A writing sample is a document requested by a potential employer to evaluate a candidate’s writing and communication abilities. It offers a direct view into how an applicant structures their thoughts, conveys complex information, and demonstrates their overall writing style. For jobs where writing is a frequent responsibility, such as in marketing, communications, or research, this document is a standard part of the application process. It allows a hiring manager to gauge a candidate’s skills in a practical context, beyond what a resume or cover letter can show.
Selecting the Most Relevant Sample
The primary factor when choosing a writing sample is its relevance to the job you are applying for. Begin by analyzing the job description to identify the specific type of writing skills the employer is seeking. Look for keywords that describe the desired tone and required style, such as technical writing for a science-related position or persuasive copy for a marketing role.
Once you understand the employer’s needs, review your existing work to find a piece that aligns closely. For instance, if applying for a public relations position, a press release you wrote would be an ideal choice. For a research-focused role, an excerpt from an analytical paper would be more appropriate. The subject matter of your sample can also be a significant advantage if it relates to the employer’s industry or mission.
It is better to submit a recent and relevant piece than an older one that is less connected to the position. A sample written within the last year or two demonstrates your current skill level. Published work is not a necessity; a strong, well-written unpublished piece that showcases the abilities required for the job is often a more effective choice. If you must choose between a topically relevant paper and a better-written one, select the stronger piece of writing, as your fundamental writing ability is what is being assessed.
What to Do If You Don’t Have a Perfect Sample
It is common for applicants, especially recent graduates or career changers, to not have a writing sample that perfectly matches the requirements of a job. In this situation, the best course of action is to create a new piece specifically for the application. This allows you to tailor the content directly to the employer’s needs. For example, if you are applying for a communications role at a nonprofit, you could write a mock press release for one of their upcoming events.
Another effective strategy is to adapt an existing piece of writing. You might have a long academic paper or report that contains relevant information but is not suitable for submission in its entirety. In this case, you can select a specific section and edit it to function as a standalone document. For instance, you could take the introduction and an analytical section from a lengthy research paper, rewriting them for a business audience rather than an academic one.
Using a brief and relevant excerpt from a longer work is also a widely accepted practice. This ensures the reader can understand the excerpt without needing the full document, allowing you to showcase your best work even if it’s part of a larger piece.
Formatting and Presentation Guidelines
The presentation of your writing sample is a reflection of your professionalism and attention to detail. Unless the employer provides specific instructions, a guideline for length is between two and four pages, or approximately 500 to 1000 words. If your strongest work is a longer document, it is acceptable to submit an excerpt, as long as it is clearly labeled as such.
When submitting your sample electronically, it is recommended to use a PDF file. This format preserves the document’s formatting across different devices and operating systems. Submitting a file in a word-processing format like .docx or .pages can lead to formatting issues and may appear less professional.
It is also good practice to include a brief contextual note at the top of the first page or on a separate cover page. This note should be no more than one or two sentences and provide background for the sample. For example, you could write, “This article was written for a university course on digital marketing.” This helps the reader understand the purpose and audience for which the piece was originally created.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes when submitting your sample:
- Submitting work with typos or grammatical errors. Always proofread your document multiple times, and if possible, have someone else review it as well. A clean, error-free submission demonstrates a high level of care.
- Failing to follow the employer’s specific instructions. If the application asks for a sample of a certain length or in a particular file format, adhere to those guidelines precisely.
- Choosing a piece on a highly controversial or overly personal topic. The focus should remain on your professional writing skills, not your personal beliefs.
- Submitting a piece of group work without clarification. If you submit a collaborative project, you must specify which sections you were responsible for writing.