If you’re applying for a writing-related position, you’ll most likely be asked to submit a writing sample. This could be either a short story, a feature article, or an essay – it depends on the role you’re applying for. The common theme, however, is that you’ll be expected to demonstrate your writing ability, so it’s worth thinking about what you can send. What should you include in your writing sample? Here are some ideas to get you started.
A Short Story
A short story is ideal for demonstrating your writing ability. It can be a simple plot with some amazing twist, like the Sherlock Holmes short story, “A Case of Hypnotism”, or it could be a slice of life story about a regular person – like you. The common theme is that it should be no more than approximately 10,000 words in length (excluding the notes).
A Feature Article
A feature article is very similar to a short story but it tends to be a little longer. A feature article is mostly narrative, rather than the character-driven plots of a short story. It usually entails more research and sometimes even a little bit of investigative journalism. The important thing to keep in mind is that it should be informative – as much as possible, you want to prove that you’re a well-rounded enough writer to be able to tackle any topic that may come up during the interview process. If you’re curious, the New YorkTimes best-selling author, Nicholas Carr, wrote an awesome piece on the creative process that you might find helpful. It’s titled, “The Best Creative Exercise You’ll Ever Need: Writing Prompts From The New York Times”. Check it out!
An Essay
An essay, as the name implies, is a piece of writing that explores a particular topic in depth. In a way, it’s similar to a feature article, but it may cover a broader range of topics. The most common type of essay is the argumentative essay, but there are other varieties as well. During the interview process, you can discuss any topic with the hiring manager – this makes the essay an excellent choice for showcasing your skills, as long as you can back up your claims with relevant examples. Remember that the main purpose of an essay is to prove that you’re a well-thought-out and thorough writer, and nothing else – so, strive to write the best essay you can.
Now you’re primed and ready to write that perfect writing sample, go forth and conquer.