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"Please send a writing sample" What do you do next?

How to Send a Writing Sample: A Quick and Easy Simple Guide

What is a Writing Sample?

A writing sample is a piece of your writing that shows employers how well you write. Companies ask for these when they want to hire someone who can write clearly. You might need to send a writing sample when applying for jobs in:

  • Writing
  • Marketing
  • Customer service
  • Research
  • Office work

When Should You Send a Writing Sample?

You should send a writing sample:

  • When the job posting asks for one
  • When an employer emails you requesting one
  • After an interview if they ask for it
  • Sometimes with your resume and cover letter if writing is a big part of the job

Choosing the Right Writing Sample

Pick something that:

  • Shows your best writing
  • Is similar to the writing you'll do in the job
  • Is no more than 1-2 pages long (about 750 words)
  • Has no spelling or grammar mistakes
  • Is recent (less than a year old if possible)
  • Matches the company's style (formal or casual)

Good examples to use:

  • School assignments
  • Blog posts you've written
  • Emails or letters (without private information)
  • Articles
  • Reports from previous jobs

Don't have a writing sample?

That's okay! You can create a new one. Try writing:

  • A short article about something related to the job
  • A pretend email to customers
  • A sample blog post for the company's website

How to Format Your Writing Sample

  1. Make it look clean and professional:

    • Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Times New Roman
    • Use 1-inch margins
    • Double-space or 1.5-space your text
    • Include page numbers if more than one page

  2. Add a simple header with:

    • Your name
    • Your contact information
    • The date
    • A title for your writing

  3. Add a short note explaining:

    • What the writing sample is
    • When and why you wrote it
    • Your role in creating it (if it was a group project)

Ways to Send Your Writing Sample

By Email:

  1. Save your sample as a PDF file (best option)
  2. Name the file clearly: "YourName_WritingSample.pdf"
  3. Write a polite email:
    • Use a clear subject line: "Writing Sample - Your Name"
    • Keep your message short and polite
    • Mention the job you're applying for
    • Attach your file

Example email:

Subject: Writing Sample - Taylor Smith

Hello Ms. Johnson,

I'm attaching my writing sample for the Customer Service position at ABC Company.
This is a letter I wrote to explain a new policy to customers.

Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,
Taylor Smith
Phone: 555-123-4567

Through an Online Application:

  1. Follow the instructions carefully
  2. Upload your file where it asks for a writing sample
  3. Make sure the file isn't too large (under 5MB is usually safe)

In Person:

  1. Print 3-5 copies on nice paper
  2. Keep them in a clean folder
  3. Hand them out when asked

Using an Online Portfolio:

  1. Create a simple website with your writing samples (use sites like WordPress, Wix, or LinkedIn)
  2. Send the link in your email or application
  3. Make sure the link works!

Final Checklist Before Sending

  • [ ] Check for spelling and grammar mistakes
  • [ ] Make sure your name is on the document
  • [ ] Check that the file opens correctly
  • [ ] Remove any private information
  • [ ] Keep a copy for yourself

Following Up

After sending your writing sample:

  • Wait about a week before checking in
  • Send a short, polite email asking if they received it
  • Thank them for their time

Remember!

  • Your writing sample shows what kind of worker you are
  • Take time to find or create the best example
  • When in doubt, keep it simple and error-free
  • Always follow the employer's instructions

Good luck with your job application!