How To Submit The Perfect Writing Sample In 2023 (With Examples)

Writing samples are examples of your written work. It can be either a past written work or something that you write up in response to an employer’s request. Most writing samples are either going to be submitted alongside your resume, but a number of hiring managers will request a writing sample after looking over your resume.

There are essentially three types of writing samples if you’re applying for a job:

1. The portfolio writing sample. Writers are well aware of this request. They’re looking for jobs writing, so they’ve taken some of their best work and pulled it together to represent their skills and style. Whether your portfolio is online, a paper document, or you have both – these pieces should be your very best stuff. If you’re a new writer, they might be pieces you did in school. If you’re a professional, use your work that appeared in the best-known publications. Oftentimes, you’ll be asked to narrow down your sample so that hiring managers don’t have to dig through your entire body of work. While it’s tempting to go for your highest-quality work or a piece that was published by a recognizable name, choosing relevant and well-tailored samples is actually more important in this case.
2. The pre-interview requested sample. This is something writers can expect to encounter quite often when they’re applying for jobs. They’ve been selected out of the applicant pool to show how they can write for the company in question. They’ll typically be given a mock assignment and asked to do the job, or at least a part of it. This shows the hiring manager how your work would fit in with their company. When you’re given this sort of test, research how the company writes articles or whatever sort of content you’re being asked to write. Matching the tone and style of the company is just as important as high writing quality.
3. Impromptu writing sample. This type of writing is less common, but it happens. It might be something you encounter if you’re not applying for a writing job, but the employer feels writing is an integral part of the job. Maybe you’re looking for a customer service job on a chat line. They’ll want to see what your grammar and language skills are so you can accurately and professionally represent the company. These tests will typically be done at the time of the interview.

When do employers request a writing sample?

Employers request writing samples to gauge the quality, tone, and style of the writer to see if it fits with the necessary standard and style of their current body of work. Of the three writing sample types, two are requested well before the interview, and one is frequently completed at the interview.

• During the job interview. There isn’t much you can do in preparation for an impromptu writing sample. You should have a solid foundation in language, literary comprehension, and grammar. If you feel your skills are a little weak there, it’s always a good idea to brush up on what you learned in school. Other than that, fight back your test anxiety and start writing.
• With the application. Some employers ask for a writing sample in the job posting. They don’t want to see your resume and cover letter without an accompanying writing sample. In fact, some companies will toss your application without reading it if your writing sample isn’t there. And no, your cover letter doesn’t count as a writing sample, but that needs to be spot on if you’re looking for a writing job.
• As a follow-up. You may find that whether the employer requested a writing sample from the outset or not, they’ll then request a specific writing sample or a tailored sample. For example, if the job is all about emails, then they’ll ask for some samples of emails you’ve written. If the job is writing product descriptions, they may give you a product and ask you to write a description.
• At the interview. This is different than during the job interview because they’re asking you to bring something with you to the interview. Whether it’s a physical writing portfolio or something they’ve specifically asked you to complete. This is not common. In fact, you may never encounter this situation. That said, it’s a great idea to compile a leave-behind portfolio that’s professionally bound and tailored to the company if you’re asked in for an interview.

How to choose a writing sample

As your writing sample can have a large impact on the interview process, it’s something you want to consider carefully. There are several factors to consider when selecting your writing sample. Of course you want something that showcases your ability, but you also want one that’s relevant and current.

• Match the sample with the job. If at all possible, investigate what style they’re already using. If you’re going to write copy for their website, read what’s already posted and mimic that style. Hiring managers are going to be drawn to a writer that can write in the style the company uses. Sometimes it isn’t possible to research the type of writing they want, or they’re looking for a writer who can write in several different styles. In that case, you’re just going to have to make an educated guess about what style of writing will work in your favor and do your best work.
• Follow the employer’s directions. While this may seem self-explanatory, it requires listening to what the employer asks of you. If they request an email writing sample, give them one. If you don’t have one in your portfolio, write one. This serves two functions. One, it shows them the type of writing they’re looking for so they can accurately gauge you. Two, it shows that you can follow directions. And being able to listen and follow directions are marketable skills.
• Keep it current. While you may have a writing sample that showcases your writing skills extremely well or is published by a well-known publisher, it likely isn’t the best sample if it isn’t recent. Showing them an old writing sample makes it seem as though you haven’t kept current or kept up with your writing skills. If you’re asked for multiple samples, you may be able to include an older piece, but make sure that your other samples are up to date.
• When it’s not about research. If you’re creating a portfolio, especially an online version, it’s a great idea to show your strengths. People with broad-based backgrounds need to bank on this and show all of their many writing styles and voices. Writers who have a niche need to highlight their skills there. So the idea is, when it’s not about research, it’s about you.
• And don’t forget to be perfect. We shouldn’t have to point this out, but if you’re choosing a writing sample, you want it to be perfect – no spelling or grammar errors. There also shouldn’t be any factual errors.

What If I don’t have a writing sample?

The answer to this question is simple: write one. Unless the application specifies otherwise, there’s no requirement that the writing sample you submit has to be something you’ve already written.

Look at examples of the type of writing you think will be most effective, be it on the company website, social media posts, or writing examples. Then write something that you think will appeal to the hiring manager. A newly written, relevant sample is in many ways more likely to succeed than something from a portfolio.

Writing sample tips

There’s a lot that goes into a successful writing sample. You want to make sure it’s up-to-date, relevant, and a showcase of your writing skills. Then there’s the matter of making sure that there aren’t any typos or grammatical errors in it. If you want your writing sample to truly sparkle, here are some tips to help.

• Keep a file of your best work. That way, you have something if the request is immediate. Timeliness matters when applying for jobs, and they might not wait a week for you to write something fresh.
• Have someone else proofread your writing samples. Sometimes you are so involved in the words that you miss mistakes.
• Try to tie your sample to the company’s voice, product line, industry, etc. This is where your research pays off.
• Brag about your best work. By including it also.
• Be current. A sample that’s ten years old is not going to go over well if you don’t have recent work as well.
• Show diversity in style. While you want to customize to their requirements, it doesn’t hurt to let them know if you have some chameleon-like abilities.
• Create a pdf and make it look good. A word document is one thing, but a pdf with some graphic design elements behind it can really polish your words and make them look legitimate.
• Use the actual publication. If you can, submit the link to your published work. This adds tons of legitimacy and value to your work.
• Lean toward the short side of things. You want them to read most of what you’re submitting. This means a 20-page, in-depth research grant proposal is too much. How about just a sample from that document? You can always let them know that you’d be happy to send the entire document at their request. Otherwise, try to keep your samples to one page or less.

Writing sample FAQ

1. How do you start a writing sample?To start a writing sample, research the company’s current written content. Pay attention to the tone, style, and reading level of whatever content you would be responsible for writing if hired. If you are writing a fresh sample based on a prompt, be sure to follow instructions carefully regarding word count, formatting, and topic choice. If you are submitting a portfolio of writing samples, select the ones that best represent your ability to write for this specific employer. For instance, if you have great writing samples for a travel magazine, but you’re applying for a financial advice website, you might want to lean towards submitting work that somewhat pertains to finance, like budgeting for a trip — even if it isn’t your highest-quality work.
2. Is a writing sample a cover letter?No, a writing sample is not a cover letter. A cover letter is written specifically for a job opportunity and describes your relevant experience and interest in the position. A cover letter has two topics — you and the company. A writing sample isn’t about you or the company (unless the prompt or employer suggestions specify otherwise). A writing sample is either an example of your past written work or a document written for the company in response to a prompt.
3. What do you do if you don’t have a writing sample?If you don’t have a writing sample, write one. Although it is more work, it’s important to develop a writing portfolio. Even if your written work doesn’t land you the specific job, you’ll at least have a writing sample ready for the next job you apply for. If the job states that you may only submit published writing samples, you can still attempt to submit a freshly written one. However, that does qualify as failure to follow instructions and is less likely to result in a job offer.
4. Should writing samples be sent as PDFs?Writing samples should be sent in whatever format requested by the employer. If no format is specified, PDF is a fine option for ensuring that formatting will not change between devices. Sending your sample as a Google doc can also be convenient, as it allows for the employer to write comments directly in the file. If you are submitting a portfolio, you can certainly create a PDF for individual samples, or stitch a few together to create one PDF. Creating a personal website is also a good idea, although it doesn’t allow you to tailor your samples for specific job opportunities.
5. Do you need a writing sample for a job interview?If you’re applying for a writing job, then chances are very good that you’ll need a writing sample. However, the majority of jobs aren’t going to require a writing sample. And even if they do require a writing sample, it usually isn’t submitted during the job interview.

References

1. Yale University — Guide to Submitting a Writing Sample
2. Duke University — Writing Sample Guide
3. Columbia University — Tips on Providing a Quality Writing Sample

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