A writing sample is a document employers request to evaluate a candidate’s writing and communication abilities. It serves as a practical demonstration of your capacity to structure thoughts, articulate ideas, and handle the specific writing required for a role. For jobs in fields like marketing, journalism, or public relations, this document is a primary assessment tool. The sample offers a hiring manager a direct view into your professional skills, providing tangible evidence of your qualifications beyond a resume or interview.
Key Qualities of a Strong Writing Sample
A strong writing sample is directly relevant to the position you are seeking. If applying for a public relations role, a press release is more impactful than an academic essay. For a research-oriented job, a detailed research paper or case study demonstrates applicable skills. This shows the evaluator you understand the job’s demands and have the right competencies.
Clarity and conciseness are important qualities. Hiring managers have limited time, so a brief and impactful piece is more memorable than a lengthy one. The writing should present a clear thesis or central argument that is easy to follow. This demonstrates an ability to communicate complex information efficiently and respect the reader’s time.
Flawless mechanics are a baseline expectation. The sample must be free of errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Meticulous proofreading is necessary, and it can be beneficial to have someone else review the document. Submitting a clean copy, free from any previous comments or grades, presents a professional image and shows attention to detail.
The tone and style of the sample should align with the organization’s voice. You can gauge a company’s tone by reviewing its website, blog posts, or news articles. A company with a formal brand image will expect a sober and objective sample, while a brand known for creativity might appreciate a more dynamic style. Matching your writing style shows that you have done your research and can adapt your communication to fit the company culture.
A logical structure is also important. The document should flow seamlessly from one point to the next, guiding the reader through your argument without confusion. For longer pieces, like an excerpt from a research paper, provide a brief note explaining its context within the larger work.
How to Select the Best Sample for the Role
Choosing the right writing sample begins with analyzing the job description. Look for keywords that describe the writing tasks, such as “data storytelling,” “technical reports,” or “persuasive copy.” If the role requires in-depth analysis, a research paper is a suitable choice. For a position focused on public outreach, a press release or blog post is more appropriate.
Your selection should be as recent as possible, ideally from within the last year. If deciding between a highly graded but less relevant paper and a more topical piece, choose the one that better demonstrates the writing you will perform. It is better to showcase relevant skills than to rely on past academic achievements alone.
Pay close attention to any instructions from the employer regarding length and format. If no guidelines are given, a sample between one and four pages is a good rule of thumb. If your strongest piece is much longer, submit a carefully chosen excerpt. Add a brief introductory note that explains the context of the excerpt and the topic of the original document.
Creating a Custom Writing Sample
If you do not have a relevant pre-existing document, creating a new sample is a proactive strategy. It demonstrates initiative and a genuine interest in the specific position. The goal is to develop a speculative assignment that mirrors the work you would be expected to produce.
To do this, create a mock assignment based on the company’s current activities or industry. For a marketing position, you could write a blog post about a recent industry trend relevant to the company. For a public relations role, you might draft a press release for a fictional event for that organization. This shows not only your writing ability but also your understanding of the company’s market and mission.
When you submit a piece created for the application, label it clearly. A simple note at the top, such as “Writing sample created for this application,” prevents misunderstanding. This level of honesty and effort can set you apart from other candidates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your submission, avoid these common mistakes:
- Submitting a sample that contains confidential or proprietary information from a previous employer. Always review your document to ensure it is free of sensitive data, as sharing it reflects poorly on your judgment.
- Ignoring the employer’s specific instructions for length, format, or topic. Failing to adhere to stated requirements suggests a lack of attention to detail.
- Choosing a topic that is overly personal, controversial, or politically charged, unless it is directly relevant to the organization’s mission. The goal is to showcase professional skills, not personal beliefs.
- Neglecting a final proofread before submitting. Typos and grammatical errors can leave a lasting negative impression, so consider having a colleague review the document as well.