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4. How to write a cover letter for freelancer - with sample

How to write a cover letter for freelancer - with sample

A cover letter is not a resume but a prelude. The cover letter should infuse curiosity in you. In this world of ever-reducing attention spans, a cover letter should bring a differential interest towards the freelancer and make them read your freelance resume. It does not include low-level details on your education, skills, and experience.

Details will be conveyed via the resume. But it should act as a trailer same as for a movie. Reveal only the tidbits and take the reader to your resume with positive interest. This is where you will start impressing your client and elongating that when they read your detailed resume.

"Introducing yourself is about giving others a glimpse of who you are, what you stand for, and what you're capable of achieving." - Oprah Winfrey

There is no question about whether a freelancer needs a cover letter. In this modern era, you will probably send your resume via email as an attachment. The body of the email is the cover letter. Gone are those days when you would print your resume and send it in snail mail. In that case, you will have a cover letter and resume.

In whatever mode you approach your client, you will introduce yourself before giving out the resume. That is the point where you will be using your cover letter. It will give a professional identity to a freelancer. 

I have given this sample freelance cover letter in a word document for free download at the end of this article.

We discussed writing a strong letter for outstanding payment in an earlier article. The tone between these letters will be completely different.

What should be in a cover letter for freelancers?

• The problem you can solve for the client.
• Highlight your most precious skill.
• Give a snippet about your best work.
• Trustworthiness
• Independent worker
• Time-sensitive
• Good communication skills

The problem you can solve for the client

Above all things, a client is interested in this as a freelancer. The client considers you a specialist. He is looking up to you to solve a specific problem. You should understand that and start your cover letter by specifying that. It will immediately create a personal connection. Your objective and what you are going to become in the next five years; all these are not of importance as a freelancer. It may work if you are looking for full-time employment. Freelancing is a contractual assignment. The client needs you to solve a specific problem. Always talk around it.

Highlight your most precious skill

Your freelance cover letter should be segmented into small sections. Just two to three lines for all these. Because you are not supposed to write a cover letter beyond a page, what is your most valued skill? The client is paying you for that skill. Remember to express that in the cover letter. This will ensure that the client is looking in the right direction.

Give a snippet about your best work

Yes, it should be only a snippet. Remember that a cover letter is not a resume. Reserve the details for the resume. The snippet is for your best work and not the latest one. You can present all your work chronologically in your resume, but your best work should be quoted in the cover letter. This is to instill confidence in you as a freelancer.

Trustworthiness

A freelancer's cover letter should have these keywords. A client may share with you critical information about his business. A freelancer will work with different clients. A secret business idea is vital; the client may disclose it to you as part of the project. The client will expect you to be trustworthy. They may ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement as part of the freelance contract. But even before that, you should profess your trustworthiness.

Independent worker

Most of the time, a freelancer is expected to work solo. It would help if you acted as a consultant and problem solver and did not depend on the client for everything. You understand the problem and be forthcoming in providing solutions. Your cover letter should communicate that point in bold letters.

Time-sensitive

Timesensitiveness is an essential attribute of a freelancer. As a freelancer, you are paid on time. Every dollar you get is tied to the clock. 

"Lost time is never found again." - Benjamin Franklin

Your cover letter should shout loud that you understand the importance of time. You will deliver the work on time and respect every minute the client pays for.

Good communication skills

Needless to emphasize that you need good communication skills. It is required everywhere. 

"The one easy way to become worth 50 percent more than you are now — at least — is to hone your communication skills — both written and verbal." - Warren Buffett

As Warren Buffett says, your worth will increase by 50%. Freelancers always want to improve their billing rate and position themselves as professionals. Good communication skills are the first critical attribute in that journey for a freelancer. It would help if you expressed that in the cover letter because, as a freelancer, you will be working remotely. Good communication skills are essential for the success of a remote freelance project.

General tips for the freelance cover letter

1. The letter should be well formatted and follow a modern design. Your client wants you to be updated.
2. Proofread multiple times and ask your co-freelancer to check it out. Avoid spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
3. Be crisp and write to the point. 
4. The cover letter must now go beyond one page.
5. The cover letter should only introduce you, and the resume should include details.
6. End the letter inviting your client to read your resume.

Sample of a freelance cover letter

You can use the following sample freelance cover letter. Please consider this a template and customize it with your personal information.

[John Doe]

[123, Lorem Ipsum Street, Sample address]

[john@example.com]

Dear [Mr. Client Name],

I came across the freelance opportunity you posted and am excited to apply.

I understand that you need [describe what the client needs], and I can help you provide the [explain that you can give the solution]. I am highly skilled in [area of expertise] and confident I can provide the high-quality results you seek.

Earlier, I have done work similar to your requirement. I hope you review it [give link or direction to view your best work].

I have a strong work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and I earned a reputation as a trustworthy freelancer. I am committed to maintaining this reputation and being dependable always.

As an independent worker, I am highly self-motivated and can achieve my goals. My experience working as a freelancer has honed my ability to work autonomously and deliver high-quality results. With excellent communication skills, I am good at conveying complex information.

I thank you for considering my application for the opportunity. I have enclosed my resume for your perusal.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Download this sample freelance cover letter in a word document.

Written by Joe Kulandy on March 12, 2023