Your Contract is Ending! Are You "Rehirable"? Are They Worthy of You?
You've finally found a client that you love working with–and they seem to love working with you. Or do they? It's really important to know this, freelance writers! For some of you, your freelance contract is about to end and you're left with that question:
"Will they rehire me?"
As both a freelance writer (myself) and a remote recruitment specialist, I'd like to share some quick tips to help you get rehired by that same amazing client. These are things you may already know, but I've found that many freelance writers need a little reminder (or digital nudge) to help boost those opportunities.
1) Follow Through with Those Proposals You Sent.
If you proposed a project to your client and they accepted it, then execute the task just as you suggested. There is nothing worse than receiving a proposed writing idea from a freelance writer and they change their mind–and the topic–without notice.
Yes! This happens. However, the most professional thing you could do (as a freelance writer) is communicate and keep your client "in-the-know".
Think about this: do you really want to propose a topic or writing project, neglect to follow through with completing it as suggested, and have another writer still your thunder? It seems like common sense, but you'd be amazed to find how many freelance writers display poor work ethics–and lose out on money and credit for their own ideas!
2) Stick to Your Deadline and Respond Timely.
Please. Stop it.
Don't be that one freelance writer on the team who always submits final drafts 2 minutes before the deadline ends. Yes. I get it–you certainly have an EOD (End of Day) deadline flexibility or TAT (turn-around timeframe) that's clearly agreed upon and outlined in your contract/agreement. However, it's not helpful to your client (or other members of the remote team) when you are consistently that "last-minute" worker.
Additionally, if you receive an email from your client and wait until the last minute to respond (or not respond at all), you have a weaker chance of being rehired or considered for larger opportunities with more pay.
I’d suggest the following:
Check your work email (or whatever email you use for freelance writing projects) at least 2 times a day;
Get back to every project-related email within 24 hours during the work week.
Your clients want to know they can count on you. Equally, you should not be stressed with clients that make unreasonable deadline demands or expect you to be available 24/7, around the clock. This is why it's so important to outline this in your contract/agreement. It's called "workflow" or "deadline" expectations.
I always tell my students, “not responding at all to an email doesn’t mean ‘I read it and I understand’”. You don’t need to respond if the answer is simply “thanks”, but otherwise it’s usually a good idea to write something back.
3) Follow Up.
Reach out to them in a couple months with a friendly, “Hi, hope you are doing well. How did that project work out for you?” Again, it’s more about saying “I’m still here”, not “you should hire me again”.
Before you follow up with a preferred client, do your research about their company's overall progress or misfortunes. This will give you a head start in preparing "how" you will respond to their answer. Also, it boosts your opportunity to help them strategize their writing content needs.
4) Build a Relationship.
Above all, I think the most important aspect is just building a personal/professional relationship with them. Get to know them on a professional level and get to know their business. Don't wait until your contract or agreement has ended to tell them how much you enjoyed working on their remote writing projects. Give your client feedback during the tenure of your time with them. In return, you gain a great opportunity to connect on various mental and emotional levels that will help you create epic content strategies for them.
5) A Safe Rebound...In Your Back Pocket!
It’s ok if they don’t re-hire you. It’s not always personal. Not all people are going to need ongoing projects. Maybe their budget changed or they are focusing on a different part of their business.
Part of freelance writing is always keeping one more client then you may need because they will come and go! Ultimately, you must find the perfect balance in your workload, abilities, and overall wellness so that you can provide the best and most impressive content service each week. But, never ever neglect your commitments to the client whose contract is coming to an end. Always give them your best and strive to exceed their expectations. No, you are NOT a door mat. Nonetheless, your work ethics are everything! Unless you are EXCLUSIVE to your client through a special contract or agreement, they need to remember that they can lose you to another firm or company. Again, always leave a great impression and find the perfect balance between workloads.
In Conclusion....
Of course, we would LOVE to be rehired by our top client(s). Even with a tight business budget or lessened need for content, they need to know how valuable your freelance writing service has become. Always leave a positive impression on each client, communicate timely, and immerse yourself in their product/service so that you can better translate their digital campaigns. No matter what the outcome may be, keep your head up and take each experience as a learning opportunity.
Stay safe!
Fred is a Contributing Writer for Remote Writers Work and Exclusive SME Author and Assistant Project Manager for GS Solutions. As a digital nomad, he's worked for various organizations as a freelancer and supports recruitment events for startups globally.
LinkedIn: FreddS
Facebook: FredSamuel
