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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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How to Write a Cover Letter for a Freelance Job

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a freelance job.

Melissa Mauro

As a freelancer, finding new clients and gigs might just be the most difficult and time-consuming task. Of course, your connections and networking skills matter a lot for this, but your resume does too.

Nevertheless, there is something that many freelancers either underestimate or forget about. Your cover letter could be the component that would ultimately determine whether you get a job or not. Hence, here’s how to write a cover letter for a freelance job.

#1 Understand Cover Letters

It goes without saying that you absolutely need a cover letter as a freelancer. But why exactly is this? Here are just some reasons to use a cover letter to get a freelance job:

It shows your professionalism. You understand that a resume and portfolio are not always enough to show who you are as a person and why someone would want to hire you which is why you are including a cover letter.

It shows your motivation and expertise. By explaining why you applied for a specific job, you show your potential employer that you truly do know the topic and want to complete the project because you are actually interested in it.

It is often a requirement in job listings. In many cases, attaching a cover letter is optional, but there are some gigs that will require you to attach a cover letter to be able to apply.

It can be a letter you use to reach out to potential clients on your own. A cover letter isn’t necessarily used to apply for job listings. You can also use it to contact people you think might be interested in your services (e.g. small business owners).

#2 Showcase Your Personality

As explained above, a cover letter can help you show your personality. Your resume lists hard facts about your education, experience, expertise, and skills. But what about who you are as a person? That’s something your cover letter can show if you write it with the intention of showcasing your personality.

For instance, if you are a writer who often inserts humor in their content, you can show that in your cover letter by using humor there. On the other hand, if you prefer to be very serious and professional in all your communication with the client, you can show that through your cover letter as well.

#3 Include Relevant Keywords

You’ve probably heard of the way resumes are often assessed. Instead of a person viewing the resume, the document is first analyzed by a program that detects relevant keywords. If there are no such keywords, then the HR manager won’t even bother to look at the resume. While this isn’t the case for cover letters, you should still try to include relevant keywords.

Even as humans, we detect these keywords on a subconscious level. When your potential employer will be reading your cover letter, they will notice these keywords. They will be sending a signal to the reader that you have the right traits, skills, experience, etc. that the employer is looking for.

#4 Show Off Your Skillset

Speaking of your skills, your cover letter can also be used to show off your skillset. Even though you have already listed your skills in your resume, the skills you show in your cover letter are primarily soft skills that can’t be verified in any other way. Hard skills are supported by your experience and education, but soft skills are intangible.

That’s why your cover letter is where you can show off your soft skills. Things like trust, organization, motivation, and flexibility are all important for being a successful freelancer – and employers know this. Your wording also matters because it can help you show that you know how to communicate effectively.

#5 Display Your Own Value

In your resume, you can list some of the achievements you are most proud of. Your portfolio can show your skills. But to truly support the fact that you are a valuable asset to your potential employer, you need to utilize your cover letter. This is where you can display your own value.

Highlight the achievement you are most proud of that you mentioned on your resume. Explain your long-term goals and ambitions for your career. Show that you are motivated and want to grow and improve over time. That’s when the letter’s reader will want to pay for writing , graphic design, or other services you have to offer.

#6 Establish a Personal Connection

Because your resume only lists hard facts, you don’t actually appear as a person to your potential employer. You are just one of the many options they have to choose from. On the other hand, if you are able to establish a personal connection with them, they will be more likely to choose you over other applicants.

This is why many HR managers recommend that you customize your cover letters based on who you are sending them to. Research a little about the person who will likely be reading your letter and use the information you find to establish a connection with them.

#7 Format Your Letter Correctly

Formatting might not be your number one priority, but it’s actually important for your cover letter to be treated seriously. If the reader sees that your letter looks awkward, they might not even bother to read it. Even if they do read it, they will still keep in mind that the letter was not formatted or formatted in a strange way which could signal that you aren’t professional.

To format your cover letter correctly, think about it as a standard email . Begin with a proper greeting and break up the body of the letter into paragraphs. End correctly and add your name, title (e.g. Freelance Writer), and contact information.

#8 Add a Call to Action at the End

Speaking of the way you end your letter, it’s worth adding a call to action at the very end of it. A call to action that urges the reader to get back to you will remind them that you are waiting for their reply. The most common way to end your letter is something along the lines of, “Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to your reply.”

You can also add, “Please, do write back.” If you want to have a more straightforward CTA. Don’t forget to add “Best regards” or “All the best” and your name at the very end. As noted above, you should also add your title and contact information under your name.

#9 Proofread and Edit Your Letter

Once your letter is ready, you will need to proofread it carefully and edit any parts that need to be corrected. It’s a good idea to proofread your letter multiple times with different goals in mind. First, check whether it is coherent and includes all the points you wanted to include. Second, check that there are no linguistic errors such as grammar or punctuation mistakes.

You can even let someone else read your cover letter to double-check that it. A freelancer you know, a friend, or a family member can all help you with this. They could notice mistakes that you didn’t see. Once you are certain that the letter is all right, you can send it with your resume and portfolio to potential employers. If you need to, alter the letter to fit job listings better or maybe even write other versions for different types of jobs you apply to.

To summarize, writing a cover letter is just as important as creating your resume, so don’t underestimate it. Use the tips in this article to help you write your own cover letter and get more clients and gigs with its help.

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• Career Planning
• Finding a Job

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

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.

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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

Freelance Cover Letter Examples

A great freelance 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 cover letter example can give you some ideas on how to write your own letter.

or download as PDF

Cover Letter Example (Text)

Percilla Aamodt

(968) 310-5527

[email protected]

Dear Daphna Paradowski,

I am writing to express my interest in the freelance opportunity at Upwork Inc. as advertised. With a solid five-year track record of delivering high-quality work in the gig economy, primarily through Fiverr International Ltd., I am excited about the prospect of bringing my diverse skill set and dedicated work ethic to your esteemed platform.

During my tenure at Fiverr, I honed my ability to manage a wide array of projects, consistently meeting and exceeding client expectations. My commitment to delivering exceptional results on time has been the cornerstone of my freelance career, earning me a reputation for reliability and excellence. I have cultivated strong communication and organizational skills, which have enabled me to thrive in a self-directed environment while fostering positive client relationships.

I am particularly drawn to Upwork Inc. because of its unparalleled reputation for connecting freelancers with meaningful, high-quality work opportunities. I am eager to leverage my experience in a more dynamic marketplace that Upwork offers, and I am confident that my background aligns well with the needs of your clients. My adaptability and eagerness to embrace new challenges will allow me to contribute effectively to projects across various industries.

Furthermore, I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. Staying abreast of the latest industry trends and tools has been instrumental in my ability to provide innovative solutions and add value for my clients. I am enthusiastic about the chance to collaborate with Upwork's diverse community of professionals and am confident that my passion for excellence will make a positive impact.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of discussing how my experience and skills can contribute to the success of Upwork's clients. I am excited about the opportunity to join your network of talented freelancers and am ready to bring my dedication and expertise to your platform.

Warm regards,

Related Cover Letter Examples

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• Case Studies

How to write a killer freelance cover letter?

When starting out as a freelancer , freelance cover letters can be a source of anxiety. For those who are already comfortable with traditional cover letters and resumes, it’s a bit easier though. That being said, the freelance cover letter is a bit different from standard cover letters . After all, you’re not applying for a full-time job. You’re most likely vying for a place on a specific project.

It’s a simple fact: the cover letter that gets you the interview is a good cover letter. That’s not to say that any cover letter that doesn’t get you a foot into the door is bad. Rather, your cover letter needs to have the right structure, stress relevant information and fit the specific needs of the client . How to write a killer freelance cover letter? The must-have elements of a good cover letter are presented below.

Freelance cover letter: make a good first impression

The freelance cover letter looks a lot like a standard application letter. The main difference being that the first one is a lot more specific and “precise” than the second one. For a standard cover letter, you are encouraged to show versatility and to present a profile that will serve the company on the long run. Whereas the freelance cover letter doesn’t necessarily have those aims.

In fact, freelance projects durations can range from a few days,, to a few weeks or even years. However, clients don’t typically recruit the most versatile projects they can find when there is a highly specialized talent pool to choose from .

The freelance cover letter is often the first contact; the freelancer’s chance to make a good first impression with their future client. Typically, freelancers try to fit the job description to a T and try to present themselves as the missing link for a specific project.

For example, on a fashion project, the independent worker will try to convince that they are fans of Dior or Louis Vuitton. For video game relate projects, they will list every single accomplishment they ever had in that area. There is nothing wrong with that per se, but it’s not the best way to apply on freelance projects.

Go beyond the standard application letter : do the research!

One perk freelancers have when writing application letters, is that we already know the type of project to which we will contribute . Going through the job description often provides useful and relevant information in that regard. All things considered, this research method should also be applied to standard cover letters . If you’re not doing it already, you should definitely start.

What is the client’s website? What are the stated goals on their about page? What are relevant and recent news regarding the brand? What is the scope of the project and obstacles they may face? This information, when they’re available, will allow you to craft the kind of cover letter that highlights the skills that will benefit the client.

And when the information is not readily available, ask for it in your cover letter. This is another one of the main advantages you have over common application letters. Your freelance cover letter should tell the client precisely how you can help his project. And if not, it should at least allow you to ask useful questions in order to get the data .

The “must-have” elements of a good cover letter

If there is one piece of advice I can give, is to avoid standard templates you can copy and paste on all applications. If possible, always rite your freelance cover letters from scratch and craft it around the specifics of each job.

Here are the main elements that should always appear in your application letters:

Your presentation

Your name and surname obviously. Sometimes your country or residence or origin if it’s relevant to the job. Any other personal information that can make your profile shine can be added to this section . For instance, you can let the client know that you have young children at home, if they are looking for a content writer for their childcare website.

Your expertise

The client already knows whether you are a writer, a graphic designer or a developer. What they don’t know yet, is that you’ve worked on such and such large scale projects, that you have real-world experience regarding the tasks they want to give you. Don’t forget to add samples of your work: articles, links to websites and any other relevant documents you can attach to your cover letter .

Your certifications

If you don’t have prior experience, you should try to impress with certifications and diplomas. Of course, only send the ones that pertain to the project you are applying to.

Your questions

As stated earlier, the freelance cover letter is your first impression. Be curious and inquisitive! It’s the perfect moment to ask details about the project: the obstacles they are facing, their work processes, etc. These are questions you are likely to ask during the interview, but it doesn’t hurt to show that you understand the scope and outlines of such projects.

Your suggestions

If you notice some elements in the project description that could be further optimized, you can already make suggestions inside your cover letter. Let’s say the job is to edit travel videos about South-East Asia for French expats… Why not suggest to make short videos to share on Twitter and Tik Tok too? Even the most obvious ideas can become relevant suggestions . Don’t hesitate!

Not everyone agrees on this point. However, I think that your rates should be clearly presented within your freelance cover letter . That way, nor you, nor your client loses time. And when possible (which is always), your rates should be clearly and precisely itemized.

Freelance Cover Letter Template

The following cover letter was used for an old application. This letter didn’t get me the job, but it contains all the key elements of a good freelance cover letter.

Hi, My name is [REDACTED] ., I’m a native French speaker from [REDACTED] . I’ve read the job description and I would like to apply. have a many years of experience as a content writer under my belt and I have an advanced understanding of SEO. I am specialized in organic SEO and I understand how optimized content can contribute to an effective long term SEO strategy. I’ve written content regarding SEO best practices, natural indexing, the importance of social media strategies, PPC campaigns, etc. I’m confident that I would be able to deliver the kind of insightful content that will educate your readers on the importance and reach of such services. You will find such articles on [REDACTED] . I also have experience when it comes to rewriting (and rejuvenating) existing content. For such tasks, I can guarantee that the final content will fit any criteria imposed by platforms such as SurferSEO or even ClearScope.io (if you require it). I’m also comfortable working with WordPress and using plugins such as YoastSEO or RankMath. I actually use such tools on my own website : [REDACTED] . I noticed that there is no information regarding the length of the texts. I’m assuming that these will be around 1000 words. I also understand that you will want to retain all rights to the content. On that basis, I will charge $140 per article (which amounts to 3 hours or research and writing + 1 hour set aside for final revisions after feedback). Taking into account the relatively short deadline and the fact that some of the texts are already partially written (and will therefore take less time), my total estimate for the cost of this project is $2500 should you choose to work with me. I can guarantee delivery before the specified deadline (5 weeks at most). I can guarantee the authenticity of the content and its perfect integration with your global SEO strategy. The content will reach your audiences and effectively impact search engine rankings. I’m available to answer any clarification questions you may have. Best Regards, [REDACTED] .

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Land Your Dream Freelance Gig: Upwork Cover Letter Guide

Landing freelance gigs on Upwork requires more than just a stellar profile. While your skills and experience take centre stage, a well-crafted cover letter can be the secret weapon that sets you apart from the competition. 

This guide equips you with expert tips and winning templates for cover letters for Upwork to craft proposals that grab clients' attention and secure those dream projects.

Understanding the Importance of a Cover Letter on Upwork

Defining a cover letter in the freelance landscape.

Cover letters on Upwork serve as introductions, expand your profile, and showcase your suitability for the job, much like in the traditional job market. It's your chance to personalise your proposal, demonstrate your understanding of the project, and showcase what makes you the ideal freelancer for the job.

Why Your Upwork Cover Letter Makes a Difference

Here's why a cover letter matters:

• Provides Context on Your Fit:  A cover letter allows you to expand on your experience and skills beyond a simple resume bullet point. You can explain how your unique background and approach make you the perfect person for the role.
• Cuts Through the Noise: Upwork is a crowded marketplace. A strong cover letter makes you stand out.
• Demonstrates Initiative and Communication Skills: A well-written cover letter showcases your professionalism and ability to communicate effectively, essential qualities for any freelancer.
• Opportunity to Address Specific Requirements: A cover letter for Upwork helps highlight your skills directly relevant to the project's needs, demonstrating your understanding of the client's goals.

Crafting a Winning Cover Letter: Essential Tips

Now that you understand the importance of a cover letter let's delve into the key elements that make it effective:

Add Your Personality (While Remaining Professional)

While professionalism is key, there's no need to be boring. Write in a conversational tone that's respectful but engaging. Avoid starting with dull phrases like "My name is Job Applicant Jean" and instead, let your personality shine through with phrases like “Having helped clients achieve [Specific results] in the past, I believe my skills can be a valuable asset to your [Project Name] project.” 

Integrate Keywords Seamlessly

Pay attention to the keywords used in the project description. Subtly integrate these keywords throughout your cover letter for Upwork to improve your proposal's searchability within Upwork's search engine.

Example: Look for keywords in the project description (e.g., "social media marketing"). Subtly weave them into your cover letter to improve searchability within Upwork's search engine. Instead of generic statements like " I have experience in marketing ,” go for keyword integration: " I noticed you mentioned a focus on social media marketing and audience engagement. In my previous role, I managed social media campaigns that grew follower bases by 30% through targeted content strategies. "

Proactively Address Client Concerns

Anticipate potential concerns clients might have and address them directly in your cover letter. This demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to think ahead.

For example, instead of leaving clients wondering with generic statements like "I'm a great writer, trust me,” try addressing concerns like"I understand clear communication is crucial. I provide regular progress updates and keep you informed throughout the project. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns."

Crafting a Memorable Closing Statement

Instead of a standard sign-off, conclude with a call to action that reinforces your value proposition.

Example: "I'm confident my skills can significantly benefit your project. Let's discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. I'm available for a call at your earliest convenience."

Refine Your Approach: As you gain experience, track what resonates with clients and adapt your cover letters for continued success.

Showcase Your Passion and Understanding of the Client's Industry

Go beyond just listing your skills. Briefly mention what excites you about the client's industry or project type. This demonstrates genuine interest and sets you apart from freelancers focused solely on the job itself.

Example: "I've been following the impressive work your company has done in the sustainability sector, and I'm particularly passionate about [specific aspect of the industry]. My experience in [relevant skill] combined with my enthusiasm for this field allows me to bring a unique perspective to your project."

Highlight Your Skills and Quantify Your Achievements (When Possible)

Don't simply repeat your resume. Briefly showcase your most relevant skills and experiences that directly address the project's requirements. Back up your claims with data. Numbers add credibility and give clients a clearer picture of your impact.

Example: Instead of saying " increased website traffic, " quantify it. " I crafted SEO-optimised blog posts that resulted in a 25% increase in organic website traffic for my previous client. "

By incorporating these essential tips, you'll craft compelling cover letters that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. Keep personalising and refining your approach to stand out on Upwork!

Sample Cover Letter Templates for Success

These Upwork cover letter samples provide a foundation to build upon, tailored to different freelance specialities.

General Template: A Versatile Approach

Hi [Client Name],

I am writing to express my interest in your project for [Project Title]. Having reviewed the details, I am confident that my skills and experience in [Your Skills] make me a strong fit for this role.

In my previous work with [Previous Client/Company], | successfully [Describe a Relevant Achievement]. My portfolio showcases a range of projects that demonstrate my ability to [Highlight Relevant Skills]

I am eager to learn more about your vision for this project and discuss how | can contribute to its success. Please find my portfolio attached for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your Name]

Web Designing Template

Dear [Client Name],

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my expertise in web design. With [Number] years of experience crafting user-friendly and visually appealing websites, I am confident I can deliver exceptional results.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I designed a website that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g., traffic, conversions]. My portfolio showcases my ability to design websites that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also optimised for [Areas of Expertise, e.g. SEO, mobile responsiveness].

I'm eager to discuss your vision for the website and collaborate on a design that exceeds your expectations. Please find my portfolio linked below for your reference: [Portfolio Link]

Content Writing Template

Hey[Client Name],

I came across your project for [Project Title] and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to leverage my content writing skills. With [Number] years of experience crafting engaging and informative content, I am confident I can create pieces that resonate with your target audience and achieve your desired goals.

In my previous role at [Previous Client/Company], I successfully increased website traffic by [Quantifiable Achievement] through the creation of [Type of Content, e.g., blog posts, SEO-optimised articles]. My portfolio showcases my ability to write in various styles and tones, ensuring your content aligns perfectly with your brand voice.

I'm eager to discuss your content strategy and brainstorm ideas that will captivate your audience and drive results. Please find writing samples relevant to your project in my portfolio linked below: [Portfolio Link]

Graphic Design Template

I'm excited to submit my proposal for your [Project Title] project. Having reviewed the details, I am confident my expertise in graphic design can deliver visually stunning and impactful creative assets that align with your vision.

For [Number] years, I've been helping businesses like yours create captivating visuals that elevate their brand identity. In my previous project for [Previous Client], | designed [Type of Design, e.g. logos, social media graphics, website banners] that resulted in a [Quantifiable Achievement] increase in [Metric, e.g. brand awareness, engagement].

My portfolio showcases my design versatility and ability to translate your ideas into effective visuals. I'm particularly skilled in [Areas of Expertise, e.g., brand identity design, illustration, UI/UX design. I'm eager to collaborate with you and bring your design vision to life. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing relevant design work: [Portfolio Link].

Video Editing Template

Hello [Client Name],

Having reviewed your project for [Project Title], I'm confident my video editing skills and creative vision can transform your raw footage into a compelling and engaging video.

With a passion for storytelling and [Number] years of experience editing videos for [Previous Clients/Companies/Industries], | possess a strong understanding of pacing, transitions, and the power of visuals to capture and hold the audience attention.

In my previous project for [Previous Client], I edited a video that achieved [Quantifiable Achievement] by utilising [Specific Editing Techniques]. My portfolio showcases my ability to edit videos across various styles, from promotional content to explainer videos.

I'm eager to discuss your vision for this project and collaborate on crafting a video that exceeds your expectations. Please find a link to my portfolio showcasing my editing skills: [Portfolio Link].

Note: Adapt the bracketed sections to your specific skill set. Also, while you can use these templates for reference, it's important to make your cover letter very personalised.

By incorporating these tips and templates, you'll be well on your way to crafting compelling cover letters for upwork proposals that land you the freelance projects you deserve. Remember, a cover letter is an ongoing conversation. As you gain experience on Upwork, track what resonates with clients and refine your approach for continued success.

Q1. What Components Are Mandatory for a Good Cover Letter?

Ans. While there's no strict format, strong cover letters typically include:

• A personalised greeting
• A brief introduction highlighting your relevant skills and experience
• A specific example from your portfolio that showcases your expertise
• A closing that expresses your enthusiasm and next steps (e.g., call to schedule a call)

Q2. The Resume and Cover Letter Dilemma: To Copy or Not to Copy?

Ans. Your cover letter shouldn't simply replicate your resume. It expands upon your resume by demonstrating your understanding of the specific project and how your skills directly benefit the client.

Q3. What is the difference between a Proposal vs. a Cover Letter?

Ans. On Upwork, the terms "proposal" and "cover letter" are often used interchangeably. They both refer to the written document submitted to convince a client to hire you. However, some freelancers differentiate between the two. A cover letter might be the initial introduction, while a proposal includes the cover letter alongside more detailed information about your approach, timeline, and pricing.

Q4. Should you use ChatGPT to write your cover letter?

Ans. While AI writing tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas, it's crucial to maintain a personal touch in your cover letter. Clients value genuine communication and a clear understanding of your skills. It's best to use these tools as a starting point and then personalise the content for each project.

How To Create A Freelance Writer Cover Letter (+Sample)

“First impressions last a lifetime.”

Nowhere is this truer than in the world of freelance writing, where your cover letter is often the first introduction a client has to your professional capabilities. A compelling cover letter can be the gateway to securing coveted projects . However, even seasoned writers sometimes falter when it comes to crafting an engaging cover letter that succinctly captures their skills and enthusiasm. Fear not! I’m here to guide you through the nuances of creating that perfect first impression. Stick around, and I’ll also provide a sample to get you started on the right foot.

How To Write A Freelance Writer Cover Letter

The best rule to follow while writing a cover letter is to keep it simple . You don’t have to get into fancy details and take things out of the way. Clients don’t want to waste their time reading irrelevant information. Let’s talk about the best things to include in your cover letter.

1. Greet the client

What do you do when you first meet someone? You greet them! Although professional greetings typically include addressing the other person “mam” or “sir”, that’s not the case with freelance writer cover letters. For cover letters, you can neither be too casual nor too formal while greeting the client. However, it’s still necessary to keep your tone professional as you’re talking to someone for the first time. You cannot go like, “Hey, what’s up?”. Such sentences will spoil the first impression, as it is extremely casual. So, the best idea is to greet the client with “Hey” or “Hi” and mention the client’s name as well. This will help build a personal connection.

2. Make the client feel the job is for you

When writing a cover letter , use a confident tone and make the client feel you’re the best candidate for the position. To do this, you can start the cover letter with a personable and conversational sentence. A casual tone might do the job here. This first line should tell the client that you’re the one they’re looking for. Also, make it your goal to establish a rapport with the client early on.

3. Introduce yourself

A short introduction is enough to tell the client about you. If they’re interested in knowing more, they’ll ask you in the interview process. Therefore, the introduction should comprise a line or two, specifically about your career as a freelance writer . Going out of the way and including your education, age, location, etc., will sound sloppy unless required. You can introduce yourself as a content writer and tell the client how you came to know about their job post if the situation calls for it. A line or two will do the job!

4. Share your experience

Letting the client know about your experience is one of the most important aspects of a freelance writer ’s cover letter. After all, they need to know about your expertise and professionalism to consider you for the position. Mentioning your track record in the cover letter helps you stand out among the pool of applicants.

Here’s what might count when touting your work experience:

• How long you’ve been in content writing
• The number of articles you’ve written
• The type of content you specialize in
• Your published content

Although technical skills aren’t that necessary in content writing, it’s still better to include your experience with keyword research tools and other implements that come in handy for freelance writing.

5. Stay in line with the job requirements

Even though you already have a great cover letter, it pays to customize it according to your client’s requirements. You might need to make a few edits to make the client feel as if you’ve written the cover letter specifically for them. You can leave a few spaces blank in your general cover letter and fill them in when applying for specific jobs. For example, if the client wants a writer in the pet niche, you can use the blank space in your general cover letter and add “pet niche” while applying for that job. Also, if the client wants a specialist, say in a medical niche , you’ll have an edge against the competition if you’re a doctor, or at least, have an educational background on the subject. All these tricks will help the client think you’re the right match with every line they read!

6. Don’t forget any extra skills!

While your experience is the first thing to make you stand out in the market, your specialized skills that apply to the job come next. If you have some extra skills like keyword research or creative abilities like basic graphic design and lay-outing, it’s best to mention them too. These skills will increase your chances of getting hired as the clients will trust you more.

7. Hook the client with your words

Well, being a professional writer , keeping the readers hooked by the right words won’t be a difficult task, right? With every line the client reads, they should get a value that’ll persuade them to hire you. If they see benefits in what you offer, they’ll take the step forward.

8. Keep it short and to the point

Many writers think cover letters should be verbose with several paragraphs. But they’re wrong. Cover letters are supposed to be concise and direct to the point. You should limit your cover letter to 3-4 paragraphs only. Just think of it this way: clients have probably hundreds of job proposals in line. With so much work already on their list, do they have time to read tediously long cover letters? So, it’s better to make things easy for your client as well. While many people might opt for long cover letters, you should not follow suit, unless it’s required by the client, which rarely does. For example, the client might want to know about the applicant’s detailed experience. In that case, you can make the cover letter longer by adding a few more things. But generally, keep it short and to the point.

9. Wrap it up

As you end up, you can establish a friendly relationship with the client. Start by thanking them and letting them know that applying for the job is a good experience for you and you’ll be happy to get this role. Then, express your willingness to answer whatever other questions they may have, and leave your contact details or how they can reach you.

10. Proofread it!

Proofreading your cover letter is essential. You might come across mistakes you previously overlooked. As a content writer, any grammatical or spelling errors will impede your chances of getting hired. So, make sure your cover letter is free of mistakes. As a practical application of what we discussed above, I prepared a freelance writer cover letter sample for you!

Freelance writer cover letter sample

Dear [client’s name], I was excited to come across your content writing opportunity, and I believe my 5+ years of experience in the field aligns perfectly with your requirements. Throughout my writing journey, I have consistently produced high-quality blog posts, website content, and affiliate reviews. My proficiency doesn’t just stop at creating compelling narratives; I am also well-versed in SEO and utilize state-of-the-art keyword research tools. My articles have consistently achieved top rankings on Google, resulting in a traffic increase of up to 25% for numerous clients. Understanding the ever-evolving digital landscape, I ensure that my writing remains conversational and engaging, keeping readers hooked and conveying the intended message effectively. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of leveraging my skills to drive results for your company. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to discuss how I can be an asset to your team. Warm regards, [Your Name]

Final words

Creating a freelance writer cover letter may seem difficult because of the need to convey substantial information in just a few paragraphs. I trust that the comprehensive guide I presented here, along with a free sample at the end, will help you! Next up, you may want to explore a guide on how to create a freelance writer bio .

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Hey there, welcome to my blog! I'm a full-time entrepreneur building two companies, a digital marketer, and a content creator with 10+ years of experience. I started RafalReyzer.com to provide you with great tools and strategies you can use to become a proficient digital marketer and achieve freedom through online creativity. My site is a one-stop shop for digital marketers, and content enthusiasts who want to be independent, earn more money, and create beautiful things. Explore my journey here , and don't miss out on my AI Marketing Mastery online course.

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
• Freelance Production Assistant cover letter example
• Freelance Marketing Consultant cover letter example
• Freelance Copy Editor cover letter example

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.

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An Upwork Cover Letter Example For Freelancers

So, you’ve decided to join Upwork or a similar freelance marketplace. That’s a great idea! The gig economy is booming and the compensation reflects that. Freelancers providing skilled services tend to earn 70% more per hour than their cubicle-dwelling counterparts.

But, you have to be mindful of competition too. As many as 57 million workers in the US alone freelance part-time and full-time. And Upwork has some 12 million registered users. Thus, to get your piece of the pie, you really need to make Upwork ‘work’ for you.

That starts with having a well-optimized personal profile and learning to write great bidding letters for projects. This post offers some tips for that. Plus, we’ve included a quick Upwork cover letter sample you can use as a reference. Keep in mind that this post will mostly reference Upwork, but could really apply to any freelancing platform.

Start With Optimizing Your Profile

You can bet that anyone interested in your proposal is going to check out the information in your profile before they even consider you for the job. So be sure that your profile includes the following:

• A rockstar profile title that summarizes what you do.
• Crisp and professional profile picture
• Detailed profile overview that explains your professional background and highlights your skills.

You can also spice it up with testimonials/quotes from your past clients and portfolio pieces. Lastly, add extra credibility by completing several competency tests.

Be Specific in Your Proposals

In most cases, you will be applying to do a very short-term, very specific task. In your cover letter (project proposal) don’t go around the bush too much and succinctly state what makes you a good fit for that job. Include your resume only if the job posting specifically instructs you to do so.

Here’s a quick example to illustrate the point further: imagine you’re a freelance graphic designer . If you apply for a gig to design a set of landing pages, don’t waste time discussing any other skills or experience (e.g. your amazing illustration talents). Instead, write only about your experience with landing page design and perhaps conversion optimization.

Speak in Terms of The Clients Needs

Keep in mind that many of the jobs posted on Upwork are time-critical. The person who needs the work done likely has little time to train someone, or even provide a bunch of clarification. That’s why a person who can say something like: “Look, I understand what you want. Here is how I will do it. It will be done quickly. I’m ready to start immediately.’ is going to earn a second look.

To help build even more confidence in your abilities, consider including a testimonial or reference from another client. If you can show that you’ve completed similar work in the past, that will work in your favor too!

Focus on Skills, Not Personality

Normally, your cover letter is the perfect vehicle to show your enthusiasm for the company mission, and that you will fit in with the company culture. Here, none of that matters. So keep the focus on your skills and experience, not personality traits.

Answer Their Questions

Sometimes, a potential client will post a pretty detailed list of questions they want to be answered, and information that they want you to provide. On one hand, that makes it much easier for you to write the cover letter. You simply answer the questions they provide. On the other hand, if you miss anything, it could get your entire proposal eliminated from consideration. So pay attention!

Cover Letter Sample For Upwork in .docx Format

Here is a sample cover letter that you can submit in response to a short-term project on Upwork.

Download example (Word version)

Upwork Cover Letter Example – Text Format

Hi Michael,

Just checked your project details “Design a new onboarding process for a banking app” and I believe that I may be a great fit.

As a UX designer with 3 years of experience, I have previously designed account creation and account opening system flows for a lending app (received a 5-star review from the client). You can check the project details in my portfolio, along with several other designs for e-commerce, healthcare and media companies.

You mentioned that you also need someone experienced with interactive prototyping and InVision. I’m a long-term user of this app. Also familiar with Balsamiq and Adobe XD software. 

I have included information about my rates, and I am confident that I can deliver the first design mockups within 2 weeks as per your deadline. Please contact me so that we can get started.

Kevin Ninja

P.S. I took a moment to explore your website. It’s very well-designed. If you’re interested in making further changes, I believe I can make some small tweaks to your landing pages to boost conversion rates.

Final Tip: Sell a Bit Further

Treat your cover letter as a marketing document. Work mostly to sell your clients on the skills they need right now, but don’t forget to sell yourself a bit as well. Slip in a postscript or ‘aside’ to let them know other ways in which you can help!

Discover Even More Releveant Cover Letter Examples!

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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 .

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 .

Join our IT freelancer community today! Create your freelance profile in just 2 minutes .  

#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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Freelance Graphic Designer Cover Letter Example

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Start your Freelance Graphic Designer cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and briefly mention your experience and skills relevant to the job. For example, "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I am a professional freelance graphic designer with over [number of years] of experience in creating compelling visuals for a diverse range of clients." This approach immediately establishes your credentials and shows that you've taken the time to personalize your letter. It's also important to express your enthusiasm for the role you're applying for, which shows the hiring manager that you're genuinely interested in the opportunity.

The best way for Freelance Graphic Designers to end a cover letter is by summarizing their skills, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, and inviting further discussion. For example: "I am confident that my skills and passion for design make me a strong candidate for this role. I would love the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team's creative vision. Thank you for considering my application." This ending is effective because it reiterates your interest in the role, highlights your qualifications, and shows initiative by suggesting a follow-up conversation. Always remember to end with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name.

Freelance Graphic Designers should include several key elements in their cover letter to make it effective and appealing to potential clients or employers. 1. Personal Introduction: Start with a brief introduction about yourself, your career as a freelance graphic designer, and why you're interested in the specific project or job. 2. Skills and Experience: Highlight your skills and experience relevant to the job. This could include your proficiency in design software like Adobe Creative Suite, your understanding of design principles, or your experience in a specific industry. 3. Portfolio: Mention your portfolio and provide a link to it. Your portfolio is the best proof of your skills and creativity. It's important to keep it updated with your best and most recent work. 4. Project Understanding: Show that you understand the project or job requirements. Discuss how your skills and experience make you the right fit for the job. 5. Success Stories: Share a few success stories from your past work. This could be a project where your design significantly increased a client's sales, or a design that was particularly well-received. 6. Professionalism: Show your professionalism by mentioning your ability to meet deadlines, communicate effectively, and work independently or as part of a team. 7. Call to Action: End the letter with a call to action, such as an invitation to view your portfolio, a request for a meeting or call, or simply a statement of your enthusiasm for the potential opportunity. Remember, your cover letter should not just repeat your resume. It should complement it by offering a more personal insight into your skills and experiences. It's your chance to show your passion for design and your unique approach to your work.

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Senior graphic designer resume example, fresher graphic designer resume example, professional graphic designer resume example, beginner graphic designer resume example, freelance graphic designer resume example, graphic designer resume example, try our ai cover letter generator.

Cover Letter for Freelance Writer: How to Create One + Template

Cover Letter for Freelance Writer Customizable Template.

Have you ever wondered how to create a cover letter that gets you that awesome freelance writing job but aren’t sure where to start? While it may seem that creating a cover letter for a freelance writer that showcases your skills is difficult, it’s actually easier than you think!

A cover letter is designed to interest an employer enough that they want to read your resume. And since sometimes hundreds of people apply for online freelance writing jobs, standing out in a sea of applicants can be the one thing that gets you the job. 

So, it’s important to be unique but professional and illustrate with words why you’re the talented writer for them!

Most freelance writers advise you to cold email businesses in your niche to get freelance writing jobs, and that’s the long-term strategy I teach too. BUT, in the beginning, I started with job boards WHILE I did cold pitching, so I submitted a ton of cover letters and resumes.

I’m going to show you a format that you can use for every cover letter so you can just plug in the information for each section.  Then, when you’re finished, you’ll have a cover letter that shows why you’re the best person for the job. 

What is a Cover Letter?

A professional cover letter is a document that you submit with your resume when applying for a job. It should be one page, introduce you, and summarize your employment history while adding wording that matches the things the employer asked for in the ad. 

Essentially, a cover letter is an abbreviated story about your past work experience and the relevant skills that make you right for the job. 

Here you can inject a little of your personality and connect with the person behind the business. 

But each cover letter needs to be unique and tailored to the position you’re applying to. And while there are many cover letter generators and builders, it’s easy to create your own template.

So, if you stick around, I have a free cover letter template for you in just a little bit because being able to write your own cover letter is a good skill to have.

What are the Different Types of Cover Letters?

You may not know it (I didn’t initially), but technically, there are different types of cover letters that you use in various cases. 

Traditional Cover Letter for Job Applications

This cover letter is the one you include with your freelance writer resume when you apply for a job. It’s the one I’m talking about in this blog post.

It’s also known as an email cover letter since many people apply for jobs online today.  

Letter of Interest

A letter of interest or prospecting letter usually is an inquiry into job openings at a specific company. 

Referral Cover Letter

This letter is one when you use the name of a person who referred you to a particular job with a company. These letters are very helpful, especially if the company you’re applying to knows the person referring you.

A cold pitch can be considered a cover letter, too, because it’s a letter you send to a company that doesn’t have any job advertisements. You’re essentially introducing yourself and showing how you can help. 

These are just a few examples of cover letters and now we’re on to the good stuff – Tips for writing a cover letter that gets you the job.

Related: 6 Top Tips for Creating Your Freelance Writing Business Plan + Template

Tips for Writing the Best Cover Letter

Here are some helpful tips on writing a cover letter for a freelance writer, and don’t worry, you don’t need superior writing abilities to create a great one. 

1. Make It Simple and Easy to Read

Keep your freelance writer cover letter simple, brief, and easy to read. The more concise it is, the more likely the employer will actually read it. 

Choose a font that’s perfect for a cover letter and easy to read, such as Lato, Calibri, Georgia, Arial, and other ones that are not too small or fancy. This is not the time to choose an elaborate font that you think is pretty.

Also, don’t make the font smaller than 12 pt and keep the margin to around one inch all around. This format makes it easier for the person looking through hundreds of cover letters to skim yours quickly.

2. Make Each Cover Letter Unique

I know I mentioned this already, but it’s essential. Each job and each business is different. If you want an effective cover letter that connects, don’t send the same one word-for-word to every job you apply for. In fact, doing this may prompt the company to trash yours. 

A unique cover letter demonstrates that you took the time to learn a little about the company and paid attention to the job description . Each business has different goals and different problems. Therefore, customizing your cover letter may get you noticed.

A good number of words to aim for is 300 to 500 or a little more. If your cover letter goes onto a second page, then edit brutally, only keeping the things you need. 

If it’s way under a full page, think of how you relate to the company, what experience this employer would find beneficial, and past jobs that relate. 

3. Keep It on One Page

I talked about this earlier, but it’s another important feature of a successful freelance writing cover letter. The best cover letters that convert well only have a few paragraphs on one page.

If you’re finding it hard to add anything, this may be the time to look for a more entry freelance writing job to build your freelance writing portfolio.

4. Make Your Intro More Interesting

The most common way to start a cover letter for freelance writer jobs is, “I’m writing to apply for (Name of Position).

While it’s simple and straight to the point, it falls flat. I’ve actually used, “I’m excited to apply for the Senior Freelance Writing position at ABC Company.” Then you can go on to connect with them, like explaining that you read one of their articles and point something out to relate to.

Or maybe they won an award recently, and you can compliment them on it. You could also feel strongly about the company’s mission. 

Calling out something related to the company shows that you took the time to check them out, and you may be a good fit for their business. 

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Freelance Writing for Beginners

5. Don’t Repeat What Your Resume Says – Expand On It

Your resume should also be short (not more than two pages), so you can expand on it in your cover letter but make sure you don’t repeat yourself. This is the time to explain how your experience is relevant to the business and job you’re applying for. 

Explain and further detail a related accomplishment or explain how your experience can solve their problems.

6. Use Statistics and Numbers

The cover letter is the place to show evidence of how you’ve helped your former clients. For example, if you have statistics that show your content helped them increase their email list 25 percent, or you helped increase their sales fifteen percent. 

You won’t have statistics often, but you can even talk about the comments on your content or how many times it was shared.

7. Try to Find the Name of a Contact Person

If you can, try to find a point of contact and address your cover letter to them. Sometimes this isn’t easy to do, but places like LinkedIn let you search for specific positions.

You can look on the company website or even call them to find out the information you need. They’ll recognize the time you spent addressing them specifically. 

8. Don’t Point Out the Skills or Experience You’re Lacking

It’s tempting for many people to point out what they’re missing and apologize. Unfortunately, one of the worst things you can do is mention what skills or degrees you don’t have. Instead, highlight the skills and experience you have and why that makes you an excellent fit for the role.

Now, if you have gaps in your employment history, such as you took time off to raise your kids or were laid off, this is the time to explain that gap. First, be brief and then get back to discussing your experience and skills.

9. Be Yourself and Show Your Personality

While you need to be professional in your cover letter for freelance writer jobs, you don’t need to be overly stuffy. Also, don’t use cliches like “team player,” “go-getter,” “to whom it may concern,” “I’m the perfect fit,” I have excellent verbal and written communication skills,” or other similar phrases. 

You don’t want to come across as fake, so showing a bit of your personality is not only okay, it’s good.

10. Use a Cover Letter Template

Before you write your cover letter for freelance writer jobs, look at examples and templates to see how to structure yours. And a cover letter template lets you write and customize your cover letters quickly.

Like I mentioned earlier, you can use my template and example to help you set up your own cover letters easily. 

Now let’s learn how to write a cover letter step by step.

How to Write a Cover Letter for a Writing Position Step-by-Step

Sign up for my sample freelance writer cover letter example and template at the end of this article or up above so that you can go through this process step-by-step. 

Your Contact Information

You’ll see at the top of my template there’s room for your information. Your name goes up at the top, and you add your address, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile, plus a link to your portfolio.

I also have a portfolio at ClearVoice, so if you have any other places for your portfolio or hire me page, you could add those to this section. You could add your Skype name too as many people do interviews by Skype.

Just don’t make it too cluttered and link to too many things. Instead, add the most critical information and the links you think are relevant to the job. 

Employer Information

In this area, you want to put the date and then address the HR Manager, Marketing Director, or Vice President – whoever hires the writers for that company. I’ve seen various titles in that role and even talked to the CEOs of small companies who needed a writer.

*Note If this section seems too formal, you can get rid of it.. I wrote a lot of email cover letters, and this would seem awkward in many of those. It depends on the position.

Introduction

Here you introduce yourself and your freelance writing niche. Then, explain why you’re the best person for the job. 

Bring in areas of your life, whether personal or professional, to illustrate why they should choose you. For example, since I wrote blog articles for businesses in the security industry in my first niche, I referred to my 20 years of experience as a police officer.

It helped people see that I had the knowledge and background they needed. 

Also, mention how you can solve their problem with your writing.

Make a Personal Connection

I can go one of two ways next, depending on how you set up the introduction. Sometimes, like when I’m cold pitching , I start by connecting with whoever is reading my cover letter here.

Personal connections really help show that you took the time to do your research on the company and that you relate to them. 

Maybe you connect to their mission or values, or perhaps it’s your dream company, and you remember reading their blog, or you took one of their tips and used it successfully.

Telling a story that connects you to them in your cover letter for freelance writers is powerful. 

If the next logical step in your letter is more about your expertise or qualifications, you can start with those. Then lead into a connection in one of the next to last paragraphs. 

Qualifications and Expertise

For example, I used my 20 years of experience in law enforcement as evidence that I had the knowledge and background necessary to write blog articles for security companies.

I didn’t have a hefty writing resume when I started. But I had a Master’s degree in Intelligence Studies, a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and all those years working in law enforcement.

Companies were willing to give me a chance because finding a good writer in that niche is hard. I don’t know many other writers in that niche.

Maybe your previous job as an administrative assistant for a chiropractor will help you write case studies or blog articles for chiropractors and other holistic practitioners. 

There are other ways you can get the freelance writing experienc e you can use on resumes and in your cover letters, like guest posting or contacting a company and offering to write a free article for them.

Normally, I wouldn’t say work for free, but it’s worth it if you can get a portfolio sample and experience. 

This section is also the place to bring up your hard and soft skills  that are assets for the position. 

How to Create a Freelance Writer Cover Letter Template

Creating a template you can use for each job application is simple. I’ve already made one for you! My template makes it easy for you to write your own freelancer cover letter . It’s also the perfect freelancer cover letter example , so you have an idea of how to create your own.

You can use it in Google Docs, or if you’re old school like me, download it into Microsoft Office by selecting FILE in the top menu to the left and scrolling down to download.

You can also create your own template in Microsoft Office. They have a lot of great letter templates. There’s a business letter template in Google Docs that works as a cover letter template too. You can sign up for the template below.

Can you pay someone to write your cover letter?

Yes, you can totally pay someone to write a cover letter for freelance writer jobs for you. But it can get expensive if you apply to a lot of work-from-home jobs as I did initially.

There are also cover letter builders that help you format one, but they don’t write it for you. You can also find other cover letter examples. You may find a different cover letter format works for you too.

Now that you have this handy template, you can do it yourself in under 15 minutes for FREE.

When should I write a cover letter?

Cover letters are common documents potential employers request during the hiring process. Some jobs require a cover letter, and you’ll usually see that in the job advertisement. The hiring manager, employer, or someone else in charge of hiring may request one.

It is also a good idea to write a freelance cover letter if someone referred you to the position you’re applying for or if you’re submitting an application directly to a person and know their name. 

Resume vs. cover letter, what’s the difference?

A resume lists your experience and skills and is purely factual and concise, while a cover letter goes into more detail about your experience and qualifications. 

It’s your chance to tell the employer that you’re the right person for the position. 

Both the freelance writer resume and cover letter are short. The letter should only be one page, while the resume shouldn’t go past two.

Related: 13 Simple Content Writing Tips for Beginners: How to Look Like a Pro When You’re Not

Final Thoughts on a Cover Letter for Freelance Writer

A freelance writer cover letter is an essential part of your resume. Though it’s a separate document, it either interests the employer enough to look at your resume or compels them to toss it in the trash.

Clearly, you want them to consider you further and look at your resume. So, since it’s like a good headline and can make or break you, writing a good cover letter is an important skill.

But you have my cover letter for freelancers to help you create an awesome letter employers actually want to read.

I hope you find some amazing writing gigs, whether that’s business writing or other writing projects. Remember, you don’t need a background to start a freelance writing career.

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Always include a cover letter for a freelance writer with your resume when you apply for writing jobs.

About The Author

Heather Ritchie

4 thoughts on “cover letter for freelance writer: how to create one + template”.

Thanks for this useful article, I am quite bad at writing cover letters and always struggle with them! Readability and keeping it simple are such important points though, even with all other forms of writing! Thanks once again!

Even writers hate writing cover letters but it’s so important! Glad it was useful, thanks for reading Sheryl!

A very helpful post as I am starting to reach out to brands more so sending ‘cold letters’ to them. Great points, and I will be adding my statistics to them now!

I’m glad you loved the tips, Claire. I hate cold emailing people still but it’s so important and it does get easier over time. Thanks for reading!

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