Q: I’ve come across several companies that ONLY take resumes, employment inquiries, etc. by email or by the job page on their web site. In a situation like this, you’re never sure what’s really happening with your stuff, whether you’ll hear back, if anyone’s even there, and if it’s worth it all. What’s your take?
A: I can’t recall the last company I dealt with that operated like that. If you run into that, try to figure out how to get around it. Go to the web site and/or call the company and look for/ask for the marketing or marketing communications department and then call them directly. I’m guessing they wouldn’t freak out to hear from a writer :).
I’m also guessing that if a company is really in the market for writing services, they’d make it easier to get to those folks who need those services. So, if you’re getting shlepped off to HR or have to go through a formal process, chances are, those aren’t your best prospects. As I mention in my book, sending your stuff through HR or some other “employment” department is the single best way to have it held up for the longest period of time. Bottom line, I wouldn’t send ANY marketing materials out unless I’ve confirmed with someone in that company that they’re in the market for writing services, and they’ve said they’d like to see something. That said, you’re better off just setting up a web site, and steering prospects to that, and dispensing with the whole assembling of marketing packages thing.