By rsukhraj@hubspot.com (Ramona Sukhraj)

Almost a year ago to the day, I found myself job hunting for the first time in a decade. It was unexpected. I didn’t have a current resume or a writing sample for job applications. Frankly, I was in over my head. And the market was ruthless.

If you’re reading this feeling the same way: There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Layoffs have been rampant in recent years, especially amid COVID-19 recovery. In the United States, unemployment sits at 4% — the highest rate in two years. But, at the same time, 270,000 jobs were created just last month. That includes the one meant for you.

An excellent writing sample can be the key to getting noticed. So, coming off my own nine-month job hunt (and now thankfully sitting in the position that gives me your eye today), I’m here to help.

Table of Contents

• What is a writing sample?
• How long should a writing sample be?
• What to Submit for a Writing Sample
• How to Choose What to Submit for a Writing Sample
• How to Write a Writing Sample

During my hunt, it wasn’t uncommon for a potential employer to ask for a writing sample.

I found that employers tend to request a writing sample in one of three ways:

• A long-form answer to a question on the application form
• 1-3 links to past work (or file attachments) on the application form
• A written assignment I completed a few stages into the hiring process

As a seasoned content marketer, I also had an appendix to my resume with links to my writing samples by default. But this isn’t necessary for every industry.

Like a cover letter or a resume, a writing sample helps a company identify qualified candidates no matter what form it takes. However, it’s uniquely important because it shows your skills in action more effectively than the former.

Like the samples at a local ice cream shop, they’re a delicious taste of what’s to come from you and help people decide if they want more.

Sound intimidating? Don’t worry — Not every job will require a writing sample, but they are common for journalism, marketing, public relations, communications, and research positions.

Employers might also ask for a writing sample if the role involves writing and communicating important information internally.

What do employers look for in a writing sample?

Employers look for different things in a writing sample depending on the role and industry you’re applying for. But typically, they all evaluate for tone, style, content, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

They also may read between the lines — dissecting the strategy or value you deliver as well as your justification of it.

Company knowledge and brand voice may come into play as well. While these can certainly be learned later on, it doesn’t hurt …read more

Source:: HubSpot Blog

Author: Aaron