Your freelance cover letter is your first handshake with a potential client.
It has the power to shift gears from ‘read’ to ‘hired.’
Before getting started, let me tell you that I’ve worked with many freelancers whenever I needed a helping hand. And, of course, I read so many freelance cover letters, too!
Let’s put on the freelance client’s glasses for this post and see what goes on in their minds while reading your freelance proposals.
Do you know while freelance clients read a cover letter, they commonly have these questions in mind?
Let’s break down those questions and explore what clients expect and how you can meet those expectations.
1. Who is this freelancer?
Here, WHO refers to your professional role, so never confuse it with a detailed self-introduction with your name, interests, hobbies, education, etc.
Because when you apply for any job via freelance or LinkedIn profile, clients automatically receive your name, profile picture, and tagline. And if they want to know more about it, they’ll visit your profile.
So, in your cover letter, Clients expect a clear introduction that includes your current role, relevant experience, and a quick overview of your skills.
For Example: “Hello, I’m a resume writing expert with over [X] years of experience in business writing.”
2. Did the freelancer read the job description?
You might have come across lines in the middle of the job description like:
Start your cover letter with ORANGE or BANANA so (that I know you read it completely.
(Or) something like:
Include the name of your favorite animal, etc.
Why do they mention something like that?
And they hate copy-pasted cover letter templates with minor changes.
Instead, they want to see that you’ve read and understood the project requirements carefully.
And you must follow the instructions of clients. Even if the clients don’t mention such instructions, you should still give them a clear idea that you’ve read their job description and understood it clearly.
Here is how you can do it:
For Example: “Having reviewed your project description, I noticed you’re looking for [Specific Skills]. I’m confident in my ability to deliver exactly what you seek.”
Plus, you can either propose a solution or ask questions if you’ve any doubts regarding the project.
3. Is the cover letter tailored to this specific job?
Clients appreciate personalized cover letters that address their unique needs.
Let’s say a client is looking for a video editor with at least basic video editing skills, and you suddenly drop your cover letter saying, “I can do it for you” as a freelance writer. Does it make any sense?😕
Just imagine the reaction of the client after seeing such cover letters! It’ll be obviously like🙄
So, never waste your and your client’s time and effort by applying to random jobs for which you don’t even qualify.
For Example, If a client is looking for a freelancer with the specific expertise to manage his website on Squarespace. Then, you must highlight your Squarespace expertise (only if you have one) instead of discussing your WordPress Website management experience.
Here is an example to do so:
For Example: “I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in [Specific Skills] to your project, especially considering your focus on [Client’s Specific Requirement].”
4. Can this freelancer handle the job?
Clients seek evidence that YOU have the relevant skills and experience necessary for their project.
While applying to relevant jobs that match your skillset, talk about your experience with similar or relevant projects you’ve handled successfully with links to those projects or portfolios.
For Example, I’ve recently completed a similar project for one of my clients (XYZ company). They hired me for a one-time project, and now I work for them regularly. Here are the links to the project files:
As you can see, the freelancer is not praising himself. Instead, with clear work evidence, he’s smartly describing how his quality work impressed a one-time client and converted them to a retainer client.
5. Is this freelancer genuinely interested and available to work? Can they meet deadlines?
Clients want to see your enthusiasm and genuine interest in their projects. Your 100% interest and focus on the project will achieve quality results.
Besides this, they also prefer freelancers who are available to contribute specific time/hours per day or week for their projects.
And that’s the reason many job descriptions clearly state “no agencies” or “busy freelancers.” We seek an independent and dedicated candidate available for XYZ hours per week or day.
So, don’t overload yourself with too many responsibilities you can’t handle.
Also, clients want to know if you can deliver within their timeframe.
For Example: “I’m genuinely excited to work on your project with full attention and commitment. As an independent freelancer, I want to emphasize that I’m not part of any agency. I’ll be available for (XYZ) hours weekly, ensuring focused and dedicated work. Meeting deadlines is a priority, I’ll deliver high-quality work within your timeframe.”
6. Can this freelancer communicate clearly?
Clients value clear communication skills.
Now, you don’t need to master a language to ensure clear communication. It just means you must understand what the client is saying or expect from you. You should also be able to communicate your message or ideas to the clients smoothly via text messages and audio or video meetings, depending on clients’ preferences.
For example: “I understand the importance of grasping your expectations, and I can convey my thoughts seamlessly. Whether you prefer messages, brief voice notes, or video discussions – I’m here to make our conversations easy and effective for you.”
Also, avoid contacting clients if their requirements are: “ONLY NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS” to ensure smooth communication and understanding if the job requires language-based jobs like writing, reading, voice-over customer care, etc.
On the flip side, all clients are usually not native English speakers and are perfectly okay with non-native freelancers.
Now. let’s move on to the next question.
7. What’s the next step?
This is the most important step freelancers often skip.
After reading your freelance proposal, if a client is truly interested in working with you, they’ll definitely consider: “What’s the next step?”
So, you must clearly state your interest in further discussing the project, provide your contact information, and invite them to reach out for a detailed conversation.
For Example: “Feel free to reach out to me at [email] or [phone number]. I’m available for a call at your convenience to discuss further project details.”
Key Takeaway:
“Understand the unspoken cues clients look for, and turn your cover letter into a compelling conversation starter.”
Here are 5 actionable freelance cover letter tips for you.
