One of the reasons I started my HR writing career is the endless options when it comes to topics. Since there are endless topics, there are endless outlets as well.
I originally started writing about parenting, and although I enjoyed it, I found that it was difficult to get published. There just aren’t as many opportunities in that space as there are in HR.
For example, HR Grapevine adds 3 posts to their website every day. That’s well over 365 opportunities to get your byline in their publication.
Start Pitching
When you start pitching, explore the publications that have the most opportunity first. Get familiar with their articles and websites so that you can emulate their tone and voice.
Also, review their submission guidelines for specific requirements like word count, preferred topics, format, sharing rules, etc.
Build Relationships
Connect with anybody that you want to write for on social media so that you can make a warm connection. When you see something new in their feed, reach out and comment on it.
For example: “Hey [Name], I saw X happened at Y and you posted a great article about it on [blog]. Thank you for sharing, I really found it valuable because it [why it was great].”
Do your research, create that personal connection, and take the extra time to demonstrate that you’re actually reading what they publish to stand out from the other HR writers that are submitting articles.
Small, Local, and Vendors
HR associations, like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), often have local chapters that need help with content. A great way to get exposure can be helping these smaller outlets with website copy, blog posts, newsletters, and email content.
Just as there are probably hundreds of HR publications, there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands of HR vendors who need content as well; that’s potentially a lot of content.
For example, vendors may need copy for trade show booths, websites, newsletters, flyers, landing pages, email marketing, social media, case studies, white papers – the list goes on and on.
Your Turn
Do you have any other tips to land HR writing jobs? If so, please share them in the comments. I’d love for you to share your writing wins with us as well!
By the way…whenever you’re ready, get your copy of the Complete Guide to Becoming a Professional HR Writer, my comprehensive guide on how to launch and grow your HR writing career. Click Here to Learn More.