Originally Published on DearEnglishMajor.com Hey, it's Alyssa here! In the spirit of fresh starts and new opportunities, I sat down with one of our long-time friends of Dear English Major, Nicki Krawczyk. We interviewed Nicki back in 2014 not long after the launch of DearEnglishMajor.com, and she has been kind enough to share some excellent information on … [Read more...]
Tips for Your Professional Headshots
Your work—your samples in your print and online portfolios—are your biggest selling points. But there are other elements that impress prospective clients and sway them to choose you. One of them is your very own bio photo. Today we’re going to talk about what your photo needs to look like in order to speak to your own professionalism. But first, I want to clear something up: … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Tips for Working with Non-Profits
Working with non-profits can be great for your portfolio (and your fulfillment), but they’re also one of the hardest types of clients you can have. Find out why that is—and what you can do about it. Read on… Today’s question comes from Ilsa G., who asks, “A recruiter got me some work with a local non-profit. They’re building up a marketing department. Is there anything I … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Planning for Taxes
If you’re moving from on-staff work to freelancing—or even just freelancing on nights and weekends—you’re in for a whole new world of taxation. Here’s what you need to know… Today’s question comes from Meera V., who asks, “Are there any tax implications I should know about when I accept freelance work? Clients don’t withhold taxes, do they?” This is a very astute … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Why HR is Not Your Friend
When you’re already in a job, your friendly HR team is a great ally. But when you’re applying for a job, they might be your biggest barrier to entry. Here’s why that is, and what you can do about it… Today’s question is from Ed R., who asks, “I’m about to apply for a job that I’m very interested in. Do you have any tips before I submit my resume?” The number one tip I … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Should You Sign an NDA?
When a potential client or employer gives you a document to sign, most of us just sign it without a second thought. After all, you want the work, right? But today we’re going to dig a little more into the implications of one of the most common legal documents you’ll sign: the NDA. Read on… Today’s question comes from Priyanka R., who asks, “The HR director at my new job asked … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: The Biggest Banner Ad Writing Mistakes
Banner ads are all over the web—and it’s very likely you’ll write them at some point in your career. And there are some great ones…but there are definitely some bad ones. Let’s explore what makes a banner ad especially bad. Read on… Today’s question comes from Alexei S., who asks, “It seems like a lot of the banner ads I see aren’t very effective. Why is that?” A banner … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: 4 Books All Job-Seekers Should Read
Open up your Amazon wishlist! If you’re looking for a job—or, well, think you ever will be again—we’ve compiled a list of books you’ve just got to read. Ready to tackle your summer reading list? Read on… Today’s question comes from Bridget S., who asks, “I’m gearing up to find a new job; probably in the fall. I’ve enjoyed your ‘must-read’ lists in the past. Do you have any … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: Why You Need to Push for a Creative Brief
Creative briefs are pretty standard throughout the creative industry…but there are still times when clients or product managers try to avoid them. Here’s why you can’t let that happen, and what you can do to keep a creative brief in play. Read on… Today’s question comes from Evan R., who asks, “A project just got kicked off at work, but the product manager didn’t fill out a … [Read more...]
Copywriting Q&A: What’s Glaringly Missing from Your Resume
There are tons of books and sites about putting together your resume. But the vast majority misses one crucial item—which means your resume is missing it, too. Find out the job-nabbing element that’s missing from your resume and how to add it. Read on… Today’s question is from Cesar A., who asks, “I have some copywriting experience, and I’ve been applying for work that seems … [Read more...]