A brief writing sample is a short document submitted during the hiring process, designed to provide employers with a direct assessment of a candidate’s communication skills. This submission serves as a tangible representation of how an applicant organizes thoughts, structures arguments, and conveys information professionally. Because it offers a direct look at an applicant’s functional ability, the quality of the submitted sample often holds significant weight in determining candidacy. It is frequently the single highest-stakes document requested after the initial resume and cover letter.
The Purpose of a Brief Writing Sample
Employers solicit a writing sample to objectively evaluate an applicant’s professional capabilities and move beyond self-reported skills. The document provides insight into a candidate’s critical thinking, revealing their ability to synthesize complex information and present a well-supported position. Recruiters assess how effectively the writer structures an argument, ensuring logical flow and development of ideas.
The sample also serves as a direct indicator of professional tone and clarity. Hiring managers examine if the language is appropriate for a business setting and free of ambiguity, demonstrating the capacity to communicate sophisticated concepts in a condensed format. This skill is highly valued across numerous industries.
Defining “Brief”: Acceptable Length and Format
The term “brief” dictates strict length constraints, commonly ranging from 500 to 750 words. This usually translates into a maximum of one to two pages of double-spaced text, requiring the writer to demonstrate proficiency in succinct communication. Submitting a document that significantly exceeds these parameters suggests an inability to follow instructions and communicate concisely.
Formatting requires a professional and readable presentation for ease of review by the hiring committee. Applicants should use standard fonts such as Times New Roman or Arial, maintaining a 10- or 12-point size, and set standard one-inch margins.
Most organizations prefer the sample be submitted as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file to preserve formatting integrity across different viewing systems. The document should include a simple header with the applicant’s name and contact information, ensuring it can be easily matched to the application file.
What Types of Documents Make Good Samples?
Internal Communications
Documents designed for an internal audience serve well as samples, demonstrating the ability to communicate with colleagues and leadership. Executive summaries showcase the skill in distilling large volumes of data into actionable insights for decision-makers. A policy brief illustrates the capacity to clearly articulate complex organizational guidelines and their rationale. A concise, well-structured memorandum shows proficiency in formal, direct communication within a corporate environment.
External Professional Documents
Materials intended for public consumption or client interaction are also suitable for submission. A press release draft demonstrates command of promotional language and the ability to convey information to the media. A professionally written blog post or article draft illustrates a capacity for engaging storytelling and maintaining a specific external brand voice. Technical descriptions or product specifications show skill in explaining detailed processes or features accurately to a customer base.
Academic or Research Extracts
For roles requiring a research background or high-level analysis, excerpts from academic work are appropriate if relevant to the job function. A section from a literature review demonstrates the ability to synthesize and critique existing knowledge. An annotated bibliography showcases proficiency in evaluating sources and summarizing their relevance. Methodology sections are useful for roles needing an understanding of research design and procedure.
Key Strategies for Selecting and Polishing Your Sample
The first step involves reviewing the job description to align the submission with the employer’s stated needs. The chosen document must directly reflect the tone, style, and subject matter required in the advertised position. For instance, a role focused on regulatory compliance requires a sample demonstrating precise, formal, and analytical writing, rather than creative or persuasive prose.
Once selected, the focus must shift to editing for conciseness and maximum impact. Writers should aggressively cut any unnecessary jargon, filler phrases, or tangential points that do not directly serve the document’s central purpose. This ensures the sample demonstrates an efficient use of language and respect for the reader’s time.
Thorough proofreading is required, as grammatical errors, typos, or punctuation mistakes can disqualify an otherwise strong candidate. It is highly recommended to have a trusted colleague or editor review the final version. Before submission, all sensitive or confidential information, such as client names, specific financial figures, or proprietary data, must be meticulously removed and replaced with generic placeholders like “Client X” or “[Proprietary Data].”
Tailoring an existing sample involves adapting the context to fit the new application. If the original sample was written for one industry, the writer should adjust the language or terminology to make it relevant to the target company’s sector. This demonstrates a proactive understanding of the role and the environment in which the writing will be used.
Where Are Brief Writing Samples Commonly Required?
The request for a writing sample is standard across several professional domains where written communication is a core job function.
- The legal field frequently requires samples, as attorneys and paralegals must produce clear, persuasive, and technically accurate documents.
- Journalism and public relations roles rely heavily on samples to gauge candidates’ ability to write engaging content under tight deadlines.
- Marketing and technical communications positions routinely request samples to assess the capacity to translate complex information into accessible language.
- Government and policy-related roles, including regulatory affairs or legislative analysis, depend on samples to verify the ability to draft official reports and policy statements.