How To Submit A Writing Sample For A Job Application

How to Submit a Writing Sample for a Job Application

When applying for a position that necessitates strong writing skills, you may be required to submit a writing sample. Employers carefully evaluate these samples to assess your writing abilities, style, and tone in comparison to other candidates.

This article will explore what hiring managers seek in writing samples, how to craft an impressive sample, and the best practices for submission.

Key Takeaways:

Writing samples are often a prerequisite for jobs involving substantial writing and can effectively showcase your skills.
You may be asked to create a specific piece for your writing sample or submit prior work, so maintaining a portfolio of potential samples is beneficial.
Professional writing samples can include blog posts, articles, research papers, and more.

how to submit a writing sample for a job application

In This Article

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What are Writing Samples?
What Do Hiring Managers Look for in Writing Samples?
How Long Should a Writing Sample for a Job Application Be?
Important Tips for Submitting a Writing Sample
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What are Writing Samples?

Writing samples are supplementary documents requested in certain job applications, especially for roles that involve extensive writing.

These roles span various fields, such as:

Journalism
Editing
Research
Marketing

Even positions with limited writing requirements may still call for samples, particularly for critical communication tasks. For instance, an HR professional may write infrequently, but their writing must be precise for important company communications.

What Do Hiring Managers Look for in Writing Samples?

Hiring managers may have varied expectations based on the specific role, industry, and organization. However, there are four key aspects they typically evaluate:

Tone. Your tone should balance professionalism with industry norms. For example, a corporate blog may allow for a more personable tone, while a research position demands a straightforward, professional tone.

To tailor your tone, research the company and review writing samples by current employees.
Style. The writing style should align with the primary duties of the job.

Common writing styles include:
1. Expository. Presents facts and information logically, ideal for business writing or technical documents.
2. Descriptive. Helps readers visualize topics using sensory details, suitable for poetry or creative writing.
3. Persuasive. Aims to influence opinions, essential for advertising or editorial roles.
4. Narrative. Focuses on storytelling, appropriate for jobs involving fiction or autobiographical writing.
Content. You may receive a prompt or be allowed to select a sample that showcases relevant skills. Aim to choose content pertinent to the job.

Examples of effective writing samples include:
1. Blog posts
2. Press releases
3. Articles
4. Research papers
5. Narrative pieces
Grammar and Spelling. Errors can severely undermine your professionalism. Always proofread to ensure your sample is polished and free of mistakes.

How Long Should a Writing Sample for a Job Application Be?

Typically, a writing sample should range from 600 to 800 words, or about one to two pages. Keeping it concise is crucial, as hiring managers often have limited time for each application.

A brief but compelling sample is usually more effective than a longer, less engaging one. The required length may also vary depending on the job type.

For narrative-style jobs, ensure your sample is long enough to set the scene. For research documents, select a cohesive excerpt that encapsulates your ideas. Always adhere to the employer’s specific guidelines.

Important Tips for Submitting a Writing Sample

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when submitting a writing sample:

Avoid Sensitive Subjects. Ensure your sample steers clear of sensitive topics like religion or politics, especially in opinion pieces. Also, exclude confidential information.
Follow Instructions. It’s vital to carefully read the employer’s requirements to ensure your submission aligns with their requests.
Ensure Your Sample is Current. Particularly for editorial roles, it’s important to provide relevant and timely content. Outdated samples can reflect poorly on your awareness.
Include an Introductory Paragraph. Precede your writing sample with context about its origin and what it illustrates about your skills.

For instance:

Please find my writing sample for the Market Research position in the following attachment. This sample was part of an editorial published in National Marketing Insights magazine, showcasing my ability to convey complex ideas clearly and analyze substantial data sets.

Your introduction can be included in an email, a cover page, or directly in the sample.
Make Your Sample Impactful. Your goal should be to impress and stand out. Consider your personal brand and whether your writing communicates that effectively. If not, revise accordingly.
Bring Copies to the Interview. Even if submitted online, bring printed copies of your writing sample to the interview for reference, especially if questions arise.
Limit Blog Post Usage. Include blog posts only if there are no better options available, unless applying for a blogging position.
Focus on Skill Demonstration, Not Content. Hiring managers prioritize your writing skills over the specific content, so ensure your sample effectively conveys your writing proficiency.
Ensure You’re the Sole Author. Provide samples only for which you were the sole author, as hiring managers want to evaluate your individual skills.
Create a Portfolio. Start compiling a portfolio of your best work to have a range of writing samples ready for future applications.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can significantly improve your chances of making a positive impression with your writing sample during the job application process. Remember, your writing sample is not just a formality—it’s an opportunity to showcase your skills and stand out in a competitive job market.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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