If you’re applying for a consulting job, what should you submit as your writing sample? The answer largely depends on your specific position and the type of clients you’ll be working with. But overall, it’s best to aim for the following:
- A business plan
- A marketing plan
- A sales plan
- A product/service proposal
- A proposal for a new product or service
- A pamphlet
- A flyer
- A webinar presentation
- A whitepaper
- A sales letter
- An email marketing campaign
- A blog post
- A press release
- A year-end report
- A proposal for a new marketing plan
- A key performance indicator (KPI)
- A financial analysis
- A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities,Threats)
- A compliance report
- Any other relevant supporting documentation
The above list details the most common types of “samples” you’ll likely be asked to submit. However, to be on the safe side, make sure you save a copy of each document before sending them off. Writing sample forms are pretty common nowadays. Many consultants will simply request that you submit your full CV. While this may seem like a convenient option, it can also be a dangerous temptation. If you think that your writing sample does not represent your true talent, then you could end up with a bad impression and even lose out on an opportunity to land a valuable consulting contract.
Why A Business Plan?
Amongst all the above documents, the business plan is the only one that can truly act as a complete application package. A business plan is essentially a blueprint for your business. While you should be able to get by with just your CV and any marketing or sales material you have, a business plan serves as an extension of your resume, providing the readers with a clear overview of your experiences and qualifications.
The business plan is also a good idea from a legal standpoint. If you’re ever contracted by a business to provide consulting services, then the business plan acts as an important record of the agreement you made with the client. It also shows that you’ve thought through the entire process of establishing the business. Many firms will ask you to submit a sample of your business plan for review, so make sure you have one ready to submit.
Marketing Plan
A marketing plan is very similar to a business plan, but with one huge difference: the business owner’s perspective. A business owner will often ask for a marketing plan, because they want to understand how you’ll go about marketing their company. A marketing plan is essentially a blueprint for marketing a product or service. It can also be used to market a brand, or to attract new customers to your business.
The marketing plan should include all of the following:
- Product information
- Pricing
- Availability
- The target audience
- The key marketing objectives
- The marketing strategy
- The budget for the marketing campaign
- The execution plan
- The review plan
If you’re applying for a marketing position, then you should be able to easily find the above listed documents among the many templates online. Many companies offer pre-made business plans and marketing plans, which you can modify as little as necessary or you can use as a guide to create an original plan of your own. Either way, make sure that you’re submitting the correct paperwork to the correct place. Follow the instructions carefully so that you don’t end up with an incomplete application. Most importantly, make sure that you’re applying to the correct platform. Make sure that you’re aware of any guidelines and restrictions that the employer may have regarding the type of documents that they will or won’t accept.
Sales Plan
A sales plan is essentially a sales pitch that will be used to convince a potential customer to purchase your product or service. A sales plan shows the reader what you’re offering, why they should care, and how they can benefit from your product or service.
A sales plan should include all of the following:
- Description of the product
- The intended audience
- The advantages of purchasing the product
- The pricing
- How much the product will cost
- The marketing plan
- The sales strategy
- The review plan
- Any other pertinent information
If you’re applying for a sales position, then you should be able to find the above listed documents amongst the many templates online. Like the business plan and marketing plan, the sales plan is an important piece of documentation. It can also help you to organize your thoughts and ideas on the topic of selling. By taking the time to write down all your prospective clients, you’ll be able to target your specific audience, and present your case to them in the most effective way.
Product/Service Proposal
A product/service proposal is similar to a business plan, but instead of outlining a business’ vision and future goals, a product/service proposal focuses on proposing a new product or service for consideration.
Just like the other types of paperwork mentioned above, a product/service proposal is important because it serves as a snapshot of your professional abilities. A product/service proposal provides the reader with an overview of your creative thinking, and how you’ve analyzed the needs of your target audience.
A product/service proposal should include all of the following:
- Description of the product or service
- The intended audience
- Key benefits
- Any unique features or advantages
- Pricing
- The product/service in comparison to the competition
- The return on investment (ROI)
- The advantages/disadvantages
- Operations
- Pricing
- Availability
- A short summary of legal and regulatory requirements
- The key assumptions
- The assumptions on which the project is based
- The proposed business model
- SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities andThreats)
- The solutions
- The proposed timetable
- Risks
- The proposed budget
- The objectives of the proposal
- The criteria by which the proposal will be evaluated
- A review of related plans and documents
- A list of stakeholders
- Your expertise
- Any other pertinent details
If you’re applying for a product/service proposal job, then you should be able to find the above listed documents amongst the many templates online. It’s also advisable to try and find a sample proposal that is already written, so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time writing something that has been done before. This will also make your proposal look more authentic.
Proposal For A New Product Or Service
A proposal for a new product or service is essentially the same as a business plan, but with one huge difference: the idea behind the product or service. A business owner will often ask for a proposal for a new product or service, because they want to know more about your plans, and they want to be involved in the decision-making process.
A proposal for a new product or service provides the reader with an opportunity to get an idea of what you’re offering, and to consider whether or not they want to make a purchase. Your proposal should include all of the following: