design, and I believe that my skillset is a good match for your needs.

I have been using Adobe Illustrator for 8 years, and I have been an active member of the Adobe Creative Cloud community since 2011. My work has been featured in several books and magazines; I have also taught classes on how to use Adobe Illustrator.

In addition, I have a portfolio of five previous projects completed as part of this platform at [URL], which can be found here: [URL]. These projects were long-term collaborations with clients who were extremely satisfied with my work.

If you would like further information about me or my work history, please let me know!

Video Editing Project Cover Letter Example

Hi [client's name],

I am writing to apply for your video editing project on Upwork .

I saw your description and immediately knew that I wanted to work with you. I have been a freelance video editor for over 10 years, working in both commercial and personal settings. I've edited everything from corporate training videos to personal home movies, and I would love the opportunity to help make your project a reality!

The way I see it, there are two key elements when it comes to editing a video: understanding what the client needs and being able to get it done quickly. It's important for me to be able to understand what you want out of the finished product in order for me to create something that will meet your expectations. And it's also key that I can deliver quickly so you can use the video as soon as possible (and maybe even before time runs out).

I've included some samples of my work below so you can see what kind of results I can deliver when given a deadline. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about my qualifications or experience!

Blockchain Development Project Cover Letter Example

I am writing to you because I would like to be considered for your Upwork project: Blockchain Theme Customization. I believe that I can meet your needs, and I look forward to discussing how I can help you with your project.

I understand the importance of meeting deadlines, which is why I always meet my own deadlines on time or early. This is one of the many reasons why my clients keep coming back to me over and over again—they know they can trust me to do what they need done when they need it done.

I am also a skilled designer who has worked with clients in many different industries, including finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. As you can see from my previous work samples [list of past projects], I have a lot of experience designing for different industries.

If you would like to learn more about my skillset before deciding whether or not to hire me for this project , please let me know!

Mobile App Development Project Cover Letter Example

I am writing to express my interest in working with you on the [project name]. I have been a Freelancer since 2016, and have experience in many different areas of web development.

My skills include:

• Mobile App Developing Theme Customization
• eCommerce Website Development and Maintenance
• WordPress Theme Development and Customization (including WooCommerce)
• HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, Bootstrap, PHP

I believe that my experience working with Upwork will allow me to complete this job quickly and efficiently. My portfolio includes many examples of mobile application development work that I have completed for clients. I would be happy to provide you with more information about my past work if you would like to see more examples.

Shopify Development Project Cover Letter Example

I’m [your name], and I’m a Shopify expert. I can help you build your Shopify store, or customize an existing theme to fit your brand. I’ve been working on Shopify since 2016, and I have extensive experience in all aspects of the platform .

I understand that you need someone who can take your idea and bring it to life, so let me explain how my skills can help you:

• I have built many successful Shopify stores from scratch, including [store name].
• I also have extensive experience customizing existing themes for clients. For example, here are some of my current projects : [link to portfolio page].
• I can use CSS, HTML, and Javascript to make any necessary changes to your theme. I also have experience with image editing programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator.

I think this project would be an excellent fit for me because I have extensive experience. I'd love to chat more about how we can work together!

Python Development Project Cover Letter Example

I am applying for the Python Developer position on Upwork . I have been working as a Python developer since 2008, and I have been using Django since 2010. I have worked with many different types of clients and their needs, but I have always been able to deliver high-quality work in a timely manner. I am confident that my skills and experience would be a great match for your project.

My qualifications include:

• 5 years of experience in developing web applications using Python, Django, JavaScript and HTML5
• 3 years of experience in building web APIs
• 2 years of experience in designing and developing RESTful APIs
• 1 year of experience in building mobile apps for Android devices
• 1 year of experience in building mobile apps for iPhone devices
• 1 year of experience in integrating Google Maps into web applications

I would like to discuss further details about this position so that we can determine if I am the right candidate for your needs. Please let me know if you are interested in speaking further about this opportunity. Thank you very much!

WordPress Development Project Cover Letter Example

I am an experienced WordPress developer, with more than 5 years of experience in web development and design. I have worked on many projects of different sizes and types, from small blogs to complex eCommerce sites.

I understand that you are looking for a developer who can create a custom theme for your website, and I would love to be the one to help you out with this project!

My background includes working on websites for companies such as [company name], where I created a custom theme for their new website. I also worked on another site for a private client, which was a blog about fishing. This is just one example of some of my work samples that show my ability to create custom themes. In addition to these examples, I have also built multiple other sites using WordPress as well as other frameworks such as Joomla and Drupal.

If you'd like to see some examples of my work or speak more about this opportunity, please let me know!

JavaScript Development Project Cover Letter Example

I am interested in working on your  JavaScript Developing project . I have been working as a freelance developer for more than 5 years and have a great deal of experience in front-end development.

I believe that my skills and experience will be a good fit for this project, as well as my ability to work independently with limited supervision. I am also excited to learn more about your company's goals and how I can help you achieve them.

I hope that my portfolio and past work samples will show you that I am the right person for this job! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me anytime.

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How To Write A Freelance Cover Letter (Tips And Examples)

Crafting an outstanding freelance cover letter can be a game-changer in your search for your next client.

A well-crafted cover letter showcases your skills and qualifications and helps you stand out.

With the freelance job market becoming increasingly competitive, it’s vital to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the importance of a well-written cover letter, tips for creating a captivating cover letter, some of my own examples and how to write a freelance cover letter that avoids common mistakes.

Let’s get into it.

Key takeaways

• Craft an impactful freelance cover letter to stand out from other applicants.
• Use research, skillset, previous work and personality to highlight relevant skills and achievements.
• Format your cover letter with a clear structure, readability & visual appeal for a polished result.

The Importance Of A Freelance Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can significantly impact your search for your next freelance gig.

It’s an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and qualifications and make you stand out from other applicants.

By tailoring your cover letter to the specific job requirements, you can show your enthusiasm for the role and the employer.

Reading the job description carefully and ensuring you address all queries in the job description will increase your chances of getting the freelance gig, and you don’t need to be a freelance writer to achieve this.

Researching the client or company, personalising your letter, and showcasing your work samples can lend credibility to your letter and pique the prospective clients’ interest. By putting in extra effort, you can make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of gaining freelance work.

Crafting Your Freelancer Cover Letter

A successful freelancer’s cover letter should include specific elements to make it stand out.

By researching the client or company, starting with a brief introduction, highlighting your relevant skills and achievements, showcasing your unique personality and passion, and including examples of your work relevant to the job, you can create a compelling cover letter that grabs the attention of potential employers.

In the following sections, we’ll explore each of these elements in detail, providing valuable tips and insights on how to craft a captivating freelance cover letter.

Let’s dive into these essential components to help you create a cover letter that can open doors to new opportunities!

Research The Client Or Company

Before crafting your cover letter, it’s essential to research the client or company to ensure you write a tailored and effective letter.

Start by exploring their website, social media pages, and news articles to comprehensively understand the company’s mission, vision, values, culture, goals, challenges, and achievements.

Familiarizing yourself with the client or company can demonstrate your enthusiasm and preparedness to become a valuable asset to their team.

By understanding their needs and priorities, you can tailor your cover letter to address those aspects, making your application more appealing to the client or company.

When you’re done researching your client, it’s time to research the job description. This will be the foundation for your cover letter.

Read it thoroughly, and note down sections you want to address in your cover letter to show your potential client that you’ve read and understood the job description.

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Start Your Cover Letter With A Brief Introduction

An engaging introduction is crucial for grabbing the hiring manager’s or potential client’s attention.

In your introduction, include who you are, your history, and why you’re the right person for the job. It’s a great way to show off your soft skills as well.

Keep the introduction brief; you want to hook in your potential client. Don’t go into organizational skills or a wide range of complicated explanations.

If possible, address the recipient by their actual name to show your dedication and enthusiasm. If you can’t find the name, I usually write “Hi”.

This approach demonstrates that you have taken the time to research the company and adds a personal touch to your cover letter.

Save this introduction with your other additions, and then create a cover letter template at the end. This will save you a significant amount of time but still remember to customise each cover letter for each freelance gig.

Highlight Your Relevant Skills And Achievements To The Job

Next up, you want to highlight your relevant skills for the job. Don’t just list everything you can do.

If you’re a graphic designer, the client asks for graphic designers who can use Photoshop. Then it’s not always relevant to tell the client you know how to use Word. That’s too generic, so keep it to the point and showcase your extensive skills within relevant skill sets.

You want to show the potential client your impressive achievements as well. This is your chance to show off your extensive experience in how you’ve come to where you are today.

Show off your beautiful graphic design skills if you’re a graphic designer or a freelance writer, then show off some pieces of content you’re proud of.

But again, it’s super important to keep to your cover letter format and keep everything concrete for the freelance job you’re applying for.

It shows your potential client that you’ve read and understood the job description.

Showcase Your Unique Personality and Passion

You don’t want to send a boring cover letter. Clients receive tons of cover letters, so you need to stand out from the pile of all those freelancers who writes a generic cover letter.

It’s time to let you shine through the cover letter, show your communication skills and let the potential client get a scent of who you are, how you work, and what you can do for him or her to take them and their business to the next level.

I usually include a small story if I have a relevant one, or I just let my personality shine through how I write the cover letter. My technical skills are a big part of who I am, so I emphasize that.

Include Examples Of Your Work Relevant To The Job

Including examples of work relevant to the job in your freelance cover letter is a fantastic way to demonstrate your expertise and show you have the relevant qualifications.

I usually attach links to specific examples of work I’ve done for a range of clients where it’s similar or remotely similar to the job description I’m applying for. This is super helpful for the potential client to see my capabilities and professional experience.

By only showing the relevant examples from your portfolio, you even further showcase you’ve read and understood the gig description.

Ask Questions To The Job Description

Another way to stand out from the many cover letters sent is by asking questions about the job description.

If something is unclear, or you know, based on your professional experience, something doesn’t add up. Then ask the questions. It shows the potential client you’ve taken the time to dive into their job description and found some things creating doubt.

If you’re a graphic designer, you might want to know what style they’re looking for. Or if you’re one of many professional writers, you want to know what type of writing style they’re pursuing.

Don’t hold back. Ask as many relevant questions as you can.

Formatting Your Freelancer Cover Letter

Proper formatting is crucial when crafting a freelance cover letter. Ensuring your cover letter has a clear and concise structure and focuses on readability and visual appeal can help it stand out to potential employers.

You don’t need to be an expert in graphic design. Keep it easy to read with lists, line breaks and highlighted words if possible.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into specific formatting tips to make your freelance cover letter as polished and professional as possible.

Use a Clear and Concise Structure

A clear and concise structure in a cover letter helps ensure that the reader can quickly and easily comprehend the core points of the letter. Using short and simple words, short paragraphs, and bullet points can increase readability and make your cover letter more engaging.

The reader of your core letter will most likely skim through it, so make sure the essential parts are highlighted subtly or easy to catch while skimming.

Crafting a concise cover letter involves removing irrelevant or unnecessary information, making it more impactful, eliminating grammar mistakes and making it easier to read.

Be sure to include your name, contact information, an engaging introduction, a list of relevant skills and qualifications, and a powerful closing paragraph to create a well-structured cover letter.

Focus on Readability and Visual Appeal

In addition to readability, visual appeal is key to making your cover letter stand out. Choose a professional and clean font between 10 and 12 points in size to create a visually appealing look.

Your cover letter should have consistent formatting, spacing, and margins to ensure a polished appearance.

Again you don’t need to be an expert in graphic design. If you want to add a graphic element, you can use a tool like Canva .

Proofreading your cover letter is essential for maintaining readability and visual appeal.

Double-check for spelling or grammar errors, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review your cover letter for additional feedback. This extra step can help you catch any mistakes and ensure your cover letter is polished and professional.

Examples Of Successful Freelance Cover Letters

I want to share some of the examples I’ve used in the past and still use today that have worked and helped me get clients. And then, after the examples, I’ll share my cover letter template.

Remember, the key to a successful freelance cover letter is to tailor it to the job and showcase your unique personality, passion, skills, and relevant achievements.

By taking the time to research the client or company and incorporating relevant keywords and work examples, you can create a cover letter that captures the attention of potential employers and sets you apart from other applicants.

My jobs are in Danish, as I’m from Denmark, but I’ve translated them to give you an idea.

Example 1: WordPress task

The job description is as follows:

We are looking for a strong, experienced front-end developer to help us build a responsive mega menu or get a plugin. We have struggled with various plugins without success. We have all the UX and design ready. Our design is awesome, and we have big ambitions as we are the biggest in our market. Only contact us if you are among the best and are confident that you have the competencies. Because it’s urgent and we want to find the right person from the start.

We expect the first project to require about 3 days of work.

We also have many more tasks in relation to We also have many more tasks related to the development of our digital media monitoring platform, so if the task is solved satisfactorily, there is a basis for a closer connection as a permanent freelancer.

Please describe the relevant experience in your bid.

My answer, which won the job, was as follows:

I can definitely do that! I’ve been working with front-end for 10+ years and really find myself at home in the field. I started as a curious young mind and worked in many different front-end frameworks. When it comes to CMS systems, WordPress is a clear favourite. I think it’s great that you don’t compromise on your design. There are more of them out there.

If you want to see some of the WordPress websites I’ve created, here’s a small excerpt: https://wastecontrol.dk https://iotsensors.dk https://phillipstemann.com https://www.factofly.com

I hope you find my profile interesting, and if so, I’m more than happy to do a Skype call at your convenience.

Otherwise, I wish you a very good day.

Kind regards Phillip Stemann

I won this because of my straightforward approach, but it was to the point, and I listed relevant resources.

Example 2: CTO Position In A Startup

The job description was as follows:

We have created solid traction in the online marketing market in just one year. We expect to break even by the end of 2018.

We seek a freelance CTO to join us on this journey and develop our scalable platform and future products.

Your role as CTO You will play a key role in operations as: – The lead full-stack developer and architect – Responsible for setting up the technical team

Your competences We expect you to: – Have a business and user-driven approach to the development of our platform – Experience with PHP development and MVC principles – Can work with both backend and frontend – Are passionate and entrepreneurial in your way of working – Have basic knowledge of online marketing – Experience developing, testing, deploying, bug fixing and hosting

Technical keywords – Nginx, PHP, MySql (LEMP STACK) – CSS3, SCSS & vanilla javascript – Neos Flow PHP Framework – MVC – Doctrine ORM – Domain-Driven Design – Stripe API integration – Google Ads API integration – Mailchimp & Mandrill

We prefer full-time on a project basis, but we are open if you have 3-4 days a week and understand that you have multiple clients at the same time 🙂

We look forward to hearing from you here at Worksome.

Super exciting post. It’s definitely something that catches my attention! I have been working with PHP since I was a young boy of 13 years old I have been driven by my passion, and it has brought me to the broad knowledge I possess today. I have worked in different countries to understand what different countries do well and poorly. Based on this, I have created the best setup for myself and my working techniques. I have knowledge in PHP, Golang and NodeJS on the back-end part. On the front-end, I know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, VueJS, ReactJS and AngularJS. I’ve set up countless sites over the years and integrated with a fleet of APIs, so it really sticks in my head. Most recently, I went to Lisbon a year ago to help build a company that reached 10 employees. It was a great learning experience in many ways.

I would love to come in for an interview should you find my profile interesting. I look forward to hearing from you.

With kind regards Phillip Stemann

So you can see this approach was entirely different. I had no relevant portfolio to show, so I didn’t waste the client’s potential time. I just went straight to the case, listing out my expertise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Freelancer Cover Letter

Avoiding common mistakes is essential to ensure your freelance cover letter stands out.

These mistakes include using generic language, not addressing the recipient, and not including a call to action . By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can create a more effective and captivating cover letter.

Other common mistakes to avoid include re-using cover letters to multiple clients, including irrelevant information, and failing to proofread your cover letter for errors.

By addressing these mistakes and following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can craft a freelance cover letter that makes a great impression on potential employers and increases your chances of securing an interview.

In conclusion, crafting an outstanding freelance cover letter is essential to your job search.

And once you’re through to your client, you’ve sent a successful freelance cover letter, and you had your first meeting, it’s time to send your proposal and, next, your contract. Here is how you do it .

By understanding the importance of a well-written cover letter, researching the client and company, creating a captivating introduction, showcasing your skills and achievements, and avoiding common mistakes, you can set yourself apart from other applicants and increase your chances of securing freelance work.

Remember, the key to a successful freelance cover letter is to tailor it to the job and showcase your unique personality, passion, skills, and achievements.

Following the tips and insights in this blog post, you can create a compelling cover letter that opens doors to new opportunities and helps you excel in your freelance career.

How do I write a cover letter as a freelancer with no experience?

To write a cover letter without experience, open your letter by describing your enthusiasm for the position and why you’re a great fit. Explain that you don’t have related work experience but share transferable skills that make you an ideal candidate.

End your cover letter by thanking the reader and reiterating your interest in the job.

How to write a cover letter for an Upwork job?

Make sure to tailor your cover letter to the specific job you are applying for. Focus on the qualifications most important to the employer and include relevant examples or stories from your past experiences.

To write a cover letter for Upwork, start with a personalized introduction that quickly explains why you are the perfect fit for the position.

Describe your professional experience and skills, emphasizing how they can help the employer meet their needs. Finally, provide clear contact information and any other documents they may need to complete your application.

I've been working as a web freelancer for 11+ years. I've been through all the ups and downs, and I want to share my story and my tips and tricks to help you avoid the downs and make your freelance career the most successful possible.

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Freelance Cover Letter: Sample & Guide [Entry Level + Senior Jobs]

Create a standout freelance cover letter with our online platform. browse professional templates for all levels and specialties. land your dream role today.

Securing a freelance job can be a daunting task. Crafting your cover letter to stand out among the competition is essential. Our Freelance Cover Letter Guide provides you with the resources and tips you need to create a strong cover letter and land the job you want.

We will cover:

• How to write a cover letter, no matter your industry or job title.
• What to put on a cover letter to stand out.
• The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
• How to build a cover letter fast with our professional Cover Letter Builder .
• What a cover letter template is, and why you should use it.

Related Cover Letter Examples

• Editor Cover Letter Sample
• Art Director Cover Letter Sample
• Dancer Cover Letter Sample
• Announcer Cover Letter Sample
• Actor Cover Letter Sample
• News Producer Cover Letter Sample
• DJ Cover Letter Sample
• Makeup Artist Cover Letter Sample
• 3D Designer Cover Letter Sample
• Reporter Cover Letter Sample
• Author Cover Letter Sample
• Musician Cover Letter Sample
• Producer Cover Letter Sample
• Publisher Cover Letter Sample
• Digital Content Manager Cover Letter Sample
• Media Planner Cover Letter Sample
• Illustrator Cover Letter Sample
• Blogger Cover Letter Sample
• Digital Designer Cover Letter Sample
• Research Assistant Cover Letter Sample

Freelance Cover Letter Sample

Dear [Recruiter],

I am writing to apply for the freelance position you posted. With over [x] years of experience in [field], I am confident that I have the skills and expertise to be a valuable asset to your team. I have a passion for [field] and a proven track record of success in working on freelance projects.

Throughout my career, I have completed a wide variety of projects related to [field]. I have worked with a variety of clients, from small businesses to large corporations. I have a strong understanding of the [field] industry, and I am up to date on the latest trends and developments. I am also an effective communicator, able to work with clients to ensure that their expectations are met.

I am confident that I have the skills and experience to be a successful freelancer for your company. I have excellent organizational and time management skills, and I am able to manage multiple projects and deadlines. I am also a creative thinker, able to come up with innovative solutions to challenging problems. I am a self-starter and I have the motivation and determination to reach any goal I set.

Please find attached my resume and portfolio for more information about my professional experience and skills. I look forward to discussing this position in more detail and how I can contribute to your team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Why Do you Need a Freelance Cover Letter?

A Freelance Cover Letter is an important document for any freelancer to have in their arsenal. Here are some reasons why you need one:

• It's a great way to introduce yourself and your skills to potential clients.
• It allows you to explain why you think you would be the perfect fit for the job.
• It can help you stand out from other applicants and show your commitment to the project.
• It can help you highlight your best qualities and make a positive impression on the client.
• It can be used to show that you are knowledgeable about the company and their industry.
• It can help you explain why you believe the job is the right fit for you.

A Few Important Rules To Keep In Mind

• Start off with a strong introduction that outlines your experience and qualifications.
• Clearly state why you are the ideal candidate for the role and how your skills and experience will be beneficial.
• Briefly explain your experience in the industry and why you are passionate about it.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and what you can bring to the role.
• Keep it concise and to the point – try to keep the letter to one page.
• Address the letter to the relevant person or department.
• Proofread the letter to ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes.
• Include a call to action at the end to encourage a response.

What's The Best Structure For Freelance Cover Letters?

After creating an impressive Freelance resume , the next step is crafting a compelling cover letter to accompany your job applications. It's essential to remember that your cover letter should maintain a formal tone and follow a recommended structure. But what exactly does this structure entail, and what key elements should be included in a Freelance cover letter? Let's explore the guidelines and components that will make your cover letter stand out.

Key Components For Freelance Cover Letters:

• Your contact information, including the date of writing
• The recipient's details, such as the company's name and the name of the addressee
• A professional greeting or salutation, like "Dear Mr. Levi,"
• An attention-grabbing opening statement to captivate the reader's interest
• A concise paragraph explaining why you are an excellent fit for the role
• Another paragraph highlighting why the position aligns with your career goals and aspirations
• A closing statement that reinforces your enthusiasm and suitability for the role
• A complimentary closing, such as "Regards" or "Sincerely," followed by your name
• An optional postscript (P.S.) to add a brief, impactful note or mention any additional relevant information.

Cover Letter Header

A header in a cover letter should typically include the following information:

• Your Full Name: Begin with your first and last name, written in a clear and legible format.
• Contact Information: Include your phone number, email address, and optionally, your mailing address. Providing multiple methods of contact ensures that the hiring manager can reach you easily.
• Date: Add the date on which you are writing the cover letter. This helps establish the timeline of your application.

It's important to place the header at the top of the cover letter, aligning it to the left or center of the page. This ensures that the reader can quickly identify your contact details and know when the cover letter was written.

Cover Letter Greeting / Salutation

A greeting in a cover letter should contain the following elements:

• Personalized Salutation: Address the hiring manager or the specific recipient of the cover letter by their name. If the name is not mentioned in the job posting or you are unsure about the recipient's name, it's acceptable to use a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Recruiting Team."
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the greeting. Avoid using overly casual language or informal expressions.
• Correct Spelling and Title: Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and ensure that you use the appropriate title (e.g., Mr., Ms., Dr., or Professor) if applicable. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.

For example, a suitable greeting could be "Dear Ms. Johnson," or "Dear Hiring Manager," depending on the information available. It's important to tailor the greeting to the specific recipient to create a personalized and professional tone for your cover letter.

Cover Letter Introduction

An introduction for a cover letter should capture the reader's attention and provide a brief overview of your background and interest in the position. Here's how an effective introduction should look:

• Opening Statement: Start with a strong opening sentence that immediately grabs the reader's attention. Consider mentioning your enthusiasm for the job opportunity or any specific aspect of the company or organization that sparked your interest.
• Brief Introduction: Provide a concise introduction of yourself and mention the specific position you are applying for. Include any relevant background information, such as your current role, educational background, or notable achievements that are directly related to the position.
• Connection to the Company: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company or organization and establish a connection between your skills and experiences with their mission, values, or industry. Showcasing your understanding and alignment with their goals helps to emphasize your fit for the role.
• Engaging Hook: Consider including a compelling sentence or two that highlights your unique selling points or key qualifications that make you stand out from other candidates. This can be a specific accomplishment, a relevant skill, or an experience that demonstrates your value as a potential employee.
• Transition to the Body: Conclude the introduction by smoothly transitioning to the main body of the cover letter, where you will provide more detailed information about your qualifications, experiences, and how they align with the requirements of the position.

By following these guidelines, your cover letter introduction will make a strong first impression and set the stage for the rest of your application.

Cover Letter Body

As a freelance professional, I have extensive experience in managing projects, developing strategies, and delivering results. I have worked with both small and large companies in various industries, ranging from technology to hospitality. With this experience, I am confident that I can be a great asset to your team.

I understand the importance of time and cost efficiency, and I have the skills and experience necessary to effectively manage projects and resources. I have a proven track record of success in developing effective strategies to meet deadlines, control costs, and improve customer service. My expertise in project management and my ability to develop innovative solutions have enabled me to consistently exceed expectations.

I am also knowledgeable in several areas of business, including marketing, finance, and accounting. I have a degree in Business Administration, and I am familiar with the latest software and technologies. I have excellent communication skills, and I am able to quickly comprehend and analyze complex topics.

I am confident that I can bring a unique perspective to your organization. I am eager to join a team where I can use my skills to help your organization reach its goals. I am sure that I can be a great asset to your team and I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail.

Complimentary Close

The conclusion and signature of a cover letter provide a final opportunity to leave a positive impression and invite further action. Here's how the conclusion and signature of a cover letter should look:

• Summary of Interest: In the conclusion paragraph, summarize your interest in the position and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the organization or school. Emphasize the value you can bring to the role and briefly mention your key qualifications or unique selling points.
• Appreciation and Gratitude: Express appreciation for the reader's time and consideration in reviewing your application. Thank them for the opportunity to be considered for the position and acknowledge any additional materials or documents you have included, such as references or a portfolio.
• Call to Action: Conclude the cover letter with a clear call to action. Indicate your availability for an interview or express your interest in discussing the opportunity further. Encourage the reader to contact you to schedule a meeting or provide any additional information they may require.
• Complimentary Closing: Choose a professional and appropriate complimentary closing to end your cover letter, such as "Sincerely," "Best Regards," or "Thank you." Ensure the closing reflects the overall tone and formality of the letter.
• Signature: Below the complimentary closing, leave space for your handwritten signature. Sign your name in ink using a legible and professional style. If you are submitting a digital or typed cover letter, you can simply type your full name.
• Typed Name: Beneath your signature, type your full name in a clear and readable font. This allows for easy identification and ensures clarity in case the handwritten signature is not clear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Freelance Cover Letter

When crafting a cover letter, it's essential to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. However, there are common mistakes that can hinder your chances of making a strong impression. By being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them, you can ensure that your cover letter effectively highlights your qualifications and stands out from the competition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you create a compelling and impactful introduction that captures the attention of hiring managers. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, understanding these mistakes will greatly enhance your chances of success in the job application process. So, let's dive in and discover how to steer clear of these common missteps and create a standout cover letter that gets you noticed by potential employers.

• Not researching the company you are applying to
• Using a generic cover letter for all jobs
• Not including relevant information about yourself
• Using overly casual language or slang
• Using industry jargon without explanation
• Including too much or too little information
• Making spelling and grammar mistakes
• Not including contact information
• Failing to customize the cover letter to the job
• Using a template without making necessary changes
• Not proofreading your letter

Key Takeaways For a Freelance Cover Letter

• Highlight specific skills and experience that make you a desirable candidate for the job.
• Research the company and demonstrate an understanding of their mission and values.
• Include a link to your portfolio or website, if available.
• Be concise: keep the cover letter to one page.
• Be sure to include your contact information.
• Proofread the letter for any errors and typos.
• End with an action statement, such as “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Freelancer Cover Letter Example

A cover letter functions as an essential element of your resume as it demonstrates your abilities and experiences similar to the role requirements. Your Freelancer Cover Letter should present a successful story of your self-employment.

Our Freelancer Cover Letter Sample details the necessary credentials that most of the clients are looking for.

• Cover Letters

What to Include in a Freelancer Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

Freelancer Roles and Responsibilities:

Freelancer is a self-employed professional working in different streams/markets for clients. He generally works remotely in a virtual environment and interacts with clients through internet calls, emails, or phone calls. Mostly the Freelancer does hr-related work, sales, and marketing, artwork, web development , etc.

Following are the duties of a Freelancer:

• Self promotes his portfolios on freelancing websites.
• Design work portfolio to showcase it to clients.
• Bid appropriately on the projects.
• Interact with clients to understand their requirements.
• Prepare work samples to get them approved by the clients.
• Work on assignments within the deadlines.

Education & Skills

Freelancer Skills :

• Disciplined and self-driven approach to completing the tasks within the assigned timeline.
• Superior communication skills to understand the requirements of clients.
• Incredible organizational skills to set up the priority of tasks.
• Ability to work with no supervision.
• Out of the box, thinking to grab the available freelancing projects.

Freelancer Educational Requirements:

• Related academic qualifications are needed.
• Proven experience in the freelance field.
• Set of work examples.
• Knowledge and access to required software and equipment to complete the assignment within the deadline.
• Well maintained, a self-promoted freelance profile on freelancing portals.

Freelancer Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Mr./Ms.,

As a highly experienced and reliable Freelancer, I am confident that my skills would qualify for your requirement of a Freelancer. Therefore, I am submitting this letter with all the facets of my project management skills.

Please go through the below highlights of my freelancing background:

• Healthy interaction with prospective clients to understand work specifications.
• Presenting the previous work samples to the clients that are similar in nature.
• Negotiate with clients over the project budget.
• Complete the work assignments in a prescribed format.
• Ensure that the deadline is not breached.
• Edit submitted assignments in case of errors.

I believe that I can surpass your expectations as my strengths lie in self-promotion, business development, project budgeting, and client servicing. I have extensive experience in marketing communications, social media advertising, visual branding, and copywriting for a wide range of clients.

Thank you for reviewing my portfolio and for considering me as a potential Freelancer for your project. I am submitting my resume to offer further detail about my academic records and previous work achievements. I am hoping to have a detailed conversation about what I can bring to the table once hired.

Best Regards, [Your Name]

Quick Tips For Freelancer Cover Letter For Experienced Seekers:

Demonstrate the degree of experience you’ve achieved in the field and the number of projects successfully delivered to the employer to understand your credibility.

Sending a non-targeted resume can ruin your chances of getting selected for a job role. Therefore, seek help from our Freelancer Resume Sample .

Customize Freelancer Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

Related Others Cover Letters

How to create a freelance writer cover letter that works (with examples)

A cover letter is like a handshake: it tells your clients everything they need to know about you as a person. It hints at work ethic, fairness, talent, and even enthusiasm. For freelance writers in particular, a good cover letter can make a huge difference when trying to secure a freelance writer job .

In this mini-guide, we’re covering everything freelance writers need to know about writing a great cover letter.

What does a cover letter do?

As a freelance writer, a cover letter brings a certain level of humanity into the freelance hiring process. Particularly when hiring from marketplaces like Upwork, freelance writing jobs can feel faceless. You submit a form and hope for the best. Meanwhile, a company hiring freelancers has nothing but a bunch of form submissions to judge people by. The cover letter breaks through that noise to (hopefully) build a human connection.

For a freelance writer particularly, a cover letter also does a few extra things and shares additional information:

Showcase your writing ability : A well-written cover letter is a work sample unto itself.

Build excitement : As a freelance writer, use your language and storytelling writing ability to entice the reader down the cover letter.

Encourage conversation : Share a lot of information, but leave just a bit unsaid in your cover letter so a hiring manager wants to reach out. Ideally, write your cover letter in a way that entices a recruiter to want to learn more about your writing, your experience, your resume, and see if you might be a good freelance writer for them.

4 elements of a strong cover letter

A cover letter as a freelance writer is meant to do one thing: get you to the next step, whether that’s an interview, resume review, or landing the freelance writer job. With that in mind, the strongest cover letters will have the following elements:

1. Awareness of who you’re talking to

As a freelance writer, ideally you’re addressing your cover letters to the person reviewing applications. In most companies that will be the head of the department (for freelance writers, that usually means marketing or editorial), though occasionally HR will step in to support.

Once you’ve figured out who the person is, check out their LinkedIn profile (and updates) to see how they speak and interact with people - then tailor your cover letter to that person. Who knows, you might even find they used to be a freelance writer too!

If you can’t find a specific person, check out the company’s existing content to get cues for tone, style, and topic. And if you’re applying for an anonymous freelance writer job where the company is only named if you get a call back, read the posting carefully then mimic its tone and style in your cover letter.

2. Succinctness

Get to the point in your cover letter. Avoid passive voice (especially when discussing your accomplishments), and don’t make the cover letter longer than it needs to be. Remember: a cover letter is meant to get you to the next step, not give them your life’s story.

You will need to self-edit your cover letter after it’s written, removing any areas you’ve been repetitive or offered too many examples (when one would clarify the point perfectly). This is especially true as a freelance writer, since you need to demonstrate your writing chops in your cover letter.

3. Relevant tone

Whenever possible, research the company’s media kit to understand its vision and the words it uses to describe itself. Use this information as an editorial cue in order to match their tone as best you can in your cover letter (or at least get close to the brand’s tone while staying true to your personal style). If you can’t find a media kit, read interviews with the company’s execs or read the company’s about page. Think about the cover letter writing process almost like an interview you'd do as a freelance writer. Instead of asking questions, you're reading the company's website.

This tip is especially critical for freelance writers, since your cover letter is the first piece of writing a potential client will see. If a brand prides itself on its casual tone and you write a highly-structured, ultra-professional cover letter, you’ll come off as out of touch.

4. Keyword optimization

Write your initial cover letter draft ignoring all keywords, but add them into your cover letter during your self-editing round. First, look for obvious switches where you can sub in your word (e.g. “hard-working”) for their word (e.g. “hard worker”). Then look for context switches where you can reorient an example to better showcase what they are looking for (for example: switching up a client story to highlight your time management skills versus your editorial ability). After that, look for any opportunities to naturally insert a keyword (if you see one that you have a story for, but you hadn’t included in your original cover letter writing).

What to include

When writing your cover letter, here are the key things to include:

An introduction and clear statement of intent : Unless instructed otherwise by the job posting, start your cover letter with a clear introduction and statement of intent (which position you’re applying for). You should also address the cover letter to the hiring manager, if you can identify that person's name.

Demonstrative examples : Use your cover letter to highlight client capabilities—time management, project management, etc.—that aren’t immediately apparent with a writing sample. Tailor these examples to what’s asked or highlighted in the job posting.

Your experience : Explain in your cover letter how your experience sets you up perfectly to be a freelance writer for this company. You can pull example language from the job application and job description, highlighting how you fit that description perfectly.

Link to a relevant portfolio : While your cover letter can be a work sample, you should also include a link to your freelance writing portfolio . Just make sure it’s only relevant samples, not a long web page with dozens of links. This is a great way to show off your writing experience, including both articles and other forms of writing you've done.

Achievements or awards, if relevant : Sometimes the job will require subject matter expertise or demonstrated knowledge in a certain style of writing. On top of work samples, you might want to include any achievements or awards that prove your knowledge in your cover letter. This can be particularly helpful if you have an achievement in a subject but don’t have a specific writing sample for it. This is also something you can bring up in the job interview, if that's a part of the application.

Any additional asks from the job posting : Different jobs will ask for different things, but make sure you include anything that’s asked. Some asks are job-relevant, such as credentials, while others are tasks to assess if you’re paying attention, for example something like “to prove you read this job posting, include the word ‘potato’ in your cover letter somewhere.”

Connection to your resume : Make sure you reference your resume, but don't give away all the details. Instead, use your cover letter to tease what a hiring manager might see in your resume, enticing them to check it out. Note: You should always tailor your resume to each job application process.

Contact information : You will likely include this elsewhere in the application as well, but for good measure you can also include your email address (or marketplace profile URL for direct messages) under your name at the end of the letter.

Pitfalls to avoid

If you want your cover letter to stand out in a good way, avoid these pitfalls:

More than one page : Never write a cover letter that's more than one page unless the job description explicitly requests it. Most of the time, people don't read cover letters if they are longer than one page, which means you risk a client missing out on an important example or quality copywriting skills.

Passive voice : If you naturally write in passive voice as a writer, stomp it out in your cover letter (and resume).

You can usually find passive voice with one of two tests: if there’s no person doing the action (“usually created…”) or when you use two verbs (“mistakes were made”). In all cases, revise. Either edit the sentence to put yourself in the action or, if you didn’t do the action, remove the sentence (see: filler content).

Filler content : Additional segues, “talkative language” (e.g. “as well as” versus simply “and), or explaining what everyone else did in a project are prime examples of cover letter filler content.

Paying another writer to write your cover letter for you : As a freelance writer, paying someone else to write your cover letter is dangerous. It’s either going to be low quality and you won’t get the job, or it will be high quality and your client will expect you to produce that style of writing throughout the project.

Since a lot of freelance writing involves employing your own style, displaying someone else’s style for your cover letter is a huge potential problem that hides your experience.

Examples to take inspiration from

Not sure what your cover letter should look like? Here are three cover letters we like from Great Sample Resume, LiveCareer, and The Balance SMB.

Check out this cover letter example on Great Sample Resume .

Check out this cover letter example on LiveCareer .

Check out this example on The Balance SMB .

Remember to be human in your cover letters

As a freelance writer, the term “cover letter” can spark fear, but you're really just writing an introductory letter to share your experience and work you've done with past clients. Treat it like a conversation with your prospective client about the position instead of a big deal. From there, send it off and hope for the best. In the meantime, work on any existing client work you have or sourcing more deals—then you won’t have time to worry about whether they liked your letter.

You might also enjoy this content

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Updated: November 19, 2023

4 Proven Upwork Cover Letters To Save You Time And Win More Jobs

This article is about writing effective Upwork cover letters / proposals , so you can spend less time looking for clients and more time doing paid work.

Readers have gotten results like this:

“Not a week later I have now secured not one but TWO long term contracts due to these templates getting me through the door and my work being up to par! Many many thanks!”

• 4 Proven Upwork Cover Letter Templates
• How To Avoid Upwork Scams And Find The Best Jobs
• What Ivan Did To Beat 50+ Freelancers On Upwork
• 8 Keys To A Killer Upwork Profile
• How To Compete With Cheap Freelancers On Upwork
• How Justin Went From $9 to $50/Hour On Upwork In 12 Months
• How Susan Earned $1,375 Her First Month On Upwork
• 81 Best Paying Freelance Jobs On Upwork

Upwork is the largest freelance marketplace online, with thousands of jobs posted every day.

Getting started as a freelancer on Upwork can be tough, because you’re often competing with dozens of other freelancers for a single job, and many of them are well established on the platform, with lots of great ratings and reviews.

So, how can you compete?

Well, it helps to submit A LOT of proposals.

In the words of Wayne Gretzky…

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

And it follows that the more shots you do take, the more likely you are to score.

But you should also ensure that you’re submitting QUALITY proposals, proposals that will help you stand out from the crowd and give you a solid chance of winning the job.

So, QUALITY and QUANTITY.

That’s what you should be aiming for.

And that’s where the following list of Upwork sample cover letters can help. They will enable you to apply for more jobs without resorting to obvious copy-and-paste tactics.

Each sample below is derived from a real cover letter that won a real job on Upwork.

I’ve included screenshots of the original job postings and cover letters so you can see exactly what the job was and how it was won.

Below each sample you’ll find a corresponding template you can use to quickly craft your own proposal for ANY job on Upwork.

There are 4 templates in total:

The Short And Sweet

The screencast standout, the honest newbie, the quick lister.

Note that each sample you’re about to see was submitted by a member of our private Freedom Business Builder community. Two of them were responses to job invites, and two were cold pitches.

Before we dive in...

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Alright, here are the cover letter templates…

This first proposal sample comes from Justin, a freelance web designer and digital marketer.

The Job Description

The cover letter.

Justin was hired for the job at $50/hour.

The Template

Justin explains:

I typically use the same model for Upwork proposals: I ask about 3-4 relevant questions about the job in the first paragraph, and I qualify myself in the second paragraph.

So the template is as follows:

Hello [Client Name] , [If applicable: Thanks for the job invite.] It’s a pleasure to meet you. [Ask 3-4 short but relevant questions about the job here. This shows that you’ve read the description and know your stuff, and also invites the client to begin a conversation with you.] [Qualify yourself briefly here. 1-2 lines that communicate why you’d be a good fit for this job.] Best regards, [Your Name]

• Justin addressed the client by name at the beginning of his cover letter, even though the client never mentioned their name in the job description. Often you can find the client’s name mentioned in the reviews section of their profile. Going to the effort of finding their name and including it in your proposal will help you stand out from the crowd.
• Keep in mind that Justin was invited to this job, which gave him a much better chance of being hired. I asked Justin about this and he believes the key to getting hired is his strong profile and track record on Upwork.
• Justin taught himself web design in a two-month period, then started on Upwork at $9/hour. A little more than a year later he’d also taught himself digital marketing and was earning $45-55/hour consistently. Read more about his journey to Upwork success here .

This next proposal sample comes from Natalia, a freelance copywriter.

See Natalia’s screencast here:

Natalia explained to me via email:

This was my very first proposal screencast. It saves time to make a screencast to review a client’s website rather than writing endlessly to explain what you mean. This proposal was an answer to an invite to apply, but he invited a few people so I wanted to stand out.

The client was impressed:

Natalia ended up getting paid $350 for this job, but that wasn’t the end of it:

I’m still working for this client, and he is constantly thinking up new jobs I can do for the campaign because he is always happy with my work.

First, a warning:

• You should be selective including screencasts as part of you cover letter. They are are not always appropriate. Use them if you find yourself trying to explain something to a client in writing that would be more easily explained on screen.

The template is as follows:

Hello [Client’s Name] , [If applicable: Thank you for your invitation.] [Share a link to your screencast and briefly explain what it contains. You want to give the client a compelling reason to click the link and watch. Tell them what benefit they will get from it and note that it will only take up a few minutes of their time.] [1 paragraph explaining why the job appeals to you. Bonus points if you can share why the goals of the client resonate with you personally.] [1 paragraph sharing an example of your work, ideally closely related to the job you’re applying for.] If you want to collaborate with me let’s discuss it in more detail over the chat. Kind regards, [Your Name]

• Pro Tip Use the free version of Loom to create and share screencasts effortlessly.

This next proposal sample comes from Gray, a freelance graphic designer.

Gray was hired to do the job at a 10% discount, but that was only the beginning. As he explained to me via email:

This also led to ongoing work and was for the guys who I am pricing up that $8,000 job for. Its looking like it is going to be a bit more than that btw. Its for a complete game, and Im currently going through the spec with them bit by bit.

Gray explains:

I came at it with an honest approach and said basically ‘look, I have a lot of experience, but none on upwork, help me out and Ill do it for a 10% discount. Win win.’

Hello [Client’s Name], I’d really like to work with you on this one if possible! I do have a couple of questions, but first I’d like to make you an offer and some background so you can check my work out. [Short paragraph explaining your work experience relevant to the job.] However, I am new to Upwork and looking to get a few clients that I can build upon. If you take a look at my work and feel that I could help you, I’ll do it for a 10% discount. You’ll get all the expected stuff like a great professional service and a fast turn around, at a bit less, and I get a bit more exposure. [If applicable, include a link to your portfolio website here, or invite the client to check out the work samples you’ve attached to your proposal.] [Ask 1-2 short but relevant questions about the job here. This shows that you’ve read the description and know your stuff, and also invites the client to begin a conversation with you.] If the above offer sounds like something you would be interested in, I’d love to hear from you. Regards, [Your Name]

Note that the template above doesn’t contain the word TOKYO, which was included at the top of Gray’s cover letter. Gray added that as a response to the client’s request at the bottom of the job description. Many clients use this trick to quickly determine if you’ve actually read the job description.

So… make sure you actually read the job description!

This next proposal sample comes from Susan, a freelance editor and proofreader.

Susan explained to me via email:

I bid $125, and it was accepted immediately. This job took me 90 minutes to complete and 30 minutes to double check. As this was a legal document, I was careful to edit in a way that did not change the meaning of any of the sentences. This Swiss lawyer had English that was near perfect. I delivered the files within 2 hours and the client added a $40 bonus to my payment and left me 5-star feedback. $165 for 2 hours is a pretty good rate.

Hi [Client’s Name], I would be happy to work on your [document/job/whatever] immediately. [Numbered list covering the most important requirements mentioned in the job description, and how you plan to meet them. This shows that you fully understand what’s needed and have a plan for making it happen.] [1-2 paragraphs detailing your background/expertise, as relevant to the job at hand.] What you’ll receive: [Short list that paints a clear picture of what you will deliver (and by when) should the client hire you to do the job.] Send me a quick message and we can figure out if we are a good fit to work together! [Your Name]

• Not included in the template: the “Code 833” at the top of Susan’s proposal. This was a response to the client’s request hidden within the job description. Many clients use this trick to quickly determine if you’ve read it thoroughly.
• Want to know how Susan earned €1,226 in just her second full month working online? Check out an interview with her here .

What To Do Now

Five things:

• Pick your favorite template above, jump on over to Upwork, find some jobs you like, and use that template to quickly craft and submit effective proposals. (Make sure each proposal counts by learning how to avoid scams and find the best jobs on Upwork .)
• Report back and share in the comments below what kind of response you receive.
• If you’re not getting any response at all, screenshot one of the jobs you’ve applied for, and your cover letter, upload both screenshots to imgur , and post the links in the comments below. We’ll take a look and suggest some changes to help you get more responses and win more jobs.
• Join 23,438 subscribers and sign up for our weekly newsletter below. You’ll receive an email every Friday packed with tips and insights to build your online business.
• If you’re looking to improve your skills so you can win more jobs on Upwork, check out this list of FREE top-rated courses on Udemy (updated daily).

Get more Upwork success tips

This article is part of an 8-part series:

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38 thoughts on “4 Proven Upwork Cover Letters To Save You Time And Win More Jobs”

Hi, I have been an Upworker for the past several years. But of late, only very few clients are contacting me for jobs, and I could not figure out the reason. After going through community discussions, I figured out that rewriting proposals can help a bit. So I am trying to do that. This blog post is really interesting, and I could get some ideas from this. Thanks a lot for sharing.

Confirm that this approach to proposal writing works well. I get about 50% of the answers. Thanks Niall!

Hey, Thank you so much! I read your blog post the previous night and sent a proposal according to your first 1. The short and sweet. I applied it and tomorrow morning I saw a reply from that client. Thank you so much. It is crazy. I am going to subscribe you to get more and more beneficial posts.

Hi Nail, I read this writeup and some other posts (the profile remodeling and scam flags) and I have to say, I was really pumped and I put them to work. A few days later, I got my first gig. I finished in record time and got an excellent review. It’s just that after that, I’ve got nothing else. After a lot of proposals using the techniques above, I get a few responses but nothing serious. Any advice? Thanks for the tips and the first job, tho’ and thanks in advance for any tips. David

It could be a number of things, hard to know just from what you’ve written. But ultimately pitching for jobs on Upwork is a numbers game. You have to keep pitching as much as you can and perhaps even lower your rate to get the first few jobs and reviews. Once you have more reviews it becomes easier to get jobs.

Thanks a lot Niall Doherty,

Your Cover letters really helped me to win more jobs on Upwork.

Thank you again!

Thanks for the helpful tips. I’ve already had some successful contracts on upWork, and do use some of the ideas (such as addressing by name.) I’d like to increase my percentage of contracts won, and hope to do so by following some of your other tips. I’ll report back next week, after I’ve tried a few. Cheers!

Thanks for an excellent resource. For once, Google’s #1 search result truly deserved to be #1

Hi Sir Niall, Good day! I just sent my proposal today and hopefully, I’ll get a response soon. Here’s the link to my cover letter and the job posted. https://imgur.com/a/YOwNZdJ Thank you, Joshie

i won my first client in just 5 minutes thanks a lot

I cannot thank you enough for sharing this information! I used a mix of a The Honest Newbie & The Quick Lister for my very first proposal on UpWork. I got a contract back later that day!

Glad to hear that, Sam. Well done!

Hi Niall, I have been trying to freelance on Upwork for the last few months, but am getting little interest from potential clients. I am an architectural designer with 13 years experience, but have no college degree. I write cover letters offering to help with the problem the clients listed about design or construction, list the services I can give them, attach samples of my previous work, and tell that I am ready to start if they are interested. So far nobody is. It is discouraging to keep submitting offers for work that are ignored, when I try to be friendly, professional, and interested. What am I doing wrong do you think?

It’s hard to know what the issue is based only on what you’ve shared here. But first thing I’d say is that if you’ve submitted less than 20 proposals, you should keep trying. You can keep tweaking and experimenting with your proposals, but ultimately Upwork is a numbers game. Even the best freelancers on there probably win no more than 30% of the jobs they pitch for. And starting out it’s probably more like 5-10%.

Secondly, it might be worth lowering your rate for a while, if you haven’t already. Do that in combination with the Honest Newbie template above and see how you get on.

Thank you Nial.

I combined your two templates No.4 + No. 3 in order to write my proposal yesterday. And I got the first job out of 5 proposals.

I really appreciated it!!!.

Great job, Olivia!

Woow! Niall, this is an amazing content and excellent guides to upwork. Thank you and keep it up.

Thanks, Nicholas 🙂

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. Great work! I will definitely try in this process.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! I was able to get my first job within my first round of sending out only 6 proposals because of these templates! As a student this was such a great feeling.

That’s great, Christine! Well done 🙂

Update, not a week later I have now secured not one but TWO long term contracts due to these templates getting me through the door and my work being up to par! Many many thanks!

You’re crushing it 🙂 Thanks for reporting back!

Hi Niall.. As i am new to upwork.com. I am so.much disturb due to not getting a perfect contract here on upwork. i quit my job as a teacher. But when i started sending proposals here it didn’t worked out. Will these templates of yours help me out in getting the desired job

You’ll do better with these templates than without them, Hussain. Give them a try!

wonderful, i have been much disturbed with this cover letter but now am ok.

Hi Niall Doherty. My name is Jay and Thank you for sharing your great experience Knowledge here. I has just start on upwork. and this will be big help for me. If i says honestly then i was completely tired because there is no activity acting on my profile. i have tried many things to get clients but i just got only one client in a month which is not good. and was looking for guidance and it’s my pleasure that i meet you here on your home(website). I have just read your most of articles and i would like to follow your steps. I am very exciting to leave a screenshot of my next success here on your site by following your words. do you like to give me any suggestions!! great regards, Jay R.

Thanks a lot! This information is so valuable. Hoping to get project soon.

This article really gave a boost to my aspirations. I believe you have just jump started my career on Upwork. Thank you.

Thanks for all the super helpful info!

This article is very helpful, thank you so much for this

Thank you very much!! Valuable info

So, Susan, in her linked interview, mentions a specific course she took with you, Niall (or perhaps it’s one you made?). She mentions that this course was what she believed helped her in her 30-day experiment with Upwork. I’ve clicked around and can find nothing but the Facebook group. What is the course she’s referring to, and are you still offering it?

Yes, I had a course (originally called “3 Months -> $1k” … later rebranded as “Freedom Business Builder”) that was available for almost 3 years but I closed it at the end of November 2018. The Facebook group for the course is still active and our Patreon supporters get access to it.

Are you looking to do similar work to Susan?

Thanks for replying, Niall! Yes I am looking to do the same line of work. I’ve landed a few jobs and would love some tips about how to really take off on Upwork.

Really Good. I strongly recommend this article

Thanks really find this article useful,will try follow the tempelates with my own works,appreciate.

Thank you so much for this, i find very helpful. I will definitely make use of these templates especially the 1st and 4th ones. Thanks once again

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Freelance Resume and Cover Letter Examples and Tips

• List Everything You're Good At
• Decide What Type of Job You Want

Develop Your Elevator Speech

Pick a style, be ruthless.

• Skip Unnecessary Space Wasters

Show Your Work

Freelance resume sample.

• Focus on Being a Solution

Format It for the Bored and Busy

Give it a personal touch, let your work speak for you.

• Follow Up, But Don't Stalk

Freelance Cover Letter Example

Creating a resume and cover letter can be tricky, even if you work for an employer and your career is pretty straightforward. For freelancers, it's even more complicated.

Not only do you have to grab the client's attention, pitch your skills, and prove that you're the best person for the job, you also have to make sure that the breadth of your experience makes you look accomplished, not scattershot.

Remember, even if you never have an employee or choose to incorporate, you are a small business owner, not someone who's doing odd jobs.

Review these tips for writing resumes and cover letters that will help you get the gig. There are examples of both and templates you can download to get your own letter and resume started.

Make a List of Everything You're Good At

Before you even start looking at resume templates or thinking about what you want your resume to look like, you need to remind yourself of why you're such an amazing catch for a prospective client. The best way to do that is to start with a simple list, which at a minimum should include:  

• Skills. This includes both hard skills, like software packages and computer systems, and soft skills, like teamwork and management experience.
• Education and training . Go beyond your degrees and formal certificates. Professional training and classes that are relevant to your work count, too.
• Achievements . Win an award? Graduate with honors? Publish a paper or acquire a patent or trademark? Write it down.
• Accomplishments . Include projects you've managed or participated in, from website redesigns to business acquisitions to department restructuring. Don't exaggerate—and certainly don't lie—but if you contributed to the success of a discrete, tangible improvement at a company or as a freelancer, put it on your list.

Here's some good news: once you have your list, you also have your resume keywords . Used by recruiting management software , keywords help your resume make it through the filter and onto a recruiter's or client's desk.

Decide Which Types of Jobs You're Going After

And now here's some bad news: You're probably going to have to make more than one resume, especially as a freelancer. Unless you're only going after one very specific niche job in an industry, you'll need to create targeted resumes to apply to each type of gig.

To make this as easy as possible, think about what types of jobs and clients you plan to focus on, and then match those with your skills list. Pretty quickly, you'll start to see how many and what kind of resumes you'll need to develop. You can probably get by with no more than two or three basic resumes, which you'll then adapt further for specific clients.

If you opt to create personal templates like these, it's a good idea to enlist an eagle-eyed friend to proofread each resume and cover letter before you send them out to prospective clients. Nothing terminates a nascent client-freelancer relationship faster than a cover letter with the wrong company name on it or a resume with totally off-base skills and focus.

Now you know what you're good at, and what you want to do. Distill that into a description that takes a minute or less to deliver—in other words, about the length of time it would take to explain your goals to a stranger in an elevator .

Another way to think about this is as your LinkedIn-headline speech or your Twitter-bio speech—in short, it's the essence of who you are and what you want in a freelance career. Whatever you want to call it, this will be the organizing idea behind your resume. Depending on the format you choose, it might even go at the top of your resume or CV.

There are many ways to organize your resume, but for freelancers, the challenge is to present your skills quickly, so that busy clients can't miss your abilities, without creating a confusing job chronology that distracts from your talents.

There are essentially three main ways to order your resume :

• Chronological , by gig or project . Full-time freelancers who've been working for themselves for a while will want to dispense with the life-story format used by many job seekers who solely work for one employer. The organizing principle here is the order in which you worked on projects.
• Combination , including your full-time employment. Newer freelancers might wish to do a combination resume, which includes both work history and skills.
• By skill set . Also called a functional resume , this style highlights what you can do, not the order in which you acquired your skills or demonstrated them.

Your resume is not an autobiography; at most, it's a profile piece in a glossy magazine. Better yet, it's your most targeted social media profile—organized, precise, and directed unwaveringly at getting you the opportunities you want the most.

This means you need to cut out anything that isn't totally necessary, including unrelated job skills and accomplishments, no matter how impressive, and any projects that don't demonstrate your aptitude for the gig you're after.

Skip These Unnecessary Space Wasters

In fact, there are some traditional resume components that you can almost always skip completely, including:

• Objective. Usually taking up a line or two of space at the top of your resume or CV, this is redundant after your targeted cover letter and costs precious seconds that potential clients could be using to take in your skills and experience. 
• References available upon request. You should definitely have professional references , ready to go—but you don't need to tell people that. They'll assume that you'll be willing to furnish them with contact information for happy clients and previous employers.

In the olden days, graphic artists carried heavy portfolios and journalists toted binders full of yellowing clips, but now you can store your work samples online, via any number of free or paid services, and add your URL directly to your resume, cover letter, or application materials.

This is an example of a resume for a freelance position. Download the freelance resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Freelance Resume Sample (Text Version)

John C. Writer 423 Allen Street, Apt. 2  Pittsburgh, PA 99999 (123) 456-7890 jcwriter@email.com

FREELANCE WRITER AND EDITOR

Creating compelling articles, documents, and social media posts for a variety of clients

Award-winning Freelance Writer, Editor, and Social Media Manager with 10+ years’ experience creating online content that draws plenty of clicks, as well as elegant documents and articles for various clients.

Key skills include:

• Expert in Online Traffic Analysis and Targeted Content Creation
• Fluent in SEO Process
• Have Written About and Edited Content on Men’s Health, Sports, and Parenting.
• Can Create Internal & External Communications

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK, Pittsburgh, PA EDITOR AND WRITER (February 2015 – Present) Founding editor of this Bloggie-winning, highly trafficked website that has been cited in Yahoo! Sports, Deadspin, Sports Illustrated, and even The New York Times.

Notable accomplishments:

• Interview major sports figures in the NFL, NBA, and MLB for regular posts and articles.
• Oversee a staff of 10 freelance writers and editors who contribute weekly content.

MENSMAG.COM, New York, NY FREELANCE EDITOR AND WRITER (June 2010 – February 2015) Contributed to sports, health, and parenting sections as a freelance writer and editor.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Created targeted content based on traffic analysis, often producing most-read pieces on the site.
• Edited copy produced by nearly 100 freelance writers through the U.S.

EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY , Washington, D.C.

Bachelor of Science in English Literature (3.75 GPA; Graduated Magma Cum Laude), May 2010

Certifications and Organizations

Certificate in Social Media Management (CSMM) • American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA)

Other Skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel • Proficient in HTML

Once you have your resume created, you can address the problem writing a cover letter.

Focus Your Cover Letter on Being a Solution

Why do they need you? Because they have a problem they need to solve. Your goal is to show why you're the best person to provide that solution.

This focuses your cover letter right off the bat. No longer are you thinking of your entire work history or even the skills of which you're most proud. You now have a laser focus on the thing that really matters: fixing what's broken, turning the merely good into the truly excellent, and saving the company time and money as you do so.

At its most basic, the freelancer's cover letter looks a lot like everyone else's. You need at least three paragraphs in your letter : an introduction explaining how you found the job or lead, a middle paragraph outlining your skills and abilities, and a closing paragraph indicating how you'll be following up.

Beyond that, focus on making your letter easy to scan. Bullets are your friend, especially when you're listing your relevant skills or projects that demonstrate your talents . Assume that the person reading your cover letter will spend only a few seconds on it, and make sure that he or she can see the highlights in just a quick glance.

Don't forget to include keywords , especially if your materials will have to go through some sort of screening software in order to make it to a real, live person.

At least 60% of all jobs are acquired through networking , and freelancing is no exception. It's always better if you can have a mutual acquaintance pass along your materials, including your cover letter.

If you can't dig up a connection through colleagues, friends, family, or social media, take the time to find an actual name to include in your salutation. Avoid "to whom it may concern" if all possible. Generic addresses let the hiring manager off the hook. Think of how responsive you are to email solicitations from companies that can't even be bothered to figure out your name. (Not very.)

Don't forget to include URLs to online clips, sites, or projects, or references to an attached portfolio of your work, along with an explanation for why these particular work samples are relevant to the company's needs. Don't include everything you've ever done, or anything unrelated to the industry or the company.

Follow Up, But Don't Stalk

Close your cover letter by letting the hiring manager know when you're going to follow up, and then keep your commitment—but don't continue to pursue the contact if things don't pan out.

If you don't hear back after your initial communication, or at the designated time of follow-up, it might be appropriate to try one more time, after two weeks or so , to make sure that you haven't slipped the manager's mind.

After that, though, you have to assume that it's not going to happen with this particular potential client, at least at this time, and move on. If you exercise restraint, you won't close yourself off to future opportunities to work with the company.

This is a sample cover letter example for a freelancer. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Freelancer Cover Letter (Text Version)

John C. Writer 

423 Allen Street, Apt 2 Pittsburgh, PA 15106 412-555-1735 jc@johnwriter.com

March 25, 2021

Leroy Ramirez

Director, Human Resources

Happy Sports Website 

123 Business Rd.

Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Ramirez,

My former editor [contact name] recently told me about the senior writer position at XYZ Website, and I was excited to hear about the opportunity. I've spent the past 10 years developing award-winning, high-traffic content for sites like Mensmag.com and The Monday Morning Quarterback, which I founded and built to a top 10 sports site.

[Contact name] has told me that you're interested in adding a team member who can take XYZ Website to the next level, including incorporating social media, optimizing the site for search, and achieving consistency of tone and coverage. My experience is particularly useful to achieving your goals. I can:

• Analyze traffic and target content creation to build page views.  My content on Mensmag.com is consistently among the top 10 most-read pieces on the site, and creating and building The Monday Morning Quarterback has taught me how use analytics tools to chase down trends worth pursuing and build an audience.
• Help you get that blue verified checkmark.  I expanded the Mensmag Sports Twitter feed from 500 to 50,000 followers, including big names in the industry like Joe Sportsguy and ESPN Commentator. In July of last year, I helped earn the feed verified status.
• Get attention from the people who matter.  Whether it's getting retweets from names in the industry, boosting market share among the 18-34 demographic, or earning Bloggie awards, I have experience making great websites into excellent ones and getting them the attention they deserve. 

I would love the opportunity to talk with you about the position and what I might bring to it. I've attached my resume and clips, and will email later this week to see if we can arrange a time to talk. Thank you for your time and consideration.

John C. Writer 423 Allen Street, Apt 2 Pittsburgh, PA 15106 E-mail: jc@johnwriter.com Phone: 412-555-1735

Freelancing Cover Letter

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Freelance Writer Cover Letter Examples

A great freelance writer cover letter can help you stand out from the competition when applying for a job. Be sure to tailor your letter to the specific requirements listed in the job description, and highlight your most relevant or exceptional qualifications. The following freelance writer cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Kathyleen Sylve

(258) 331-2198

[email protected]

Dear Makahla Staeger,

I am writing to express my genuine interest in the freelance writing position advertised on Upwork Inc. With a solid foundation of five years of professional writing experience gained through my tenure at Freelancer.com Pty Limited, I have honed my ability to craft compelling content across a diverse range of topics and industries. My dedication to delivering high-quality work aligns perfectly with the standards of excellence that Upwork Inc. represents.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a myriad of clients, each with unique needs and visions. This experience has equipped me with the versatility to adapt my writing style to suit various audiences, ensuring that each piece resonates and engages effectively. My portfolio is a testament to my commitment to quality, showcasing a wide array of content including articles, blog posts, marketing copy, and technical writing.

I take pride in my ability to research thoroughly and write with authority on subjects ranging from technology and business to lifestyle and travel. This has not only allowed me to deliver content that is both informative and enjoyable to read but has also helped me to build a reputation as a reliable and insightful freelancer who adds value to every project.

My approach to freelance writing is characterized by my meticulous attention to detail, my unwavering respect for deadlines, and my collaborative spirit. I believe that communication is key to a successful partnership, and I am dedicated to maintaining transparency and responsiveness throughout every stage of a project.

I am eager to bring my skills and passion for writing to Upwork Inc. and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team. I am confident that my experience and dedication will enable me to make a significant impact on your projects, and I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my background, skills, and enthusiasms can align with the goals of your company.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to the success of Upwork Inc.

Warm regards,

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Professional Freelance Editor Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your freelance editor cover letter, it's crucial to highlight your command of language and attention to detail. Demonstrate your proficiency with grammar, style, and clarity to show you can enhance any written work. Furthermore, emphasize your adaptability and experience with different types of content. Your cover letter should assure potential clients of your ability to tailor your skills to their unique editorial needs.

Cover Letter Guide

Freelance Editor Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Freelance Editor Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on your freelance editor journey, you've likely noticed that a standout cover letter is a must alongside your resume. It's not just a rehash of your accolades but a window into your proudest professional moment, spun into a compelling narrative. Writing this formal yet uniquely personal letter can feel like walking a tightrope—dodging clichés while fitting your story neatly on one page. Unlock the secret to a cover letter that captures attention without overstepping that critical one-page mark.

• Writing the essential freelance editor cover letter sections: balancing your professionalism and personality;
• Mixing storytelling, your unique skill set, and your greatest achievement;
• Providing relevant (and interesting) information with your freelance editor cover letter, despite your lack of professional experience;
• Finding the perfect format for your[ freelance editor cover letter, using templates from industry experts.

Leverage the power of Enhancv's AI: upload your resume and our platform will map out how your freelance editor cover letter should look, in mere moments.

If the freelance editor isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Freelance Editor resume guide and example
• Freelance IT Consultant cover letter example
• Freelance Content Writer cover letter example
• Freelance Interpreter cover letter example
• Freelance Tutor cover letter example
• Freelancer cover letter example
• Freelance Video Editor cover letter example
• Freelance Illustrator cover letter example
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Freelance Editor cover letter example

Mia Williams

Fort Worth, Texas

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasizing measurable results, such as the 40% surge in client engagement and a 15% annual growth in specialized project requests, directly connects past achievements to potential future contributions, showcasing the ability to deliver impactful outcomes.
• Highlighting leadership experience in directing a video editing team aligns with the responsibilities expected in a senior-level role, demonstrating readiness to take on a similar or greater level of responsibility within the new company.
• Mentioning the specific type of content (docu-style series) provides a clear example of relevant work, which shows the applicant's expertise and understanding of the industry, possibly matching the kind of projects the new company specializes in.

The must-have sections and format of your freelance editor cover letter

When writing your freelance editor cover letter, keep in mind that it'll only be read by the recruiters and not the Applicant Tracker System (or software used to assess your profile). That's why you should structure your content with a/an:

• Header (apart from your contact information, include your name, the role you're applying for, and the date);
• Personalized salutation;
• Opening paragraph to win the recruiters over;
• Middle paragraph with key details;
• Closing that starts from clichés;
• Sign off (that's not mandatory).

Industry standards dictate your paragraphs to be single-spaced and to wrap your content in a one-inch margin. Designing your freelance editor cover letter, refer to one of our templates , which automatically takes care of the spacing and margins.

Choose the same font for your freelance editor cover letter as you did for your resume : the likes of Lato and Bitter would help you to stand out in a sea of cover letters in Arial or Times New Roman.

Export your whole freelance editor cover letter from our builder in PDF to keep the same formatting and image quality.

The top sections on a freelance editor cover letter

• Header: Include your contact information at the top of the letter; it's crucial for ensuring the recruiter can easily follow up with you after reviewing your application.
• Opening Greeting: Use a professional salutation to address the recruiter or hiring manager, which sets a respectful tone for your cover letter.
• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state your interest in the freelance editing position, mentioning where you found the job listing to convey your genuine enthusiasm for this specific opportunity.
• Editing Experience and Skills Body: Highlight your relevant editing experience, expertise in various editing styles (e.g., APA, Chicago), and proficiency with editing tools, which are all pertinent to demonstrating your capability for the role.
• Closing and Call to Action: End your cover letter with a polite conclusion, reiterating your interest in the position and inviting the recruiter to contact you, which subtly prompts further communication.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Attention to Detail: Essential for catching grammatical, punctuation, and formatting errors to ensure the final content is polished and error-free.

Strong Grasp of Language and Grammar: Mastery of language rules and nuances is crucial for effectively editing and enhancing the clarity and readability of texts.

Experience in Relevant Fields or Genres: Familiarity with the specific content area or genre (academic, technical, fiction, etc.) is important to understand the context and intended audience.

Ability to Maintain Author Voice: The skill to make revisions without altering the author's intended tone or style is critical in maintaining the authenticity of the work.

Time Management and Meeting Deadlines: Efficiency and punctuality in handling projects, with a track record of meeting editorial deadlines.

Excellent Communication Skills: Capability to provide clear, constructive feedback to writers and to collaborate effectively with clients and other members of the editorial team.

How to greet recruiters in your freelance editor cover letter salutation

As the saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."

Write your freelance editor cover letter salutation to be more personalized to the actual hiring manager, who is set to assess your profile by:

• greeting them on a first-name basis, if you have previously communicated with them (e.g. "Dear Sam,");
• using their last name, if you have more formal communication or haven't spoken to them (e.g. "Dear Mr. Harrows" or "Dear Ms. Marshall");
• writing "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager", if you have no clue about who's recruiting for the role.

Search on LinkedIn, Google, or the company website to find information as to the recruiter's name.

In any case, avoid the impersonal "Dear Sir or Madam".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Dear [Editor-in-Chief],
• Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
• Dear [Managing Editor],
• Dear [Publication Name] Team,
• Dear [First Name]

The freelance editor cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture

You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your freelance editor cover letter.

Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.

Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning freelance editor cover letter introduction:

• get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
• focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.

How to write an achievement-focused freelance editor cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your freelance editor cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Closing paragraph basics: choose between a promise and a call to action

You've done all the hard work - congratulations! You've almost reached the end of your freelance editor cover letter .

But how do you ensure recruiters, who have read your application this far, remember you?

Most freelance editor professionals end their cover letter with a promise - hinting at their potential and what they plan on achieving if they're hired.

Another option would be to include a call for follow-up, where you remind recruiters that you're very interested in the opportunity (and look forward to hearing from them, soon).

Choose to close your freelance editor cover letter in the way that best fits your personality.

Freelance Editor cover letter advice for candidates with no experience

If you're worried about writing your Freelance Editor cover letter and have no professional experience , we sure have some advice for you.

Turn recruiters' attention to your transferable or relevant skills gained thanks to your life and work experience.

Instead of writing about past jobs, focus on one achievement (whether from your volunteering experience, education, etc.) and the skills it has helped you build.

Alternatively, you could focus your Freelance Editor cover letter on your career objectives and goals. Always remember to make those relevant to the job you're applying for by detailing how you see yourself growing as part of the company.

Recruiters would be way more impressed with candidates who fit the job profile and can bring about plenty of skills and vision to the table.

Key takeaways

Winning at your job application game starts with a clear and concise freelance editor cover letter that:

• Has single-spaced paragraphs, is wrapped in a one-inch margin, and uses the same font as the freelance editor resume;
• Is personalized to the recruiter (using their name in the greeting) and the role (focusing on your one key achievement that answers job requirements);
• Includes an introduction that helps you stand out and show what value you'd bring to the company;
• Substitutes your lack of experience with an outside-of-work success, that has taught you valuable skills;
• Ends with a call for follow-up or hints at how you'd improve the organization, team, or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

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