You’ve seen a content brief for a job that fits you like a glove. Here’s how to win it
Even if you’ve got the experience, the knowledge and the skills to back you up, you’re probably not the only person pitching for any job.
As the conduit between client and content creator, account managers often have to read a dozen pitches for each job we commission. Trawling through pages and pages of pitches can eat into our precious spreadsheet time.
Here are five foolproof tips for writing a pitch that stands out, straight from an account manager’s mouth:
Read the brief
Admittedly, this is an obvious place to start.
Compiling an accurate and informative brief can sometimes be a lengthy process for account managers. The most frustrating pitches I receive are from talented content creators who clearly haven’t properly read what’s written. These responses often contain questions that have already been answered, irrelevant information and/or vague copy-and-paste statements.
If you can’t answer the brief correctly at the first stage, the account manager is likely to assume that you also may not bother if you won the job. Read the brief in full at least twice. It’s a good opportunity for you to make sure it’s the right job for you and it shows interest and commitment.
Make it relevant
So you’ve read the brief (and checked it twice). What now? This is your time to prove that you specifically are the right person for this specific job, so make sure what you’re including in the pitch is relevant.
In an ideal world, I want to see examples of your work in the same format and on the same topic. Industry experience and published articles can be the key to proving your credentials. But if you’re currently an untapped well of knowledge, never fear: a well considered response discussing how you would approach the content can go a long way too.
If the brief mentions a requirement for phone interviews, listing any experience you have leading or participating in client-facing calls can also tick an important box.
Keep it snappy
Believe it or not, all the information needed fits into three short paragraphs:
- Your experience in the content format (e.g. article, video, blog post)
- Your experience in the topic (e.g. insurance, fintech, real estate)
- Your approach to the brief
The final paragraph shows you have enough knowledge to quickly form an idea of how you would frame the content. This can include research you could reference, a newsworthy angle or a selection of questions you may ask the interviewee (if there is one).
The pitch isn’t the place to prove your vast vocabulary and arsenal of puns. Keep it simple and smart – and let your examples do the talking.
Be realistic
Some briefs will include a fee and a deadline whereas others will ask for your rate and the number of days you’ll need. Be realistic. You may think that asking for a lower fee or saying you’ll complete the work in a shorter number of days will make you more attractive than other applicants, but if your estimate is wildly different it can actually make you appear inexperienced.
Most importantly: don’t undervalue yourself. If you think you could make a really good job of it but it would take you two weeks to do it properly, then say so. Undercutting yourself isn’t a good business plan in the long term and our number one priority is high-quality work.
Give it a proofread
Neither you nor I may be a sub-editor, but account managers can spot a typo from a mile off. We read a huge volume of content, pitches and emails every day, so you can’t fool us.
Read what you’ve written, not just for spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, but to make sure you’ve answered the brief correctly and succinctly. This final check can be the difference between winning the job or otherwise.
Content Cloud links brands with content creators – from writers to video producers. Content creators can simply sign up, fill out their profile and start bidding on the jobs posted on a daily basis. Follow these five tips in your bid and you’ll give yourself the best chance possible.
