Writing Sample

A writing sample is a piece of work that demonstrates your written communication ability, submitted as part of a job application. It's distinct from a cover letter, which is written for the application — a writing sample is work you've produced in a professional or academic context. **Roles that typically require writing samples:** - Journalism and editorial - Content marketing and copywriting - Policy analysis and government roles - Academic positions - Fundraising and development (nonprofits) - Communications and PR - Management consulting (case write-ups) - Legal roles **How to choose samples:** - Relevance first: pick pieces that match the style and subject matter of what you'd produce in the role - Quality over recency: a stronger older piece beats a weaker recent one - Appropriate length: 1-3 pages unless the application specifies otherwise - Confidentiality check: ensure you have the right to share (redact sensitive client or proprietary information) **If you don't have relevant published samples:** - Create new work: write a relevant piece specifically for the application - Adapt academic work: papers, thesis chapters, or research memos can work - With permission, use unlicensed professional work with the client name redacted **Format:** PDF is standard. Include context — a brief header noting the publication or purpose, date, and any relevant context about the assignment.