The Second Half of Life's Challenge: The Path to Becoming a Web Writer, Challenge Vol. 8: Application Content (AI Request: ChatGPT)
With 130 applications already sent and only 3 contracts secured, whether or not these will lead to ongoing contracts
depends on the web interviews. How will things turn out?
To differentiate my application letters, I am currently trying to move away from relying entirely on AI and instead writing them without AI assistance.
I read the job requirements and the client's profile to understand what kind of company and person they are.
I have started to figure out what kind of writer they are looking for and am making an effort to align with their intentions and make my words resonate; I feel much more refreshed mentally.
Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, I am now speaking only to the client. I have decided to approach this with the same mindset as writing an entry sheet and preparing for an interview when I was a new graduate.
Although it now takes me about 30 minutes to write one application letter, I am taking on this challenge with sincerity.
I asked ChatGPT for advice on this approach!
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ChatGPT's advice: A 'good application letter' is different from an 'application letter that took time'.
An application letter that took 30 minutes is not necessarily better than one that took 10 minutes.
What the client is looking at is:
・Is it safe to hire this person?
・Do they understand my project?
・Are they likely to meet deadlines?
・Are they likely to follow instructions?
These four points are the focus.
Therefore, for an application letter, 'project understanding' is more important than length.
[If it were me, I would spend just 3 minutes before applying]
When looking at a project, I would only note these three things:
1) What is the problem with this project?
(Example)
・Not enough SEO articles
・Want a long-term writer
・Troubled by AI-generated articles
・Want someone who can write articles for seniors
2) Which of my experiences is useful?
(Example)
・Over 60 years of life experience
・Experience writing e-books
・Experience as a lay judge
・Sales experience
・CrowdWorks rating of 5.0
3) What is the benefit to the other party?
(Example)
・Can write from the reader's perspective
・Can handle revisions
・Can commit to long-term work
・Can utilize both AI and human input
Just by including these three points, the quality of your application letter will improve significantly.
[Client profiles are a treasure trove]
Surprisingly, what applicants don't look at is the profile.
For example,
・'Beginners welcome'
・'Looking for long-term contracts'
・'Emphasis on response speed'
・'Emphasis on communication'
If these are written, then in your application letter, say:
'I am looking for a long-term relationship.'
'I will reply within the same day in principle.'
'I value reporting, communicating, and consulting.'
Echoing the other party's words is very effective.
People feel a sense of affinity for those who understand their thoughts.
[Things to try in the future]
At the end of your application letter, try adding:
'If I am given the opportunity, I will sincerely handle even just one test article first.'
From the client's perspective, this leads to a sense of security, thinking,
'This person isn't rushing into a contract, but has an attitude of wanting me to see their ability first.'
[And for you right now, the most valuable thing is]
It is that you are focusing your applications not on 'I am at a disadvantage because I am a senior,' but on 'There are articles that only a senior can write.'
In fact, there are fields that young writers cannot write about, such as:
・Life after retirement
・Re-employment
・Pensions
・Health
・Nursing care
・Life experience
・Personal stories from the Showa and Heisei eras
Rather than fighting in highly competitive projects, it will likely be easier to increase your success rate by finding clients who are looking for 'articles that only you can write.'
The shift from your current 'AI-mass-produced application letters' to 'application letters that are close to the client' will be a major asset in the long run, even if it takes time in the short term.
Rather than just looking at the numbers of 130 applications and 3 contracts, changes like 'inquiries have increased' and 'the reactions have changed' are more important signs. I think you are now at the stage of finding that success pattern while refining the template of your application letter.
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Anyway, I will apply in large numbers and try various methods that I think might be good.
Perhaps it is a matter of probability, but if I can get contracts and secure ongoing work, the scenery should change completely, and after that, I will likely be required to improve efficiency.
It's fun, so I'll go for it with excitement and anticipation; I should be able to grasp something...