We have decided to recruit another person to work part-time writing ‘copy’ for website pages and / or proof-reading copy for websites,
The main tasks will be creating webcopy from scratch after researching the subjects required. As you can imagine we have had loads of interest already and to make a choice I would like you to do a small ‘test’. Even though I can see you have some proven writing skills I would ask you to choose a local business from the a small selection of the websites below that we look after and to give me an article (>300 words) describing / promoting their business. I will reserve the right to use the text as publicity for them regardless of if I offer you some part time work or not. I assume you will work from home and have a PC / Laptop and some word processing software (like Word)
[ list of local websites from Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham businesses that we created]
alternatively pick a business from one of the portfolio pages here:
http://www.delicious-webdesign.com/portfolio-website-design.html (two other pages linked from the bottom of that page)
We have two types of work for webcopy
1, will be given a website with some notes on the business and be asked to create typically 10 pages of text relating to their business and services
2, proofreading / updating / adding to existing text on a website.
The rules on webcopy is that they must be 100% unique / relevant / search engine friendly. Good luck.
Can you also give me some idea about how much you would like to be paid for a 3000 word (10 page) webcopy project for a new website where you are given notes / guidance. You would be expected to look at comparable websites to ‘learn’ about the business then write about them in a unique / relevant / interesting way. Your expectations may be higher or lower than we pay and are generally for my information. if you are interested please give me some indication of your writing / language skills (examples would be great as well as the sample text article required above)
Here are some of our replies:
1, I have a B in GCSE English Literature & English Language. I have 3 A’s in IT plus various Legal Secretarial Qualifications in which were majority distinction grade. I have a qualification in Proofreading which I gained whilst at college only 1 year ago completing my secretarial course. I also have a typing speed of approximately 75 words per minute. I would be very interested in this job whether it be temporary, part time or full time, as the experience would be brilliant. If you would like any more information on any of my writing skills, please do not hesitate to contact me. I have both a Windows 7 laptop and a iMac computer both with Word etc. as well as the latest BlackBerry smartphone with Word installed so I would be able to work on the go at any time. Also, regarding how much I would be paid, that is entirely up to you as the experience would be brilliant for me and any money is a bonus.
2, Hey, if you’re struggling to find somebody, I’m an excellent proof-reader and am absolutely serious about taking on part-time flexible work now that I have finished my course – hooray! Anyway, I hope you are doing splendidly m’dear! Hope to hear from you soon!
3, I was very interested to see your offer of temporary/part-time work.
I am a mum with both children at school and have been looking to ease myself back into work. I left school with O’level English language and CSE equivalent in literature. I then went on to work as a filing clerk obviously using my English skills and my last position before leaving to have my children was Admin Clerk. My biggest strength is spelling so feel I would be a good candidate for the position you are offering.I am using my phone to write this e-mail so hope it presents okay. Yours hopefully
4, I am interested in the work mentioned for webcopy/proof-reading webpages. I currently own a Hair Salon in Stanford Le Hope. As this is a family-run business, my daughter carries out the bulk of the work in the Salon, which leaves me time to persue my own work interests on a part-time basis. It is for this reason that I am wishing to put my name forward for consideration in connection with the above work. A little bit of my background for your information is as follows:
I am trained as a Secretary/Personal Assistant by the Bank of England in Threadneedle Street, EC1, and learnt extensive English Language and Grammar in their ‘in-house’ training school from 1978 to 1990.
I worked in a education environment from 1990 to 2002 as Secretary/PA and bursar, I also worked there as Clerk to the Governors.
From 2002 to date, I carried out clerical work for the NHS on an agency basis and I have set up and run the family business here in Stanford Le Hope which now has expanded to enhance the community facilities. This change of direction in my career followed the untimely death of my husband, which changed our family circumstances irreversably. I hope the above gives you some insight into my background, whilst giving you the chance to experience my grammar skills / letter writing.
5, I am very interested in the part time work offered. I currently work part time (2 days a week) for Coutts bank in London, due to being a mum of two but I would gladly welcome an extra challenge and this sounds ideal. I achieved two A grades in my English GCSEs. I also regularly write bi-monthly self reviews/assessments of my work performance as we have regular manager meetings to discuss progress and staff development. Please let me know if you require any more information, I await your response.
6. This job sounds amazing and would love to be considered for it. I love reading and writing and have always got a book in my hand. I got a level c in gcse and I have a diploma in childcare to so have lots of proof reading experience for other colleagues, I’ve been a deputy manager of a school club and had lots of paper work to fullfill and always enjoyed helpin my brothers do their electricial work and paperwork. Hope you have a brilliant evening.
7, I’d be happy to proof read for you, I have English language and literature at gcse level, I received an A for both. Examples of my writing can be found at [website name] which is my own personal blog. I also write a blog for Essex baby, an online magazine.
8, I’m not on Facebook but my brother has forwarded on your request for a proof reader. I’m currently a stay at home mum but before I gave up work to look after the boys I was Marketing Manager in the travel trade, part of my job included proof reading pages for factual accuracy for a bi-monthly magazine that was put together and produced in-house. I am interested in a job that can be done from home – let me know if I can perhaps help.
9, I’m very interested in the part time work you are advertising. Over the years I have worked in numerous positions. I’m able to copy type, produce power point presentations, proof read documents which I have done for LGT Asset Management’s Group Accounts department and Thurrock Councils Corporate Policy Department. If you would like to see my CV, I will gladly forward a copy to you.
10, I have completed an NVQ level 2 and 3 in accounting AAT. I then completed one year work experience in an accounting environment where I had to manually complete invoices, book keeping, internal control i.e chasing payments via emails and letters. If I would be of any use to you please let me know.
11, Hi, I am interested in the temp/part-time position you are advertising at the moment. I have recently graduated in Fashion Promotion, and have skills that include writing and copying from journalistic projects and Press Releases/Marketing Reports. I also have a blog that shows a small example of my writing. I have physical copies of some of the journalism and press releases I have done also if you wish to see them. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
12, Whilst I have no “formal” qualifications I do have 25 years banking and steel trading experience all of which require excellent typographical and grammatical accuracy. I’m forever being asked to “write one of your letters for me ” for family and friends. I love the English language and my bug bear is the everyday misuse of it. There instead of their and so on…… Drives me INSANE!!!! I have two children and read everyday to them as its so important in their future, Evidence being that, my 9 year old has been a free reader in school since he was only seven and has numerous certificates for his literacy
Anyway that’s bedside the point, my “qualification” is my ability to spot and correct a typing or grammatical error from 10 miles off.I work part time to fit around my children but always happy to do more and I think you would find me an asset as a proofreader.
13, I am very interested in the above position and was wondering if you could forward me further details. I have previously worked as a legal secretary for 8 years which required copy typing and also proof reading of documents.
14, I am sending this email in response to your quest for proofreaders. I have a good eye for grammar and spelling errors and poor use of language. And whilst having no formal experience in this or related fields, I often find that I notice such mistakes almost before comprehending the sentence itself. I am very comfortable with computers and read regularly, sometimes books and magazines, but most of my reading is of web content.
I have been out of work for over a year due to sickness but feel that I am ready to return to the workforce and due to my specific needs, I feel that temporary part time work would be an ideal way for me to find my feet again.
15, A friend of mine directed me to your post on the Stanford-le-Hope Facebook page regarding copy / proof reading work. I no longer live in the area but if this is something that can be done from home I would be very interested. I previously worked for a publishers and do have some experience in both copy and proof reading, although the majority was in the latter. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information. I look forward to your response.
16, Just seen ur comment on fb, but looking at your comments probably too late. Im a signwriter and signmaker by trade…and did do a brief course in website design. Obviously my English and spelling is good. Work in finance at the moment, which involves filling in legal documents so accuracy is a must. Anyway..give us a shout if the vacancys still available.
17, I am writing to you regarding the part time job role you advertised on the Stanford le hope Facebook page. This role would fit me perfectly as it is not to demanding. Relating to experience and qualifications I have a GCSE in English language where I achieved grade B and a grade C in English literature. I also completed a health & social GCSE where we would have to proof read case studies about families and information relating to them. I also begun but did not complete a ilex diploma in legal secretary in which we were also trained how to proof read documents and touch type, although I did not complete this course it is still experience I have gained.
At my latest test I can also type up to 65wpm. I hope this is enough information for you and I will be hearing from you soon.
18, I have always had a love of language and consider my grasp of grammar and spelling to be of a high standard. In 2008 I studied for the Maple Diploma in Proofreading and Editing gaining a distinction for both. I currently write press articles and direct mailshots on behalf of Thurrock Courts Players and also run their facebook page. I have attached my CV and some examples of work I have done for Courts. If you have any problems with the attachments I will be happy to drop off hard copies for you.
19. I have written a draft of an article for The Old Regent Ballroom in Stanford and hope to send it to you tonight. I was however confused as to what you meant by ‘header’. I have incorporated 3 key words in my article already, and was wondering if you could give me a quick heads up as to where a header fits in, do they break up my article and act as a title for each paragraph?
[reply] thanks for asking about this, the info about headers is taken from another site and is generally correct but in summary the main page Headers or <h1> headers are the main heading you see on most pages that describe exactly what the page is about and commonly simply say the service name, subsequent page headings or <h2> headers are there to describe subsequent sections, so you should have one main heading per page and use other headings where appropriate
20, I saw your job advert regarding the website webcopy and proof reading work. I have just finished my three year degree at the university of Greenwich where I studied BSc (hons) Sports Science with Coaching and achieved a respectable 2.2.
During the three years, I have written numerous essays as well as completing exams involving long answer essay questions. These assignments required me to write well structured and error free pieces of work, with a wide range of vocabulary. Furthermore, in my last year I completed a five thousand word dissertation based on self research. Writing an important and extensive document such as this meant that proof reading was essential, which is something I done on a frequent basis when writing it. The effort and time that I allocated to spelling checks and correcting errors contributed towards my dissertation achieving an impressive grade of 2.1.
I am at home and have been looking for work as I am a hard worker and enjoy being mentally stimulated. Over the last three years, I have worked every summer that I have been home from University in places such as the harvester in Basildon and for a cafeteria in London. This is evidence of my work ethic, so now that I am home for good I have even more reason to work. Filling this position would be very helpful to me but would also be something I am very used to doing as I only finished university three weeks ago. Hopefully I am a suitable candidate, I look forward to hearing from you.