Writing samples are an important part of the job application process. Almost every job requires some sort of work product example so the applicant can prove he/she can perform the required tasks. Since I am applying for positions related to writing and content management, writing samples are almost always a part of the interview process. Here are some tips on how to create a writing sample that will separate you from the competition.

A writing sample can take many different forms. It can be part of the candidate screening. After making the first cut, a recruiter may ask you to answer a few questions that might include writing a short essay related to a potential job interview question. This could be part of the company application process or it could be a take-home assignment to be submitted prior to an interview.

Other recruiters ask for 2-3 writing samples of the candidate’s choosing. Each company is different, but you need to be ready to hand over a few writing samples upon request. This page will include my experience navigating the writing sample part of the interview process along with a few tips on how to create a writing sample. Let’s get started.

What is a good writing sample?

I’m assuming most of the people who stumble across this blog are interested in writing and write as a part of their job. As such, said readers probably have several writing samples that they submit to potential employers. I’ve put a lot of thought into what makes a good writing sample, and for me variety is most important. Variety of subject matter, variety of content types (memo, blog post, etc.), and variety of published outlets (if possible).

A good writing sample is one you look over and say, “man, I really nailed this one.” That has a different meaning for everyone, but you know it when you see it, and the ones you nailed quickly become your go-to writing samples. I have a few go-to writing samples on my personal portfolio website (which is itself a type of writing sample) that I particularly like, including my executive newsletter sample, my social media toolkit sample, and my communication plan sample.

If you look at the links you will notice that the formatting is the same in all my writing samples. The content of a writing sample is important, but the look is just as important, if not more so. No one is going to read every word of your writing sample, but details matter, and if a potential employer notices your consistent formatting they might think you can be trusted to get the details right and might be more interested in your candidacy. That’s the hope, anyway.

Creating a writing sample

Can you just sit down and write something and call it a writing sample? Of course you can. Will it impress a potential employer? Not necessarily. Employers want to see examples of the work you have done professionally, so it is often better to convert a work assignment or project into a writing sample. This can easily be done by removing sensitive information and formatting it in any way you prefer.

Use your judgment when deciding whether to use a company logo or identifiable information, but most companies understand that employee work products will sometimes be used as writing samples and are fine with it as long as nothing sensitive is included. I have included company logos in two of my writing samples, but I removed all company information in several others and just formatted the content in a neutral way. I defer to removing company information just to be on the safe side, but everyone has their own preferences.

Turning writing assignments into writing samples

Another way to create a writing sample is to re-purpose a writing assignment done for a potential employer. I just did this a few weeks ago and it’s a great way to create a new sample while looking for a job. I made the initial cut on a Content Writer role at Graphite and the recruiter asked me to draft a 1200-word article based on a content brief he provided. Basically, the writing assignment was the same work that a freelance copywriter would do for $120 at 10 cents/word, but for free.

No one wants to work for free, but I happily got to work on the recruiter’s request because it would showcase my capabilities and potentially help me get a job with the company. I spent about 90 minutes dutifully crafting an article based on a subject I knew very little about, which is also helpful because I always want more experience writing about new subjects.

I quickly realized that I could also use this assignment as a writing sample because it is not a work product since the company did not pay me for it. The content is mine to use as I see fit, and I turned it into a freelance copywriting assignment writing sample. I didn’t end up getting the job, but I used the experience to showcase my ability to create an article based on a content brief.

Different types of writing samples

A writing sample provided to a potential employer should be accurate, interesting, and relevant to the position. Of course, since you only have a few writing samples the subject matter won’t exactly align, but if the job you’re interviewing for requires creating social media content, you should probably provide some sort of social media content as a sample, whether it’s a strategy guide or a video you created or whatever else you think would be effective. What would not be effective is a policy memo or email newsletter, even if you have a kick-ass memo that you really think shows your capability as a writer. The sample should align with the position.

Right now I have ten writing samples available on my portfolio website. They are all different types of content and showcase my range of content creation capabilities.

• The Dahlstrom Blog – I use this very blog as a writing sample because it demonstrates that I know how to correctly format a post using WordPress and understand SEO and website design principles. Plus it’s a way for me to be creative, even if I don’t get very many clicks.
• Social media toolkit – Useful for positions that require social media content creation/strategy
• Media analysis PowerPoint – Many large employers still use PowerPoint for meetings and presentations
• Published content – Web pages I wrote, edited and published as a content manager and content marketing writer for Better Collective, a global sports media company
• White paper
• Interview
• Freelance copywriting assignment
• Executive newsletter
• Non-profit communication plan
• Grad school class assignments

Final thoughts on how to create a writing sample

Writing samples are an important part of the interview process and can help separate you from the competition by showing potential employers the type of work you are capable of doing. It is important to format your writing samples as consistently as possible and to have a variety of subjects and types of content in order to tailor your writing sample to the requirements of the position. And it’s never too late to create a new writing sample. Good luck and happy writing!