Many people ask how I manage to look through so many ads every day and pick out the good from the bad. Part of it is just experience, part intuition, but lately I’ve noticed a pattern of language that does a good job separating the wheat from the chaff. Below is a list of phrases I often see in ads and what the phrase translates to when I find out more about those job opportunities:
“Must speak English”
I don’t pay much, so I attract a lot of bad writers who can’t even speak the language. I’m so tired of answering inquiries that say, “I can has write this four u!” So now I have to specify that writers must speak the language. Shouldn’t it be obvious that I’m looking for an English writer when my ad is written in English?
“High Volume Firm”
We expect you to churn out tons of copy for low pay.
“College Student Wanted”
…to work for peanuts.
“Student Journalist Sought”
We’re looking for volunteers.
“Must be technically savey”
Because I’m not savvy at all!
“Fast writer to crank out articles”
…for $1 each.
“Looking for Long-term Writer”
Maybe if we promise you more work, you’ll take lower pay?
“No Experience Needed”
…because if you had experience with us, you wouldn’t want this gig. We expect a lot of work for very little pay.
“View video and write descriptions”
…of naked people getting busy.
“SMOKERS, DRUG-USERS, WHINERS, COMPLAINERS AND MALCONTENTS NEED NOT APPLY”
I’m no fun to work for. I have few people skills and don’t realize that this statement may make good workers not want to apply. I really believe that putting this statement in my ad will keep these kinds of lowlifes away…oh, and I’ll know if you’re a smoker or drug-user even though this is a telecommute gig and I’ll never meet you in person.
“Fast Growing Company”
We’re totally disorganized. We need you to keep track of every detail for us ad remind us about payment a few times. We’re good people; we’re just very, very busy. But hey, someday we may get our act together!
“Imagine having your work seen by up to ten million people every month”
This is a passive revenue share site.
“This is a low-paying gig”
I don’t want to waste your time or mine, so I’ll be upfront about this.
The last three I don’t mind much, but the others tend to get me in a tizzy after so many times seeing them. I know everyone has a budget, but some of these guys get out of hand and some just don’t think about what their words translate to in the mind of the reader. I wish more posts would be honest like the last one…guess I’m one of those malcontents that need not apply?
I love it! Great minds … I came to the same conclusions. There is consistent language that is a dead giveaway when it comes to the work. On another note, I am curious about some of the ads you include in your email distributions. There are often ads for Guru.com. Do you have a Guru membership? Have you ever received a job through Guru? If so, would you recommend Guru? Thank you.
Would you believe that while I was answering your post I won another job on Guru?
http://www.guru.com/pro/ProjectDetail.aspx?ProjectId=610439
He says he’s looking for a few writers. Maybe you should bid this one?
Hey, Sherry, how are you?!?
Long answer short: Yes, Yes and Yes!
See my comparison of the sites here: http://www.bukisa.com/articles/65739_elance-versus-guru-versus-ifreelance
See the reason I dropped Elance for Guru here: http://www.killfive.com/dropping-elance/
I recommend you try the free membership first to see how you like it…I should get going on a post for how to wind jobs at Guru…coming soon!
Good luck, please let me know how you make out!
Sometimes, when I see “Experienced Copywriter” I think they have no clue what they are doing and need someone who does…