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Even if you've mastered the art of the cover letter and the resume, another part of the job search process can trip you up: the writing sample. Here are five tips to make sure your writing sample doesn't end your hope of getting the job. Read More
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writing samples
I have a job interview & testing next week at a major university for an administrative assistant position, and I will be tested on a writing sample. Can anyone give me advice, tips, samples, etc.? I really need this job and I am lost.
Thank you,
Mike
reply to anonymous
If they are asking you to bring in a writing sample, then follow the guidelines in this post. If they're going to ask you to write something during the interview, that is harder to prepare for. They probably want to ensure that you can write a short memo or report so that they know they can trust you to write emails and other correspondence. Not a lot you can do to prepare-- but you could check out a book on business writing at the library. Most business writing books provide basic information on the structure of letters and memos and contain tips to improve your writing. Also this website from Purdue University has excellent business writing tips:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/681/01/
Good luck!
Katharine Brooks
Hi, I have an interview next
Hi,
I have an interview next week with a compliance company. They have given me about half an hour during the interview to complete a writing sample. This position is that of an auditor. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Drake
Auditor writing sample
It's hard to know exactly what they are going to ask. I would suggest that you think about the typical types of writing an auditor might be asked to do. My guess is the sample will be related to that. For instance, they may want to make sure that you can communicate with clients or write reports necessary in an audit.
It's hard to prepare specifically for this unfortunately, since you don't know what it will entail. If you speak with someone from the organization prior to your interview next week, you could ask if they can provide any details about the writing exercise.
Best wishes.
Great advice, thanks!
Great advice, thanks!
Writing a Profile
I'm applying for a job as a writer at a website and they are asking me to send them a "writing sample (preferably a profile)". The website aims for a specific demographic and I'm wondering if this 'profile' is supposed to be an article targetting that demographic or something else altogether. I don't want to contact the company for this. Is there any way of knowing?
-scribbler
reply to writing a profile
It's always hard to know what they're seeking specifically-- particularly when they don't tell you. The truth is that they want to know that you can write-- and preferably write the type of documents you might have to produce for them.
I'm not sure what they mean by a "profile." Does the website have examples of "profiles" on it? For instance, do they profile people or current events? If so, take a look and create a similar one that would fit their format.
Otherwise, review the website and think about what you would write for them if you worked for them. Maybe they need to cover a new topic-- or cover their current one differently. What could you add to their site or to the conversation.
Write something relatively short (probably a page or two would be fine).
Sorry I can't be more specific-- the bottom line is they want to know you have a good command of spelling, grammar, and mechanics and that you can write something quickly and efficiently.
Best of luck.
Kate Brooks
what if they ask why you should be hired?
You stated that a job seeker should not write a self-serving piece describing why they should be hired. But what if that is what they request? Should the job seeker focus on his/her experience as related to the job, rather than why his/her writing skills are good?
thanks,
Art
Reply to Art
If you're requested to do something, that changes the advice. If the employer has asked you to write a response to "why should we hire you" or something to that effect, that is a wonderful opportunity for you to present your skills and talents related to the position. You should focus on your experience, the skills you've developed, related education, etc.
I'm not quite sure I understand your question about writing skills-- perhaps you are asking how to sell your writing skills? I would focus on the variety of publications or types of writing you have done, the outcome of that writing (was it published somewhere? was it used in an annual report? did it result in increased sales? etc.) Your cover letter itself will also demonstrate your writing skills, and usually you can send writing samples as well.
Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Kate Brooks
writing sample for a closet company
Hi Kate,
I was asked to write a sample writing for a closet company. I was wondering is their any technicalities to writing a sample, ex. double space, 12 point font, date, name and tittle? I'm a bit lost.
Thanks,
Cati
reply to closet company
There are no guidelines in a situation like this if they haven't told you specifically what they want. Your best bet is to consider the type of writing you might have to do for whatever the job title is and then send a sample that would emulate that. For instance, if the job would require you to write letters to customers you might create a sample letter. If it requires publicity releases or catalog copy, write that.
It should be easy to read, appropriate to the situation, and demonstrate your writing skills. Make sure your name and contact information are on the sample and if you're submitting it via email, send as a pdf so no viruses can follow along.
Best wishes.
Writing sample for a marketing company
In their job post, they as for a "verifiable writing sample" that is mandatory. I guess i'm a bit confused on what verifiable means here. Any info or insight would help greatly! Thank you!
reply to nickabel
"Verifiable" probably refers to the request that you be able to prove that you wrote it yourself. My guess is that a lot of individuals try to submit writing samples that they didn't actually write.
That's a new one for me..
Best wishes
Kate Brooks
Economics writing sample
I came across many employers asking for writing samples in my field of interest-economics. Being an international student I always went for numbers and avoided writing classes. Now I am in desperate need of good writing skills. Could you give me an advice or source for practicing writing skills?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Iva
I came across many employers
I came across many employers asking for writing samples in my field of interest-economics. Being an international student I always went for numbers and avoided writing classes. Now I am in desperate need of good writing skills. Could you give me an advice or source for practicing writing skills?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Iva
writing skills for ESL
Kudos to you for continuing to improve your writing skills.
Writing is a valuable skill that will serve you well in whatever field you pursue. If you are currently a student, I would seek out classes which focus on basic essay writing skills. Sometimes creative writing classes can also be a way to learn to express yourself. Check with the English or Rhetoric department at your school. Also, many schools have writing centers which offer workshops and tutoring, so be sure to check those out as well.
In addition, most great writers are also great readers. If possible, select a few books (in whatever area you like) and read them slowly and carefully, noticing how the sentences are put together and what you like about the author's writing style. With novels, for example, often the opening line and the closing paragraph are compelling and draw the reader's attention. Make note of phrases you like and words you want to try using. The more you read carefully, the better your writing will become.
Writing reflects how we think and the two are related-- writing helps you organize your thoughts. I recommend you get a journal and every morning write a few paragraphs (no one has to read them but you). You can write about what you're thinking, the things you have to do today, the movie you saw yesterday-- whatever, it doesn't matter. The point is to write every day and work at crafting some sentences that really convey what you think. If it's easier, try writing in your native language and then see if you can carefully translate it into English and rewrite the sentence in English.
Take every opportunity to write and be open to criticism and suggestions from others. Most important-- relax and learn to enjoy writing for fun and for self-expression. It is a great way to tell your stories to others. It doesn't have to be a scary thing.
Here's a website that you might find helpful:
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/
Best wishes-
Kate Brooks
Is poetry an absolute no-no ?
I always read that you should never send poetry as a writing sample, but what if you are applying for a position at a literary publication which publishes poetry in addition to essays, articles, in depth news reports?
A position which would require you to proofread and edit, write blog posts, reviews, articles, essays, and update social media.
One where you may be asked to proofread or edit poetry?
If they ask for 3 writing samples, wouldn't it be good to send a wide variety such as a poem, an information article, and a review?
poetry a no-no?
Writing samples should always be viewed in context. That's why there's never a "never" about what you should send.
In this situation, several aspects work in your favor: you are asked to send three samples so this gives you a chance to show variety in your writing; one particular sample (unless it is misspelled or poorly edited) probably won't tank you; and you have an opportunity to show a depth of writing/editing skills.
I would keep in mind that if you are seeking an editing/proofreading position, they are most interested in those skills-- not necessarily your ability to write poetry. (In fact, an argument could be made that they don't want people who are going to want to publish their own works...)
However, your ability to write poetry demonstrates a strong interest in it and a potential critical eye for others' abilities.
Bottom line: send your three best writing/editing examples. You decide what genre they might fit into. And make sure your cover letter and resume are perfect as well-- you'd be amazed at the number of small typos or errors that show up on resumes and that can spell career doom for someone who wants to be an editor. Ask friends to proofread everything.
Best wishes.
Kate Brooks
e: Poetry a no-no?
Thanks for the reply and great advice!
I still haven't one hundred per cent decided. The publication is a bit of a quirky one, so in a way I think poetry might be a good fit and might help me stand out a bit.
Poetry is my passion, and I've spent four years studying it, and I would like my love of it to come across. The magazine also has a passion for poetry.
The position is an internship where I would be asked to do a variety of tasks, including proofreading, reading manuscripts, writing blog posts and articles, and updating social media.
I would like my ability and appreciation for a variety of forms to come across.
That is a great suggestion to have friends read over everything for me. They can help me decide what are the strongest pieces. I've already had the cover letter proofread by 3 different people, and that was a great help to see where I was emphasizing some aspects too much and others not enough.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
Jasmine
I followed the advice in this
I followed the advice in this article and submitted a sample progress report for a client (I'm a social worker) and I received a job offer! I'm still in the negotiating stages for salary, but the interviewers all told me that only one other person besides me submitted a writing sample (they didn't ask for one), so they knew that I was serious about this position. Thank you for the suggestions, Dr. Brooks!
Re to I followed the advice
I'm so glad this worked out for you. Generally, I have found that even when a writing sample is requested only about 25% of the applicants send them. You were wise to submit a sample without the request. Great job!
Kate Brooks
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