Writer job description template

An effective description can help you hire the best fit for your job. Check out our tips to provide details that skilled professionals are looking for.

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Tips for Crafting a Writer Job Description

Need a writer but don’t know where to start looking for one? Here are some tips and a sample job description you can use to find the best independent talent for your writing needs. 

What is a writer?

A writer is a person who specializes in writing material for digital and print publications. Their work engages their reader’s interest by presenting compelling and informational content from research and interviews. Successful writers possess an excellent grasp of written English (or the applicable language for the publication), an intense curiosity of the world around them, strong communication skills to engage subject experts, resourcefulness in acquiring information, the ability to self-edit, and the skill to organize information by crafting engaging content. 

Example of a writer job description

The following provides a sample job description that explores the responsibilities and qualifications of a writer. 

The job overview

We are seeking a writer to create lifestyle and vehicle content that engages the target audience for our website on motor travel in North America. As a writer, you will have a passion for the craft, a flair for a clever turn of phrase, a knack for developing exciting angles, and the curiosity to ferret out intriguing people and details. You will be responsible for researching and interviewing subject experts to create articles that give travelers entertaining and informative content on interesting places to go, creative routes to follow, and the best vehicles and accessories to get them there. The ideal candidate will have experience writing about travel or motoring. Depending on your areas of expertise, your assignments could develop in a particular niche. Demonstration of solid writing skills in your initial assignments could grow your workload, on average, to two to four articles per month, each requiring roughly 10-15 hours. 

Job responsibilities

Some of the writer’s job responsibilities include:

  • Write informational content in an engaging and creative way, and with a fluidity that is effortless to read
  • Research topics and interview subject matter experts to develop content assignment
  • Fact check information gained through the gathering process to ensure accuracy
  • Work with the editor to take direction for the assignment up front, discuss necessary adjustments during the process, and efficiently apply suggestions for revision 
  • Make sure copy adheres to publication’s tone and writing style
  • Adhere to AP style and the publication’s style
  • Ability to effectively proofread your own copy before submitting it for a final edit, and suggest a headline and intro paragraph for the website home page and social media 
  • Optimize copy for the web according to SEO best practices
  • Communicate with the design team to help guide the creation of engaging visuals
  • Meet deadlines

Job qualifications 

Some of the writer’s job qualifications include:  

  • Excellent writing skills, both in language and style
  • Good research skills, both online and off
  • Good communication skills for gathering information and working with the publication team
  • Familiarity with AP style guide, and ability to learn and adapt to the company guidelines 
  • Knowledge of SEO best practices and tools, such as Google Search Console and Google Keyword Planner
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Word 
  • Familiarity with WordPress content management system
  • High school diploma (or GED) required; bachelor’s degree in English, journalism or related field is preferred 
  • Two years of experience writing for publications, preferably in the travel or auto industry
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  • $31 hourly
    David C.
    Writer
    • 5.0
    • (3 jobs)
    Lake Worth, FL
    vsuc_fltilesrefresh_TrophyIcon Writing
    Website Content
    White Paper
    Content Marketing
    Technical Writing
    Business Proposal Writing
    Press Release
    Copywriting
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    Greetings Thank you for taking a few minutes to view my profile. The most imports attribute I supply is to gain a true understanding of exactly what you are looking for. Your project is important to me and specialize in crafting clear, concise e and moving communications that garner results. My writing skills include: Blogs and Web Content * Press Releases * Content Marketing Campaigns Copy Writing/Headlines * Thought Leadership Campaigns * White Papers Product Roll out/Create a Buzz * Email Marketing Campaigns Landing Pages and Sales Funnels * Advertorials * Marketing Booklets and Brochures * Brand Message and Management * Editing Treatments * Song Lyric/s, Poetry and Prose * Creative writing Fiction Industries include: Finance/Investment Strategies * Wealth management Insurance * Practice Management Healthcare * Food, Nutrition and Supplements Technology/Software Applications * eCommerce Energy * Music Pesticides/Lawn Care * Holistic Living Yoga and Exercise * athletics Published author of psychological horror novel Regression Suppression” Brand Manager and marketing developer of the Investment Strategy SmarterCurve Sincerely, David
  • $65 hourly
    Dawn H.
    Writer
    • 4.9
    • (39 jobs)
    Pensacola, FL
    vsuc_fltilesrefresh_TrophyIcon Writing
    Project Management
    Employee Training
    Customer Service
    Elearning
    Instructional Design
    Human Resource Management
    I specialize in learning and development as well as project management, and I very much enjoy roles in client services, human resources, education, and training. I excel in areas where written and verbal communication are vital. Some of my most fulfilling positions are those which are client-facing, where I serve as the liaison between clients and company staff. As a "people person," I relish the interaction afforded by this type of role and have been told by numerous colleagues that it shows in my warm way of making them feel at ease, combined with my professional attitude toward getting the job done. Many of my clients attribute this to something they call my “Southern Charm,” and I love (and am humbled by) that phrase used to describe my communication style! My Bachelor’s degree and my teaching background have been essential in helping me to sharpen and perfect my presentation skills and my abilities to effectively train, motivate, and inspire others to learn. My abilities to present information and communicate broad concepts as well as specific details, while managing projects and mentoring others, have served me well throughout my career. I regularly lead training sessions using a variety of web conferencing tools such as GotoMeeting, Join.me, Adobe Connect and Zoom. As an effective communicator of the written word, I have written curriculum and collaborated in online course design and testing. I have gained a wealth of experience in eLearning course content writing and editing as well as technical writing. Website content writing for Kraft Canada has also intensified my proficiency as a writer. To further round out my writing repertoire, I have had the challenging and rewarding experience of writing a Human Resources manual, a project which required researching labor laws and transforming the content into palatable and engaging wording for a corporate audience. In terms of project management, I have had the pleasure of managing and mentoring remote teams of medical transcriptionists and instructional designers as well as serving as the administrator of a robust LMS delivering hundreds of eLearning courses to thousands of learners. In my position as the project manager/client services manager for a digital marketing firm, I engaged daily in digital marketing initiatives for a variety of clients and wrote and edited marketing/promotional materials. I also have five years of sales experience and have enjoyed positions which provided me the opportunities to utilize my communications skills in presenting, selling, and closing. In my position of Project Manager of Virtual Services, I lead a team of virtual employees, recruit, interview, and onboard new employees, and manage payroll and employee benefits. My core professional philosophy is to approach my work with enthusiasm and to always exhibit honesty, trustworthiness, professionalism, and poise. The following are highlights of my success in my current and previous positions: ● Resolute command, both written and verbal, of the English language. ● Superior communication skills. ● Motivational management style. ● Frequent commendations by colleagues and clients for my optimistic attitude, attention to detail, and for always ensuring an exceptional, positive interaction. ● Numerous accolades by colleagues and students for my inspirational teaching and mentoring techniques. ● Proficient use of online meeting tools for coaching sessions and team collaboration. ● Expert problem-solving skills. ● Expert writing skills. ● Exemplary research skills. My professional background is wide ranging and has always included choices in positions which require exemplary communication skills. My executive support experience, teaching background, writing expertise, management experience, sales, and technical skills are vital to any position, and I believe that my strong communication skills are the most important skills that I have to offer. I began my career as a virtual/remote professional during the summer of 2004, and I have a total of 14 years of full-time virtual and remote work experience. I conduct all business from my home office which is fully equipped to handle the needs and demands of virtual and remote work responsibilities; the environment is quiet, with no background noise, and is perfect for all areas of professional work, including online meetings, virtual projects, and client communication. I excel at the demands of virtual and remote work, a few of which are flexibility in availability, commitment to deadlines, and a can-do attitude toward every project at hand. I hope you will review my resumeˊ and contact me for a video interview or phone discussion. I would consider it a privilege to be a member of your team! All the best, Dawn Hamilton
  • $25 hourly
    Ayana M.
    Writer
    • 5.0
    • (2 jobs)
    Tokyo, TOKYO
    vsuc_fltilesrefresh_TrophyIcon Writing
    Marketing
    Communications
    Japanese to English Translation
    Customer Support
    English to Japanese Translation
    Technical Support
    Japanese
    WordPress
    Social Media Management
    Willing to take on challenges and make things happen. My motto is "Get comfortable with being uncomfortable" by Luvvie Ajayi. It guides me spiritually. I'm on a great journey of my life in Canada. Passionately seeking inspirational opportunities. Bilingual: English/Japanese Personal attribute: responsible, positive, self-motivated, well-organized, creative, adaptable and communicative Specialties: social media marketing, graphic design, Web development, content marketing and customer service
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