Writing Samples

Sometimes employers request writing samples with the application materials or want them brought to an interview. Writing samples allow employers to evaluate your writing skills, communication style, and ability to express yourself.

Any employer whose position requires writing skills may want samples, but writing samples are more common in publishing, public relations, advertising, media, research, and law.

Content of the Sample
The employer may identify the desired topic. If not, choose a subject that you are interested in and that is related to the job or field to which you are applying. Avoid controversial or politically based topics. You want the employer to focus on your style and skill as a writer, not judge what you write.

Appropriate Writing Samples
Just like your resume and cover letter, tailor your sample to fit the job if possible. Follow the instructions provided by the employer or in the job description. If the requirements are not specified, use the following guidelines to help you choose an appropriate sample:
Use the job posting to guide your choice and show the employer you possess the required skills. For example, if the position is research-based, provide an example of research work from your college career or for a previous employer.
Newspaper article, story for a newsletter, press release, policy brief, or research report or any other published piece. When submitting a previously published piece to an employer, be sure to indicate where the piece was published. Provide a clean copy, not pieces taken directly from the original source.
Reports or presentations from past jobs or internships. Samples from related employment are best, but you may still use a sample if you do not have relevant experience.
Class projects, papers, presentations, or speeches, free of instructor comments, are acceptable. If longer than two to five pages, select a portion of the document so it is shorter and write an introductory paragraph to put the work in context.
Group papers and projects or heavily edited works are NOT a good idea, unless the section submitted is clearly your work only. Creative pieces such as short stories or poems should not be used unless the employer requests them.
Occasionally, an employer asks the interviewee to write something during the interview process. Why? So, they know how YOU write, not your friend, the English major, who edited and proofed the document. So be mentally prepared.


Tips for Choosing and Submitting Writing Samples
Do not send a writing sample unless specifically asked.
When in doubt, ask the employer what type of writing sample is wanted.
All samples should be completely free of grammatical and typographical errors. Do not rely on spell check or grammar check programs. Ask a friend, current or previous employer, instructor, or mentor to read it and give you feedback. You may also make a Career Assistance appointment for a career counselor review. If you have one, bring in a copy of the job description.
Make sure to attribute the sources you use to inform your writing. Different fields use different formats, such Chicago, APA, or MLA style. Familiarize yourself with the relevant style and use it correctly.
Never plagiarize or fail to credit your sources.
Make sure the piece is clearly written and free of technical jargon.
Remove confidential or identifying information such as names of individuals or clients.
Work created at a previous job is most likely considered company property. Ask your previous employer's permission to submit writing created at a job before submitting it in an application. If a past employer will not allow you to use original work, you may create new samples based off previous work. Use your own words.
Indicate in your cover letter the origin of your writing samples and label each piece.
Upload your samples to Careers4Terps so you can easily submit them with other application materials.
Have some writing samples on hand in case an employer asks for them unexpectedly.
Consider how your writing samples are presented. Create a professional page header and include your name on each page. If providing an employer with a hard copy, use clean, high-grade paper. Use a manila folder or pocket folder as opposed to a binder. Binders are cumbersome if collecting materials from several applicants. The writing sample is an indication of the quality of work you do, so the content, style, and formatting professional.