What is an example of a writing sample?
Asked by: Carmelo Olson | Last update: September 21, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (12 votes)
Here are some examples you may want to consider: Research papers from a job or class. Narrative papers from a job or class. Other writing assignments.
What does it mean when a job asks for a writing sample?
In today's competitive job market, applicants—even those applying to positions not related directly to writing—may be required to submit writing samples. These are primarily used to determine writing ability, show literary and grammar skills, and reflect one's overall writing style.
How to show writing sample?
- Choose your best samples.
- Create a portfolio website.
- Customize your pitch.
- Follow up and follow through.
- Update and optimize your portfolio. ...
- Network and promote your portfolio. ...
- Here's what else to consider.
What is a writing sample for a teaching job?
Your Writing Sample should be professionally written and reflect who you are and what you offer to teaching. This Writing Sample is a very important component of your student teaching paperwork. It does affect your acceptance in a district/school as a student teacher.
What is a personal writing sample?
Personal Writing Examples
Personal essays, such as a narrative about a significant life event or a reflective piece on personal growth. Memoirs or autobiographies that recount the author's life experiences. Personal letters or emails where one shares personal news, thoughts, or feelings with another individual.
How to Create the Perfect Writing Sample to Get the Job (+ 28 Writing Prompts)
What is a writing sample example?
A writing sample is an example of how well you summarize complex ideas, research papers, editorials, critiques (be sure to omit names), articles, journals, etc. Make sure that what you send in with your internship or job applications best exemplifies the spectrum of your writing abilities.
What should I give as a writing sample?
Use examples that include persuasive writing, and avoid samples that did not require research, or are scholarly rather than practical in nature. Always provide something recent to show off your current skill level, preferably something within the last two years.
What should I submit as a writing sample for grad school?
Look for information on topics, length, format, and any additional instructions. Understanding these requirements is crucial. Select a writing sample that aligns with the program's expectations. It should showcase your academic and analytical abilities, as well as your expertise in the field.
Is a writing sample the same as a cover letter?
A cover letter provides some clues about your writing skills, but a writing sample brings the skill set into clearer focus.
What is a writing sample for a legal job?
Legal Reasoning—A writing sample must demonstrate your legal reasoning and analytical skills, i.e., apply law to facts, and distinguish cases on their facts. Thus, an academic survey of case law or a note that summarizes a recently published decision is not the best choice as it does not include legal analysis.
Should I include a writing sample?
Only when requested to do so by the employer. Be prepared, however, by bringing a copy of your writing sample to an interview.
How to make a write-up sample?
- The date and time of the incident.
- A description of the incident or behavior.
- Any witnesses or evidence.
- Any previous incidents or warnings.
- Company policies or procedures that were violated.
- The impact of the behavior or performance issue on the company or other employees.
How do I request a writing sample from a candidate?
For example: "Please bring with you no more than two or three examples of brochures that you personally developed;" or. "Please bring an example that would demonstrate your analytical writing skills. It should be no longer than 3-4 pages and have been researched and written by you personally;" or.
What if I don't have a writing sample?
If you don't have a writing sample ready, you can write a new one. If you have limited experience, consider sharing a sample from a passion project, like a short story or personal blog. This can demonstrate your transferrable writing skills.
How many pages is a writing sample?
Most employers will specify how many pages or how many clips they want. If they don't, then submit 2-5 pages of writing, usually double-spaced (unless it is a clip).
What makes you a good writer sample answer?
A good writer pays attention to things like headers, consistent formatting, grammatical errors, varying content lengths, and writing in the language their audience likes. The ability to self-edit is another crucial tool the best writers possess. Show your attention to detail by editing your document more than once.
What counts as a writing sample?
- Research papers from a job or class.
- Narrative papers from a job or class.
- Other writing assignments.
- Blog posts.
- Press releases.
- Articles or other contributions.
Do employers like cover letters?
Considering one job opening can receive many applications, a cover letter can be an excellent way to stand out from other applicants. It's an opportunity to clarify your interest in the company, expand on your experience, and demonstrate your fit. Well-written cover letters do have an impact.
Is a sample the same as a cover?
“Sampling” refers to taking a small portion of one recording, and using it in another (in modern popular music, this is often to provide a rhythmic and/or harmonic foundation). “Covering" is to record another full version of an already existing song.
Do writing samples need citations?
Remove any privileged or sensitive information. Do not use anything too old. Submit only your own work. Be sure to cite your sources (A short bibliography does not usually count towards your total number of pages.)
How many words should a writing sample be?
How long should a writing sample be? In most cases, your writing sample should be around 750 words or between one and two pages. Like your resume, employers have a limited amount of time to review your writing sample. A brief, impactful writing sample is better than a long, less impressive one.
Can I submit my thesis as a writing sample?
The writing sample may be an academic paper you have previously submitted to a class, or as part of your senior thesis. It does not have to focus on your proposed area of research, but it will be beneficial if it does.
How do I create writing samples?
- Prepare a content brief.
- Write a headline.
- Hook them with an introduction.
- Break the content into subheadings.
- Add statistics and data.
- Write a conclusion.
- Make the Google Doc shareable.
Can an essay be a writing sample?
My clients are students, and schoolwork is often the most immediate writing sample they can think of. You would take an essay or short piece written for a school project and submit it as a sample.
How long should a legal writing sample be?
The legal writing sample is an integral part of the hiring process for lawyers. Here are tips for preparing the best sample of your legal writing skills. The writing sample should be five to ten pages in length, unless otherwise indicated by a particular employer.