How to Prepare a Writing Sample

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD. Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014.

This article has been viewed 79,267 times.

Writing skills are an essential part of many jobs. Across a wide variety of professions, up to 20 percent of a new employee's duties may involve writing. Because of this, many employers require applicants to prepare a writing sample regardless of the position they are applying for. By choosing the best writing sample and submitting it the proper way, you can make sure your writing sample will strengthen any application you submit.

Method 1 of 3:

Choosing from Your Existing Work

Step 1 Save examples of any good writing you do as potential samples.

Step 2 Select a writing sample that is relevant to the application.

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Step 3 Keep your writing sample to an appropriate and reasonable length.

Step 4 Follow instructions or guidelines as closely as possible.

Step 5 Avoid writing samples on inappropriate or controversial topics.

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Writing a Sample from Scratch

Step 1 Write the type of <a href=sample most relevant to what you’re applying for." width="460" height="345" />

Step 2 Try to write on a topic from a unique angle.

Step 3 Match your tone and style to other writings put out by the institution.

Step 4 Include an introductory paragraph on the nature of your sample.

Include an introductory paragraph on the nature of your sample. You’ll want your reviewer to know the reasoning behind the type of sample you wrote and what you were hoping to achieve by writing it (e.g., demonstrate your research skills to a professor). Add an introductory paragraph that explains the purpose of your sample and why you chose to include it in your application. [9] X Research source

Step 5 Avoid writing an essay about you as a candidate.

Step 6 Don’t be afraid to ask what sort of sample to write.

Step 7 Revise and polish your first draft.

Revise and polish your first draft. Once you’ve finished the first draft of your writing sample, read through it again and revise it as necessary. Fix any grammar or spelling errors, tighten up awkward or verbose writing, and add or delete writing as necessary. Remember, you want your writing sample to be as strong as possible.

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Formatting Your Sample for Submission

Step 1 Make sure your writing sample is identifiable and your name is included.

Step 2 Proofread the sample carefully before submitting it.

Step 3 Edit out any confidential information that needs to be protected.

Step 4 Format your writing sample so that it’s easy for reviewers to read.

Step 5 Include a brief note about the context of the writing.

Step 6 Keep a physical copy and bring it to your interview.

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Community Q&A

Can I send a psycho-social assessment as a writing sample for a case manager position? Samuel C. King Community Answer

This will depend mostly on the actual position you're applying for and what sort of skills the employer is looking for, but generally speaking, yes, a psychosocial assessment would seem relevant to the position of a case manager.

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I am applying for an admin asssistant position. My interviewer asked me to submit a writing sample. What do I write about? They have asked for 1-2 pages. I have never written anything.

Community Answer

You could start by looking through old papers and writing assignments from the last grade you finished (things like essays, or critical analyses). Find a few sections that you’re proud of, and use the best parts in your writing sample. For additional material, try writing a review of something you enjoyed recently— a book, a film, a restaurant, whatever you’re interested in. As an alternative to writing a review/recommendation, try writing a passage reflecting on a moment of time— say, a beautiful day out in nature, or a heartwarming interaction with a kind stranger. If you make a point to enjoy the writing process, you will feel less stressed out about it!

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Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Advertisement

It's a good idea to set aside a folder on your computer for writing samples you'll use most frequently.

It's also a good idea to compile a list of writing you've previously published. You can use this list as a supplement to your resume or review it to help you decide which writing samples are most appropriate for the position to which you're applying.

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  1. ↑https://careers.umbc.edu/students/documents/writing-sample/
  2. ↑https://www.thebalancecareers.com/writing-samples-for-job-applications-and-interviews-2061594
  3. ↑https://careers.umbc.edu/students/documents/writing-sample/
  4. ↑https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample
  5. ↑https://careers.umbc.edu/students/documents/writing-sample/
  6. ↑https://www.gc.cuny.edu/CUNY_GC/media/CUNY-Graduate-Center/PDF/MALS/Guidelines-for-the-Writing-Sample.pdf
  7. ↑https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-steps-to-submitting-a-writing-sample-that-will-blow-hiring-managers-away
  8. ↑https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-steps-to-submitting-a-writing-sample-that-will-blow-hiring-managers-away
  9. ↑https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-steps-to-submitting-a-writing-sample-that-will-blow-hiring-managers-away
  1. ↑https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample
  2. ↑https://www.thebalancecareers.com/writing-samples-for-job-applications-and-interviews-2061594
  3. ↑https://icc.ucdavis.edu/materials/writing-samples.htm
  4. ↑https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/career-transitions/200906/the-dreaded-writing-sample
  5. ↑https://careers.umbc.edu/students/documents/writing-sample/
  6. ↑https://www.themuse.com/advice/5-steps-to-submitting-a-writing-sample-that-will-blow-hiring-managers-away
  7. ↑https://www.thebalancecareers.com/writing-samples-for-job-applications-and-interviews-2061594

About this article

Co-authored by: English Professor

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD. Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been viewed 79,267 times.

16 votes - 64% Co-authors: 7 Updated: August 4, 2021 Views: 79,267

Since writing skills are an essential part of so many jobs, many employers require applicants to prepare a writing sample no matter what position they’re applying for. To prepare a writing sample, start by looking over your old work and seeing if you have anything that’s appropriate for the position you’re applying to. If there’s no guideline on length, then pick something that’s between 1 and 4 pages long. You can also take an excerpt from a longer piece, but make sure to include a note that explains this and summarizes the parts that you omit. While it’s best to use something you’ve already written, you can write a sample from scratch if you don’t have anything else. In this case, write something that demonstrates the types of skills you’ll need for the position you’re applying for. Pick a topic that you’re interested in but that isn’t too controversial since you don’t want to alienate your reader. To learn how to format your writing sample for submission, keep reading!