An Example Application Letter for a Freelance Editor/Writer Position

I am writing to apply for a freelance writing position with you. I am late to the freelance industry, having a legal background and have recently exited my career as a lawyer. However, I ‘think big’ and will not allow this to limit my dreams of a career in consulting and strategy. I completed my final Semester of a combined Law/Arts degree at the University of Western Australia and graduated in March 2013. I have a strong academic record, and achieved First Class Honours in Literature. I have completed a six month Law Graduate placement at Allens and will be admitted to practice on the Legal Practitioners Board of Western Australia at the Supreme Court on 2 September. The modern legal arena foregrounds corporate and commercial law in a resource-based industry, and Allens has provided me with an opportunity to gain experience in this sector prior to developing my career.

Throughout my schooling and university life, I involved myself in extra-curricular activities and community work to remain as engaged as possible. I endured many years in a strict training program of the Australian Rowing Team. I retired and took up professional running, while performing volunteer services for World Vision and Room to Read Australia, private tutoring for ATAR students, and research for the Department of Corrective Services. I have completed my Honours in English Literature, specialising in Arthurian legends – a long-time passion of mine. I believe that these new involvements have improved my interpersonal skills, confidence, and my ability to be a valuable team player. In addition, my recent Graduate placement means I am able to independently practice as a legal professional, as well as providing extensive knowledge in industry sectors relevant to Western Australia. I am also a mentor in the Women In Law Mentoring Scheme, assisting young talent to grow and develop, while being a part of the Women@Allens committee and on the Allens Perth Charity committee.

While at Allens, my legal work as a graduate student included advising on large scale State agreement and contractual disputes, informing high profile mining and resource sector clients regarding commercial solutions to achieve business objectives, drafting agreements and legal documents for native title claimant groups, extensive business development program implementation regarding international corporate obligations of the legal industry, and participating in ongoing development training. I implemented a complex Litigation Outcome Scenario powerpoint to assist the clients in understanding the possible outcomes and implications of each sub-matter at trial. In addition, I was involved in the creation of an email streamlining initiative to reduce unnecessary emails to clients by 50%. At the same time, I completed the ANU College of Law program, which, with my placement at Allens, allows me to be admitted to the Legal Practice Board in August as a certified legal practitioner. I am happiest when working on a problem or business idea; constantly reinventing and challenging myself.

During my World Vision volunteering, I instigated the Corporate Program through communication with business leaders, which now is a key program at the Melbourne HQ. By engaging with corporate partners and larger companies, in particular from the mining industry, World Vision was able to reach new annual highs in child sponsorship and child rescue sign up rates, an approximate 40% increase. Room to Read’s Perth Chapter is still developing, but I have been a key figure in implementing the Students Helping Students program, a youth action arm working to promote the development of literacy skills in Asia and Africa. My work at the Department of Corrections also involved inter-departmental government communications, where I also conducted extensive research into public information regarding social justice and equality, both at an individual level and regarding marginalised groups. While at Extra Edge Community Services and Community first International, for many years my work involved researching and editing new project proposals for government grants. I managed my own portfolio as the sole Grants and Tenders Research Manager, writing weekly local, State and National funding reports for community-based projects and liaising with government departments.

I thrive on competition, enthusiasm in the workplace, constant learning, and being involved in a stimulating and rewarding environment. My high individual standards as well as my ability to fit in to any team environment would make me an asset to you. While I have always had a hectic schedule, I have found a healthy balance without neglecting personal, social, nor academic excellence, all personal traits which I ceaselessly endeavour to extend further. My determination and passion have allowed me to take every opportunity as it comes, and I believe these characteristics contribute to my high-level organisational skills, unwavering work ethic, and absolute commitment to all aspects of my life. In freelance writing, we must always be asking ‘how can we help clients succeed?’ I can help you do that, and I am excited about the prospect of bringing new ideas to reality, finding and driving value creation with you.

I look forward to hearing from you regarding my application.

Yours sincerely,

Freelance Editor