Whether you are applying for a job, internship, or to graduate schools, you may be asked to provide a writing sample. Writing samples allow an employer or graduate program to judge your ability to convey a written message and should be taken seriously.

Types

When choosing a sample, consider the writing style that you will be using at your job, internship, or graduate program. Writing samples can come from your coursework and/or work experiences. Typical samples include:

• Academic papers
• Policy briefs or memos
• Published articles
• Blog posts or web content
• Press releases

Content

The purpose of a writing sample is to demonstrate your ability to write professionally and clearly. When selecting your sample, try to find one that is relevant to the position or program for which you're applying. Where possible, your sample should reflect the organization's style and tone. Don’t hesitate to revise your writing sample as needed.

Length

Many employers will specify the desired length of your writing sample. If no desired length is given, choose a writing sample that is two to five pages long.

If you'd like to highlight a section of a longer paper, be sure to include your best two to five page selection. To provide context to the reader, you should start the sample with a brief paragraph about the topic of the paper and the course for which it was written.

Spelling and Grammar

There are no excuses for spelling or grammatical errors in a writing sample. Be sure to proofread the entire piece and have a trusted friend, colleague, or reliable software check your work.