Creative writing is a unique skill set that can only be tested through a job interview. Because the job search process can be so frustrating for creative writers, we’ve collected some expert tips on writing samples that can help you stand out from the crowd and land that dream job.
Know Your Audience
When it comes to your writing samples, you need to bear in mind the kind of person you’re writing for. While there are no hard and fast rules, most businesses tend to prefer candidates who can connect with existing customers or potential customers. For that reason, your samples should reflect that you understand the industry and can write with conviction.
On the other hand, if you’re applying for a position in an agency or in editorial, you’ll need to show that you can think outside of the box and come up with original ideas. For that, your samples should showcase your ability to be original while incorporating your familiarity with the industry. If you’re unable to write creatively, then maybe you’re better off in another field!
Customize & Test Your Skills
As mentioned above, the task of applying for a job is mostly nerve-wracking for creative writers. To make the process a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of 20 question templates that can help you find the answers you’re looking for in no time flat.
One of the most useful things about these questions is that they allow you to find out how you’re coming across. You can’t judge a book by its cover, and this is especially important when it comes to creative writing samples. Customizing these questions and using them on a repeated basis can give you the opportunity to find out how you’re sounding to the person reading your application. You can refine your answers throughout the process, based on the person’s interaction with your sample content.
In a nutshell, these templates allow you to find out what value you bring to the table. They can also be used to get a feel for how others perceive you, which in turn can help you decide whether or not you’ll like working with them. As we’ve mentioned above, the task of applying for a job can be a nerve-wracking process, and these question templates can help you minimize the anxiety. Moreover, if you keep getting asked the same questions over and over again, it can be a good idea to review your answers and see if they’re still appropriate.
Use Powerful Words
Being able to craft an argument based on authoritative evidence and using powerful words effectively is the sign of a truly great writers. For that reason, if you’re applying for a position in a business, you might want to consider making your writing sample a bestselling business book. Or if you’re writing for an agency, you might want to consider pitching a story that will make a bold statement. The options for your writing are endless, as long as you know how to make the most of them.
Along those lines, if you know that the person you’re writing for is a fan of military thrillers, for instance, then you might want to consider pitching a story about army personnel or veterans. Or if you’re applying for a position in a marketing or advertising agency, you might want to consider making your writing sample a compelling commercial for a product. In either case, the point is that you need to find the words that will make a bold impact.
Keep It Short
While there is no specific length recommendation for your writing samples, keep them short. Ideally, your sample should be around 100 words long, if that. Anything shorter and it makes it harder to follow along. Moreover, shorter is usually better when it comes to emails and text messages. Anything longer and it tends to become cumbersome. When sending a PDF of your writing sample, keep it short and snappy. The person you’re sending it to will likely be distracted by other items in their inbox.
If you want to stand out from the crowd, then consider making your writing sample shorter and more to the point than your competition. It’s hard to follow lengthy diatribes that don’t offer any value. Short and sweet saves lives every time.
Make It An Outline
When you’re writing your outline for the story, make sure to make it detailed and as complete as possible. Moreover, you can also use the outline to help you plot the story. Knowing where you’re going with your story and being able to plot the major scenes and characters is something that will make or break your story. As you work on the outline, make sure to lay out each scene, including the ending, so that you have a clear idea of what is going on.
If you need help with structuring your outline, then feel free to reach out to us at BizEaze. We’re always happy to connect you with a professional who can help you polish your pitch and get you ready for submission.
Practice
Writing is a skill that can only be honed through extensive practice. Unless you’re deliberately trying to sabotage your application, it’s important that you keep practicing writing regularly. Even when you feel that you’re getting the hang of things, continue to practice and show that you’re making continuous improvement. The more you practice, the more refined your skills will become, allowing you to write with authority.
Use The Right Format
When it comes to applying for a job, you need to make sure that you’re sending the person you’re contacting the proper documentation. If you’re sending a.doc, make sure that it’s formatted correctly and that you’ve included all relevant information. If you’re sending an.odt file, then make sure to keep your formatting clean and simple.
On the other hand, if you’re sending a.pdf, then make sure that it’s in landscape mode and that you’ve enabled a large enough font size so that the text is easy to read. As you may have guessed, the format of your writing sample will depend on the platform that you’re using to submit it from. If you’re applying for a job via email, then the text should be easy to read and follow. If you’re applying for a job via social media, then make sure to post a photo of yourself that’s engaging and shows that you have an eye for aesthetic appeal.
The End
Above all else, remember that this is just a sample of what you might write. You’re not asking for permission to write a full-blown novel, you’re just asking for a little bit of writing to get the job done. For that reason, make sure to write a compelling ending to your story. However, don’t go overboard and make it overly long or complex. Keep it simple and sweet, as these are the things that will make or break your story.
Above all else, make sure that you follow these tips to write an appropriate creative writing sample, and you’ll be able to land that job you’ve been seeking. Good luck out there!