So you have finally decided to pursue a career in writing, perhaps inspired by the success of Donald Trump or Michelle Obama. You’re probably wondering what you should write about, how you should format your writing, and what industry jargon you should know. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on this front. In this article, we will give you a complete guide on how to write a winning copywriting sample that will land you your first job.
The Basics
When writing a copywriting sample, you will need to first determine what you should write about. You must make sure that you will fit the brief of your potential boss or client, as it will determine the tone and direction of your document. To write the perfect copy, you must ensure that your writing matches their brand, communicates their value proposition, and sells their product or service. To start with, you should write about a topic that you are familiar with, as this will make the document easy to comprehend and more compelling.
Secondly, you need to choose a style that will make your writing easy to understand. For instance, if your potential boss is a business person and you are a personable individual, you may want to write in an informal, conversational style.
Finally, you must tailor your writing to be as effective as possible. One of the best guides to advice on this topic is Johnathan Spencer’s Effective Writing guide. In this section, we will give you an idea of what elements you should include in your copywriting sample.
The Cover Letter
The cover letter is often the first thing a potential employer will read when your resume comes across their desk. So, it is extremely important that you choose your cover letter wisely. Spencer suggests that you write one original cover letter for each position you apply for. He also recommends that you tailor your cover letter to the needs of the employer.
The cover letter should be concise and to-the-point. It should open with a greeting or a professional salutation, such as “Dear Sir or Ma’am.” Next, you should lay out the details of your education and experience, and include a sentence or two on why you are interested in the position. Finally, you should conclude with a short, professional note, thanking them for their time and interest in you.
The Resume
A resume is an important part of any successful job search. Resumes function as a summary of your work history, and give the reader a clear understanding of your capabilities. However, it must be concise, and when applying for a specific job, you should tailor it to the specifications of the employer.
The resume should include:
- A short biography, including your education and work history
- Your transferable skills, including writing, communications, and interpersonal skills
- Your accomplishments, both professional and educational
- Your goals and objectives for the future
Additionally, your resume must be easily accessible and should reflect your excellent attention to detail.
The Professional Profile
The professional profile is a short bio that includes:
- Your education, including any advanced degrees you have earned
- Your experience, including any extra-curricular activities and volunteer work
- Your personal interests and hobbies
- Your accolades, both professional and personal, including awards and accolades
This part of your application will give the employer a glimpse into your character, and whether or not you are the type of person they are looking for. Additionally, you can include any additional information, details, or documents that may be helpful in making your application stand out.
The Objectives And Key Results (OKR) Sheet
The OKR sheet is a form that you will use to track your progress as you write your copy. The OKR is an acronym for Objectives and Key Results. This part of your application will serve as your guide to ensure that you stay on track to meet your writing goals, and communicate your key results at the end of each writing session.
The goals you set on the OKR form should be measurable, and you should track your progress through the use of metrics, such as pages, words, or time.
Additionally, you can include any other details that may be helpful in securing the job, such as salary requirements. At the end of the day, you want to ensure that you have everything you need to make the right impression on your potential employer.
When writing your copy, you should be mindful of SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. This is the process of making your content easily accessible to search engines, such as Google.
To write the perfect article, you must take into consideration the structure of the website you’re targeting, as well as the keyword phrases or search terms those websites use to attract potential customers. For example, if you’re targeting real estate related websites, you may want to write about buying a home, or how to sell your house quickly and for top dollar.
The above information is just a small fraction of what you’ll need to know to succeed as a copywriter. But keeping this information in mind as you write will help you develop a winning strategy, and land you the job you deserve.