A writing sample is a piece of your work that showcases your skills and abilities as a writer. It can be a crucial part of your job application, especially if the position requires writing or communication skills. But how do you choose and prepare a writing sample that impresses your potential employer? Here are some tips to help you out.
Before you select a writing sample, make sure you read the job description carefully and follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the employer. Some employers may specify the type, length, format, or topic of the writing sample they want to see. Others may give you more flexibility or ask you to send a sample on a specific subject. In any case, you should always tailor your writing sample to the job and the company you are applying to.
When writing sample for a job application, you need to first know the requirements. This would help you to write a sample that suits the company. You need to read carefully the requirements stated by the employer. Some might want people who are professionals in a certain field. Others might just want a basic writer. Some employers might give you a certain topic to write on. If this the case, you have to make sure that you write according to the given topic.
Your writing sample should demonstrate your ability to write in the style, tone, and voice that suits the job and the industry. For example, if you are applying for a marketing role, you may want to send a copy of a blog post, a newsletter, or a social media post that you wrote for a previous client or project. If you are applying for a technical role, you may want to send a report, a manual, or a code snippet that you wrote for a previous employer or assignment. Ideally, your writing sample should also be related to the topic or field that you are applying for, so that you can show your knowledge and expertise.
Once, I chose a piece for a job that seemed a mismatch - technical writing for a creative role. Surprisingly, it showcased my versatility, blending analytical skills with creativity. So, my tip? Don't just pick the obvious. Choose a sample that tells a richer story about you. It's not just about fitting in. It's about standing out. A well-chosen sample reveals your depth, not just your ability to match keywords. Make them see the layers of your talent.
You should choose a relevant writing sample. This can showcase your capability in that field. For example, if you were previously writing for a magazine, you could give samples of your articles that were published. That is if you are applying to another publishing company. You should apply for a company that suits your expertise or qualifications. This is so that you can write a sample that matches your expertise.
Your writing sample should reflect your best work and your highest standards. It should be clear, concise, accurate, and engaging. It should also be free of any errors, typos, or grammatical mistakes. You should proofread and edit your writing sample before you send it, and ask someone else to review it if possible. You should also make sure that your writing sample is original and not plagiarized from any source. If you need to use any quotes, citations, or references, you should format them properly and give credit to the original authors.
Your writing sample should always be taken from your best work. This is to show the future employers that they should hire you. Your sample should be as perfect as possible. Make sure to check for mistakes whether it's spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes and even the accuracy of the information. You must also make sure that your sample is your original creation. This is to avoid any plagiarism.
Your writing sample should be easy to read and follow. You should format it according to the style and preferences of the employer, or use a standard format such as MLA, APA, or Chicago if no specific format is given. You should also label your writing sample with your name, the date, the title, and the purpose of the sample. For example, you can write "Jane Doe, January 2021, Blog Post for XYZ Company, Writing Sample for Marketing Manager Position". You should also include a brief introduction or summary that explains what the writing sample is about and why you chose it.
True, formatting and correctly labelling any samples you provide is important. Effective use of the header and footer sections of a document can help here. By enabling to to also associate the document to yourself. One other consideration. If you are sending the samples by email then it is beneficial to provide a summary information about the samples. For example: - Example filename(s). - File format. - Brief description (one to two sentences) outlining the type of sample/ topic covered in the sample. Remember samples do not just need to be word processed documents.
After you send your writing sample, you should follow up with the employer and confirm that they received it and that it meets their expectations. You should also ask for feedback on your writing sample and how you can improve it. Feedback can help you learn from your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and prepare for the next steps of the hiring process. You should also thank the employer for their time and interest and express your enthusiasm for the job.
Try to keep all your writing samples in one place--anything you would consider submitting to an employer/client should be in a portfolio. Keep a portfolio online for maximum usability. But employers don't like to search through all your clips for the thing most relevant to them. So, showcase a few pieces in your online portfolio and do the same when applying.
Providing document samples can be a challenge/ Particularly if the samples in question were produced when you worked for a different organisation., So legal property and related considerations may apply.