In today’s world, getting a job is not as easy as it sounds. Since the economy is not what it used to be, companies are not risking hiring someone simply based on their ability to write a good resume. This is especially true for those looking for a position in sales. Although many people consider writing samples to be a thing of the past, getting a writing sample can still be beneficial. In this article, we will discuss the purpose of a brief writing sample, how to write one, and what to include in your sample. Let’s get started.
What is a Brief Writing Sample?
A brief writing sample is exactly what it sounds like: a small sample of your written work that is used to assess your skills. In most cases, you will be asked to submit a short story, an essay, or a piece of a novel that is between three and six pages in length. If you are applying for a creative writing position, you may be asked to submit a sample of your novel or short story collection. Depending on the position, you may be asked to submit an outline, brief proposal, or other assorted materials that demonstrate your ability to get the job done.
Why Do Companies Care About Your Writing Skills?
Getting a writing sample does not mean that you will automatically get the job. No, employers want to see that you can write well and that your writing will showcase your ability to do the work. In the current job market, companies are always looking for candidates who can demonstrate both skill and flexibility. Since a lot of the job applicants are competing for limited positions, employers are forced to be more discerning and specific about what they are looking for. If you are wondering why your writing skills are important to an employer, just remember: they are a dime a dozen, but skilled writers can be hard to find.
How To Write A Winning Brief Writing Sample
Even though a brief writing sample is not your full life story, it is a good idea to put your best foot forward and make sure that the work is of a high quality. To write a winning brief, follow these four steps:
1. Choose the right topic.
The first step is to choose the right topic. You want to make sure that the topic relates to the position that you are applying for, and that it is something that you are an expert in. For example, if you are applying for a position in sales, you should consider topics such as persuasion, negotiation, or business development. These are all things that you are likely to run into in your everyday life, and something that you are an expert in. Remember that your topic does not have to be directly related to the position that you are applying for; it just has to be something that you are an expert in. If you are not certain about what topics relate to your expertise, ask your career counselor or someone at your school for advice. They will be able to tell you what courses and seminars you need to take to be qualified for the job.
2. Research the issue thoroughly.
Once you have your topic, it is a good idea to do some research. Before you start writing, it is important to know as much as possible about the topic. You should try to find as much information as possible and make sure that you have considered all the facets that come with the subject. If you are not certain about something, look it up on the internet or consult a reputable reference book. It is also a good idea to read as much as you can about the topic, both in books and on the internet. After you have thoroughly researched the issue, you will be able to write about it with authority.
3. Create a thesis statement.
The second step is to create a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a statement that you make about the topic of your paper. It is a concise summary of what you intend to say in the rest of the paper. A good thesis statement should be no more than three or four sentences long. If you are writing your thesis statement for an English class, keep the following in mind:
- Use active, present tense.
- Keep the thesis stable and understandable
- Thesis statements should be relevant to the topic at hand
- Thesis statements should be consistent throughout the paper
- Make sure that your thesis is a compelling argument
- A thesis should be supported by relevant, reliable sources
If you are struggling to find the perfect topic for your paper, take a look at our post on the best topics for college students to write about. You can also use our topic suggestion tool to find a topic that suits you.
4. Outline the structure of the paper.
The fourth step is to outline the structure of the paper. It is a good idea to start by dividing your paper into several paragraphs. The first paragraph should consist of a thesis statement and a short background on the topic. The following paragraphs should contain the details of your argument. Your paper should have a logical flow and be easy to follow. Your professor will be grading you on your ability to write a well-structured paper. So, make sure that you have followed the instructions completely and that your paper is written in a format that is easy to follow.
What To Include In Your Brief Writing Sample
The following is a short list of things that you should include in your brief writing sample:
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
- References
- Formatting
- Language
- Content
- You name
- Your contact details
The introduction should be no longer than 200 words and should serve as a concise summary of your entire paper. The body should contain your argument in detail and should be no more than six or seven paragraphs. This is your opportunity to explain how you came to your conclusion and to highlight any supporting evidence. The conclusion should restate your argument in a clear and concise manner and should not be longer than 200 words. Finally, you should include all the necessary footnotes, endnotes, and citations in a proper manner. Remember to always cite your sources, whether it is a book, academic article, or web page. In most cases, you should use footnotes or endnotes rather than relying on headings or topic sentences for the referencing. Remember to keep the order of the text consistent, as all the elements should flow from the introduction to the conclusion. These four steps will put you on the right track to writing a winning paper.