Most people have heard of an “IQ test”. The same goes for a “writing sample”. When you apply for a job as a paralegal, you will be required to submit your writing samples as part of your application.
In this article, we will discuss what exactly a paralegal writing sample is, what makes it different from an IQ test or a standard writing sample, and how to write a winning one.
What is a Writing Sample?
A writing sample is simply a type of writing that you are asked to submit as part of your application for a paralegal job. The most common type of writing sample is a brief essay or a short story. You will also be asked to submit sample contracts, statutes, and legal documents for review.
The advantage of a writing sample is that it gives the employer a sense of your grammer and word choice, as well as your overall analytical skills. At the same time, it allows the employer to evaluate your creative thinking and problem-solving abilities. In theory, at least.
While writing samples can vary in length, they usually range from a few hundred to a few thousand words. For purposes of this article, we will assume that you are writing an essay and that your writing sample ranges from 500 to 1000 words. This is a fairly typical length for a paralegal essay.
Why Do Employers Want to See My Writing Sample?
Writing samples are useful to employers because they allow them to get a sense of your writing style, grammar, and spelling. When an employer receives hundreds of applications for a single position, they usually narrow the field to a manageable number by using various screening techniques. One of the primary methods used is the written word, specifically the application and the writing sample.
Although a paralegal’s position does not involve a lot of writing, it is essential that you submit samples of your written work. If you want to succeed in your job search, you need to make sure that your writing is of a high quality. In practice, this usually means that you will have to improve your writing skills through practice. Fortunately, it is a fairly easy task to do and you will become an improved writer in no time at all.
How Do I Write a Winning Writing Sample?
To write a winning writing sample, you need to consider both content and quality. When writing your sample, you should avoid rehashing or rewriting the materials that you have studied for the Bar Examination. It is acceptable to use materials that you have prepared for another purpose, but you should still ensure that each one has a clear connection to the position that you are applying for.
To write a solid sample, you should consider doing the following:
- Select a topic that you are passionate about
- Ensure that the topic is relevant to the position that you are applying for
- Organize and edit your work carefully
- Develop an outline for your essay
- Read your work over and over
- Practice making transitions between ideas
- Practice making new abstract connections
- Take a clear stance on the issue you are writing about
Once you have written your winning sample, you will have to submit it for consideration. Depending on the number of applicants, the employer may ask you to revise and resubmit your sample.
What is an IQ Test?
An IQ Test is a type of test that you will be asked to take as part of your application for a paralegal job. IQ Tests are useful for employers because they allow them to get a sense of your overall intelligence as well as your analytical and problem-solving skills. You will be asked to answer questions about a variety of topics, including the following:
- Mathematics
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Life sciences
- Technology
While IQ Tests are not a requirement for a paralegal job, most employers will request that you take one as part of your application. If you want to get an idea of what is required of you as a paralegal, you will need to prepare for and take the Bar Exam, which includes a verbal IQ Test.
What is a Standard Writing Sample?
A Standard Writing Sample is simply a type of writing that is required of you as part of your application for a paralegal job. The advantage of a standard writing sample is that it allows the employer to get a sense of your general writing skills, including spelling, grammar, and organization. Most employers will expect that you have prepared a short story, an essay, or a letter for the position.
The disadvantage of a standard writing sample is that it can be rather repetitive, and it can tend to focus on your spell check, grammar, and organization skills. If you are answering questions about an issue that you are passionate about, then your writing sample will tend to reflect this. The more that you vary your writing samples, the more that you will stand out from the crowd.
Do I Need to Practice With Specific Words or Phrases?
No, you do not need to practice with specific words or phrases. Nonetheless, you should know that words and phrases that you have not seen before will likely be on the test. You should be able to identify these words and phrases, as well as know how to use them in a proper context. Many people worry about this aspect of the test. Although it is not required that you know every single word or phrase that you will see, it certainly helps if you do. The more that you know, the better.
Knowing the right words and phrases will not only help you on the test, but it will also help you develop your speaking skills. When employers see that you are familiar with common terms, they will assume that you are familiar with more advanced concepts as well. This is a good thing, because employers want employees who have a working knowledge of advanced legal concepts.
Do I Need to Practice In-Bulk or By Segments?
You do not need to practice in-bulk. After you have written your sample, you should set aside some time to study. This could be anywhere from one to three weeks. Although it is not required, it is usually a good idea to go over your writing again after you have taken a break. This will help you identify any errors that you may have made. It is also a good idea to edit your work. Even though you will not be required to do so, it will likely increase your score.
As for segmenting your practice, this is simply the way that the test is set up. You have to answer one question per segment. In some segments, you will be given a few choice words or phrases to use. In other segments, you will have to write a short story or an essay. If you run out of time before you have finished all of the segments, you will need to begin again from the beginning.
What if My Writing Sample Isn’t Good Enough?
If your writing sample is not good enough, then it will not qualify you for the position. Keep in mind that there is no absolute standard for what makes for a good writing sample. Every employer has a different definition of “good enough”. You can, however, improve your score by writing more samples. The more that you write, the better the chance of getting that “good enough” score. What is important is that you are constantly improving your writing and that your work is of a quality that will stand out among the crowd.
To help you improve your writing, we have compiled a list of suggestions that will help you write a winning sample: