Why Am I Not Getting A Response?

Anne,

Hello, I’ve been attempting to get myself into the world of freelance writing and have sent out numerous emails responding to ads on various websites. To this date I have still not heard anything back from any of the companies. I generally respond to new ads (within a couple days of posting) and post my resume within the email.

I have little to no experience working with freelance writing, but have had experience writing in general. I’m not sure if these companies/individuals are looking for something specific in the response or what is expected when responding to an ad. At this point, it just seems somewhat frustrating to send over 20 emails out and not hear back from one. Any information you could send would be extremely helpful. I love to write, and if possible would love to make it my career.

Thanks for your time.

Corey
Hi Corey,

First of all, not getting any response to 20 emails in response to online job postings isn’t too unusual. Some employers are simply overwhelmed with the response.

That said I suspect the real problem is with the way you’re presenting yourself. It turns out that the email is critically important. First, the subject line should name the job – sometimes this will happen automatically – if it does, leave it, but if the subject line is blank make it crystal clear what job or gig you’re applying for.

Next, in the body of the email, you’ve got to address their need as specifically as you can. For example, if the ad calls for web writing your email should be something like this:

Hi, I’ve been writing successfully for x years and that includes web writing. I understand how to optimize for search engines as well as make the content truly readable.

Below (or attached if they say they want attachments) is my list of writing resume.

I look forward to talking with you about this project.

Make sure your contact information is at the end of each email – set up a signature.

Next, look at your resume. Remember, the person advertising has a problem… does your résumé demonstrate you can solve it?

I actually keep several copies of my writing credits – if the potential client wants a ghostwriter for a book, I send the one that has that info on top; if it’s web writing they want, I send the one with online writing on top.

Finally, I think you’ve got to have your own website. Here is an article that tells you why and how.

Write well and often,

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