When you are asked to send a writing sample for a job interview, you probably assume that you will be asked to write something similar to a college application essay. After all, you have already written something similar for college, and this is the type of sample that you know best. However, this is not necessarily the case. Since most employers screen applicants based on their resume and cover letter, you should not assume that your previous work experience is what they are looking for. That being said, you should not put too much effort into preparing an example of your own work either.
The Basics
Before you begin to write, you should first prepare yourself by doing some research into what to write about. You should become acquainted with the position that you are applying for, and know what it entails. Learning the basics such as the employer’s name, phone number, and URL is all that is necessary to get you started. If possible, you should also learn a bit about the company. This will give you a sense of ownership and show that you have done some research into the company. Learning more about the position will also help you to justify why you are the best person for the job. Most importantly, you should have a clear idea of what is required of you. Without enough details, your writing sample cannot truly stand out.
The Difference
Once you have prepared yourself to write, you should then begin to consider what exactly you will write. When you are writing a personal statement for college, you are mostly writing about yourself and your interests. However, when you are writing for a professional, you should be writing about the interests of your prospective employer. In most cases, you will be asked to write a pitch for a product or service that the company offers. In these situations, you should consider what is motivating the employer to hire you. Your personal interest may be something that they are considering as well, but it should not be your only reason for applying for the job.
The Format
What kind of paper should you use for the writing sample? There are several different options, and you should use the one that is suitable for the situation. If you are asked to write an essay for school, you probably assume that you will be using a simple paper format that you are more familiar with. For instance, if you have previously written an essay for school, then you should probably use the same formatter. If not, then you should choose a paper with a bit more substance such as an agenda or a notebook. Remember, your writing sample does not need to be perfect; it just needs to be sufficient. In most cases, a simple paper will suffice.
The Length
How long should your writing sample be? In most cases, the answer is as long as you need it to be. There is no fixed rule for the length of a writing sample, so you should just write as much as you need to. However, if you are applying for a particular position that requires a longer explanation, then you should probably write a little bit more than is necessary. Remember, you are being judged on the strength of your work experience, academic achievements, and personal statement. Your writing sample does not need to be a blockbuster; it just needs to be good enough to get the job.
The Purpose Of The Sample
What exactly is the purpose of your writing sample? You should have a clear idea of what the employer is looking for, and you should write to fulfill that need. In some cases, the employer may ask you to simply show that you can write. In these situations, you should write down what you know, and be brief in your writing. Remember, the employer is not interested in your personal opinions about anything; they are looking for you to write what you know and understand. Just write down whatever comes to your mind, and ensure that you answer all of their questions clearly and concisely.
What About The Grammar And Spelling?
Besides the basics, you should also consider what kind of grammar and spelling to use. When you are writing for school, you should probably use standard English, and if possible, you should also learn how to spell correctly. However, if you are applying for a job where your spelling and grammar will be key, then you should consider using a dictionary to check yourself before you submit your work. Remember, spell checkers are not magic wands that will fix all of your spelling mistakes. They will only point out the obvious errors that you have made, and in some cases, they may flag your work as well. In the meantime, you should learn how to check your spelling and grammar yourself without the help of a tool such as Grammarly or Clarity.
Submission
After you have written your sample, you should then consider submitting it for evaluation. Just because you have written something does not mean that it is perfect. In most cases, you will be asked to revise and re-submit your work for consideration. While it is not necessary to be perfect, it is essential to be good enough. Just ensure that you have learned from your mistakes, and submit as many revisions as necessary until you obtain the desired result. In most cases, a simple round of edits is sufficient for the employer to consider your work final.
Hopefully, this post gave you some good ideas on what to write about when you are asked to send a writing sample for a job interview. To get the job, you must first be competent at writing, and you should not underestimate the power of a good written communication. Remember, an easy way to get feedback about your work is to ask for feedback from friends, family members, and other professionals that you have worked with before. Asking for feedback is an excellent way to improve your writing, and you should not be afraid to make changes as you see fit. In most cases, a simple round of edits will be sufficient for the employer to consider your work final, so be sure to ask for feedback from at least three different sources before you submit your paper.