While job-hunting, you will often come across the following scenario:
You have just been offered a job and the person who interviewed you didn’t have a clue about your work. So they ask you for your writing samples.
You panic. You haven’t written a single thing since you left your last job. Sure, you have some freelance work here and there, but nothing that would count.
Then, you realize that you have two options. You can either send a few articles that you have written over the years or you can write a quick story and send it to the editor. Thankfully, you have decided to go with the latter because sending your articles is something you would usually do when you are looking for a job. You don’t want to send in your old work and have them discover that you are not up to date on the industry. Besides, it shows that you’re not confident enough in your skills to attempt writing something new. Better to write a short story and send it in than to send your old work and have them think that you are trying to impress them with your previous achievements.
You know how it is. Sometimes, life just gets in the way and you don’t get a chance to write that short story you’ve been meaning to for so long. So when that happens, you can either be stuck for ideas or you can take out your phone and start writing. What’s important is that you write. Anything can be a story. Even if it’s you working on a business plan, planning a wedding, or just wanting to write something that will make your friends laugh. Don’t worry about whether or not what you are writing is good. Simply write what you know and the ability to write creatively will shine through.
Now, it is important to note that a short story probably isn’t going to be enough to convince a hiring manager that you are a perfect fit for the job. However, it will give you a chance to write something new and show the editor your creativity. In the meantime, you can also use the short story to add some spice to your CV. It doesn’t have to be professionally written. As long as it is written in English, that is sufficient. Plus, a creative writing degree often leads you to learn how to write creatively which can then be put to use for your own benefit. So, if you are ever in doubt about whether or not to include a writing sample on your CV, simply add it. Who knows – maybe that will be the thing that sets you apart from other candidates. In the end, writing is a fantastic skill to have, whether you are looking for a job or just want to enhance your creative portfolio.