What Is a Writing Sample for a Job Interview

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What Hiring Teams Are Actually Looking For
3. When Employers Request a Writing Sample
4. Types of Writing Samples and When to Use Them
5. How Long Should a Writing Sample Be and How to Format It
6. Choosing or Creating the Right Sample: A Practical Framework
7. Step-By-Step Process to Create a New Writing Sample
8. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
9. Assessing Your Own Sample: A Short Quality Checklist
10. Live Tests and Take-Home Assignments: How to Approach Each
11. Building a Small, Effective Portfolio
12. Cross-Cultural Considerations: Writing Samples for Global Roles
13. How a Writing Sample Fits Your Career Roadmap
14. Negotiating the Assignment: When You Can Push Back
15. Examples of Role-Specific Samples: What to Send
16. Editing Techniques That Improve Your Sample Quickly
17. Presenting Your Sample in an Interview
18. Measuring the Impact of Your Writing Sample
19. Integrating Writing Sample Work Into Your Ongoing Career Development
20. Short Checklist: What to Send, When
21. Final Editorial and Submission Reminders
22. Conclusion
23. FAQ

Introduction

Many ambitious professionals feel stuck when an application asks for a writing sample — especially when you’re balancing relocation plans, cross-border work expectations, or the pressure to present clear, professional communication across cultures. A writing sample is not a test of literary flair; it’s a practical signal that you can think, structure, and communicate clearly in the format the role requires.

Short answer: A writing sample for a job interview is a short, representative piece of written work provided to an employer so they can evaluate your ability to communicate in the specific style, tone, and format required by the role. It can be an excerpt of past work, a tailored piece you create for the application, or a timed task during the interview process — what matters is clarity, relevance, and accuracy.

This article explains what hiring teams evaluate, how to choose or create a sample that wins interviews, and how to present your writing in ways that reflect both your professional strengths and your ability to operate across borders and cultures. You’ll get a step-by-step approach to selecting or producing the right piece, actionable editing and submission techniques, and a practical roadmap that aligns writing samples with a broader career strategy — especially important for global professionals who must show they can communicate in diverse contexts. If you want tailored help turning your writing into a decisive advantage, you can book a free discovery call to map the next steps for your career.

My role as an Author, HR and L&D Specialist, and Career Coach means I combine workplace hiring standards with coaching techniques that make your written work speak for you. Read on for frameworks you can apply immediately.

What Hiring Teams Are Actually Looking For

Core evaluation criteria

When a hiring manager or recruiter opens your writing sample, they are assessing a few consistent competencies, regardless of industry. They want to know whether you can:

• Convey ideas with clarity and a logical flow.
• Match the tone and formality the role requires.
• Use correct grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
• Structure information so the reader can act on it (decide, inform, share).
• Demonstrate domain knowledge relevant to the position.

These are practical, measurable skills. Some roles will weight specific elements differently: an analyst’s sample will highlight structure and data interpretation, while a marketing sample emphasizes audience engagement and CTA effectiveness.

Signals beyond words

Beyond technical accuracy, your sample provides signals about working style and problem-solving. A well-annotated excerpt can show how you think about audience and goal. A cleanly formatted report can communicate an attention to detail that matters in regulated environments. For people working across borders, a sample that shows cultural awareness, nuanced tone, or localized content approach communicates readiness to operate internationally.

What employers won’t primarily judge

They are rarely looking for perfect creativity or a unique voice when the role requires standard corporate or technical writing. Instead, they want the writing to reliably produce the business result the job needs: clarity for internal memos, persuasion for marketing, credibility for research. Show competence first; personality second.

When Employers Request a Writing Sample

There are common moments in the hiring process when an employer will request writing. Knowing when and why helps you prepare.

1. “Pre-application or application stage” — employers ask for a sample alongside resume and cover letter to screen candidates early.
2. “Interview stage” — either asking you to bring printed samples or to submit a recent piece that demonstrates relevant skills.
3. “Take-home assignment” — a role-specific prompt with a deadline to see how you perform on a practical task.
4. “On-the-spot or timed assessment” — a live writing test during an interview to observe your process under time constraints.
5. “Portfolio request” — when hiring managers expect a curated set of samples that shows range and depth.

(See a quick checklist later to decide what to send for each scenario.)

Types of Writing Samples and When to Use Them

Published clips and articles

If you have published work — blog posts, news articles, op-eds — use those for roles that require public-facing content. They demonstrate that your writing has already stood in the public domain and that you can write for a real audience.

Practical tip: Send a recent piece that matches the required word-length and tone of the role. If the original is long, provide a focused excerpt and include a one-paragraph description explaining context and your role.

Internal communications (memos, emails, announcements)

For HR, operations, program management, or internal comms roles, a clean internal memo or company announcement is gold. Employers want to see your ability to simplify complex information and communicate with stakeholders.

When you lack a real sample, create a one-page mock memo that addresses a plausible internal issue and provides a clear recommendation.

Marketing and content pieces (blog posts, landing pages, emails)

Marketing roles require persuasive rhythm and audience orientation. Send pieces that show you can drive engagement and action: headlines, lead paragraphs, and a clear CTA. If you can demonstrate measurable outcomes (open rates, click-throughs, engagement metrics), include those figures in a short note.

Technical and analytical writing (reports, briefs, whitepapers)

Roles that require depth and accuracy need samples that show how you marshal evidence and present conclusions. Include data visualization or explain where charts/tables belong; if you extract an excerpt, state the purpose of the larger project and which sections you’re presenting.

Research, legal, and grant writing

When precision, citation, and a formal structure matter, deliver a sample that follows the expected format (APA, Harvard, or internal citation standards). Remove sensitive client or institution-identifying details if necessary, and include a short header explaining the original context.

Creative writing or scripts

Use these only when the role explicitly values creative skill. If the company’s tone is conversational and creative, creative samples can be compelling. If the role is formal, don’t submit creative work.

Culturally adapted and translated content for global roles

For global mobility or international assignments, it’s helpful to include examples that show cultural sensitivity or localization strategy: a short blurb tailored to a different audience, or a note about how you adapted tone or examples for a regional audience. This is especially important for professionals who will write for diverse markets.

How Long Should a Writing Sample Be and How to Format It

Length guidelines

Unless the employer specifies, aim for 1–2 pages (approximately 500–800 words). Hiring teams read quickly; a short, polished sample is more effective than a long, inconsistent one. If you submit a longer work, provide a 1–2 page excerpt with a clear note that it is an excerpt from a longer piece.

Formatting that makes reviewers’ lives easier

Use readable fonts, 1.15–1.5 line spacing if double-spaced is requested, clear headings, and page numbers. Attach a one-paragraph context header if the sample is excerpted or collaborative, explaining your role and what the reviewer is seeing. Include your name and contact details in a header or footer on each page.

Never submit a document that contains tracked changes, comments, or professor markup. Provide a clean copy.

File formats and delivery

Follow instructions. If they ask for .docx, don’t send a PDF; if an upload form requires a single file, combine excerpts into one clearly labeled file. If bringing paper copies to an interview, provide several crisp, stapled or foldered copies.

Choosing or Creating the Right Sample: A Practical Framework

Choose or create a sample that meets three conditions: relevance, quality, and integrity. Use this framework when you select or build your submission.

Relevance: match the genre and the problem

Begin by mapping the sample to the job’s daily writing tasks. For example, if the role is investor communications, a polished memo converting data into a short decision-oriented brief is ideal. If you must write a new sample, write directly to the role’s likely audience and objective.

Quality: show control and intention

Quality equals clarity plus control. Show a clear structure, concise language, and an intentional tone. Prioritize editing — remove filler, tighten sentences, and eliminate jargon that doesn’t add value.

Integrity: respect confidentiality and authorship

If a prior employer or client owns the work, get permission before submitting it. When necessary, redact names, numbers, or proprietary details and note that you’ve excerpted or redacted. If the piece was a team effort, identify which parts you wrote.

Annotation adds value

When context matters, include a one-paragraph note that explains the brief, your role, and an outcome or result if available. For functional roles, a brief note about the template used, audience, and distribution channel can make the sample more persuasive.

If you want help aligning a sample specifically with your next career move, schedule a short planning session — I help professionals identify which pieces to use and how to adapt them for different markets. You can book a free discovery call to review your options.

Step-By-Step Process to Create a New Writing Sample

Avoid a checklist-heavy presentation here; instead, follow these condensed, actionable paragraphs that walk you through creating a new piece.

Start by extracting the hiring description: identify the specific writing skills requested — analytical explanation, persuasive marketing, concise internal updates — and choose an objective aligned with that skill. Draft an outline with a clear headline or subject line, a short lede that answers the reader’s core question, two to four supporting paragraphs that each make a single point, and a concluding action or recommendation.

Write a quick first draft without editing for longer than 20–40 minutes; get ideas on paper. Then, edit in stages: one pass for structure and argument, another for clarity and sentence-level tightening, and a final pass for grammar and formatting. Read your sample aloud and time yourself to ensure natural flow. Remove any unnecessary adjectives or corporate filler.

If the role involves measurable outcomes, add a brief context line at the top that describes the impact where possible (e.g., “This excerpt was used in a blog that drove 10k monthly visits.”). If you used anonymized client data, explain what was redacted and why, so the reader understands you respect confidentiality.

Finally, proofread in a different medium than you wrote in — print it, or change font and read it on screen — and ask a trusted colleague to read for clarity. If you’ve worked internationally, run a quick cultural check to ensure idioms or local references won’t confuse reviewers in other regions.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many candidates lose opportunities by making avoidable errors. Here are the most common and how to prevent them.

Submitting work with visible edits or tracked changes undermines the professionalism of the piece. Always provide a clean copy. Failing to follow specific instructions about file type, length, or format suggests poor attention to detail. If the posting asks for a one-page memo, don’t send five pages, and don’t make them guess. Sending outdated or irrelevant samples signals that you haven’t written recently or don’t understand the role’s needs. Update examples if they’re older than a year or create a fresh sample that explicitly connects to the role.

Finally, over-sharing confidential material is dangerous. Redact or anonymize proprietary content and state that you have done so. In regulated or international contexts, be conscious of data-handling laws and client agreements.

Assessing Your Own Sample: A Short Quality Checklist

Use these six touchpoints to self-assess your sample before submitting.

1. Does the piece answer a clear reader question or solve a problem?
2. Is the tone appropriate for the role and organization?
3. Are sentences concise and easy to scan?
4. Is the sample free of grammar and formatting errors?
5. Have you included context for excerpts or collaborative work?
6. Did you follow the employer’s submission instructions precisely?

When you want to prepare a portfolio that presents all of these elements in a curated way, templates can speed up assembly. I provide free, practical resume and cover letter templates that include formatting guidance for writing samples and portfolios — grab the set and adapt them to your situation: free resume and cover letter templates.

(That checklist is intentionally concise; you’ll find more detailed revision steps below in narrative form.)

Live Tests and Take-Home Assignments: How to Approach Each

Take-home assignments

Treat take-home assignments like client deliverables. Read the brief twice, note the deliverables and the deadline, and clarify any ambiguity immediately. Structure your time with drafts and reviews; if permitted, submit polished work that meets length and format precisely.

Employers sometimes use take-homes to assess research ability, structure, and decision-making — show your sources briefly and include a one-paragraph executive summary.

Timed, in-interview writing

When asked to write on the spot, you will be judged on speed and clarity more than polish. Use a quick outline: headline/subject, three key points, and a one-line action. Prioritize readability: short paragraphs, clear CTAs, and plain language. If time allows, proofread the first and last paragraphs.

When to ask clarifying questions

If the brief is unclear, ask focused questions that reveal what success looks like: Who is the reader? What action should they take after reading? What constraints (word count, tone) must you observe? Asking the right clarifying question shows client orientation and reduces the chance of misaligned work.

Building a Small, Effective Portfolio

A portfolio should be curated and contextual. Instead of sending everything, select three to five pieces that collectively demonstrate range and consistency: one example that shows subject-matter expertise, one showing audience engagement or persuasion, and one that highlights functional business writing.

For each item include a one-sentence description: the objective, your role, the target audience, and an outcome if available. Keep the portfolio file or webpage easy to navigate. For roles that value latest work, ensure at least one piece is recent.

You can quickly assemble a professional packet using templates for presentation and narrative context — reduce friction and ensure consistent formatting by starting from reliable templates like the free set available here: free resume and cover letter templates.

Cross-Cultural Considerations: Writing Samples for Global Roles

Tone, idiom, and local resonance

Language practices differ across markets. If you’re applying for an international role, choose a sample that shows you can adjust tone and examples for other audiences. Avoid local idioms that won’t translate; instead, demonstrate universal clarity.

Legal and confidentiality concerns across jurisdictions

When your work involves third-party data, client names, or proprietary metrics, redaction is essential. Different countries have distinct data protection norms; if you’re in doubt, remove identifying details and add a brief note that the sample is anonymized.

Demonstrating cultural competence

Where appropriate, include a short margin note that explains how you adjusted content for a different market — this shows strategic thinking and readiness for global work.

How a Writing Sample Fits Your Career Roadmap

A writing sample is not an isolated deliverable — it’s part of your career narrative. When you prepare a sample with intention, you demonstrate a repeatable process: assess audience, structure arguments, and deliver clear recommendations. Those are the same skills that get you promoted, guide effective expatriate work, or make you a trusted partner on international teams.

If you want to accelerate your confidence in how you present written work and adapt messaging for different audiences, the structured learning pathway I developed helps professionals create reliable writing output and embed sustainable habits. One practical offering is a course that teaches concrete routines for writing, feedback, and iteration designed for ambitious professionals balancing career moves and global opportunities — explore the structured course to build ongoing confidence in your written work: career confidence program.

Negotiating the Assignment: When You Can Push Back

Some assignments are unreasonable given the timeline or proprietary constraints. If a take-home task is overly broad or asks for sensitive data, propose a reasonable alternative: a focused excerpt, a mock-up based on public information, or a scaled-down task. Explain the substitution briefly and confidently. Employers will often accept reasonable, professional adjustments; how you communicate your limits demonstrates judgement.

Examples of Role-Specific Samples: What to Send

I won’t include fictionalized anecdotes, but here are role-targeted approaches you can replicate:

• Communications/PR: Send a press release plus a short social caption and note where the release was used.
• Marketing: Send a blog post or landing page copy with a one-line metric (e.g., conversion improvement) when available.
• HR/Internal Comms: Send a policy announcement or a memo with stakeholder notes and the original distribution context.
• Research/Analytics: Send an executive summary from a report with the methodological approach and the implications section.
• Product Management: Send a short product brief or a user-facing release explaining customer benefits.

For each, add a short header that explains your role in creating the piece and any outcomes it produced.

Editing Techniques That Improve Your Sample Quickly

Tight editing converts good work into compelling evidence. Use these editing actions as you refine a sample:

• Remove the first sentence that says nothing; replace it with the core message.
• Convert passive verbs into active ones where clarity matters.
• Limit paragraphs to one idea each; break long blocks for better scanability.
• Replace jargon with simple descriptors unless the audience expects discipline-specific terms.
• Read the piece aloud to catch rhythm and cadence issues.

If you want focused feedback on a single sample — a 30-minute critique that includes editorial and strategic advice — a short coaching session can accelerate your chance of success. You can arrange a review to refine a piece into interview-ready form by scheduling a planning call: book a free discovery call.

Presenting Your Sample in an Interview

When asked to bring samples to an interview, present them cleanly and professionally. Use a simple folder or binder and include printed copies for each interviewer if possible. Begin by offering a one-sentence context before the interviewer reads: state the problem, your role, and the result. Let the sample speak but be ready to discuss the choices you made.

If you email a sample before an interview, include a short contextual paragraph in the body of the message that explains why you selected the piece and what the hiring team should notice. Keep that email concise and direct.

Measuring the Impact of Your Writing Sample

Whenever possible, quantify impact. If a blog post increased traffic, mention metrics. If an internal memo changed a policy or led to a cross-functional decision, state the result in simple terms. Numbers help hiring managers imagine the business value you bring.

If you lack measurable outcomes, describe the stakeholder action you intended and any feedback you received.

Integrating Writing Sample Work Into Your Ongoing Career Development

Your writing samples can become the foundation of a content portfolio that grows with your career. Adopt a habit of saving polished pieces, noting the context and any outcomes. Over time, your portfolio will show growth in style, audience targeting, and complexity — and it will simplify future applications.

If you’d like a structured way to build that habit and create repeatable processes for writing and feedback, consider investing time in a short course that teaches these behavioral routines and systems to maintain momentum: career confidence program.

Short Checklist: What to Send, When

• If they ask for specific example type: send exact match (press release for PR, memo for internal comms).
• If they request length, follow it to the letter; if not, aim for 1–2 pages.
• Provide contextual headers for excerpts and collaborative work.
• Redact sensitive information and explain redaction.
• Submit in the requested file format and include your contact details on each page.

Final Editorial and Submission Reminders

Before you submit:

• Proofread once for structure, once for clarity, once for grammar.
• Check that the file name is professional and includes your name and the role.
• If you’re emailing, put the role and your name in the subject line and include a concise context sentence in the message.
• If you bring hard copies, bring multiple copies neatly presented.

If you want a final sanity check on your sample or help assembling a portable portfolio with consistent presentation, we offer personalized coaching that walks you through selection, redaction, and submission strategy. You can book a free discovery call to create a roadmap that aligns your writing samples with your next career move.

Conclusion

A writing sample for a job interview is a practical, outcome-oriented artifact that proves you can solve a communication problem the job requires. Treat it as a mini-deliverable: align it to the role, ensure clarity and readability, protect confidentiality, and present it professionally. For global professionals, remember to show cultural adaptability and a capacity to localize messaging. Use the frameworks in this article to choose, create, and polish samples that convert interviews into offers.

If you want one-on-one guidance to convert your best work into a strategic asset and build a clear, confident career roadmap, book a free discovery call with me to get started: book your free discovery call now.

FAQ

How long should a writing sample be if the employer gives no length guidance?

Aim for 1–2 pages (roughly 500–800 words). This length shows you can be concise while providing enough context for your idea to land. If using an excerpt from a longer piece, include a short header explaining the excerpt and where it fits in the original work.

Can I edit work that was originally for an employer or client?

Yes — but handle confidentiality carefully. Obtain permission where needed, and redact identifying details if permission is not possible. Add a brief note explaining what you redacted and why. If the piece was collaborative, clearly state which parts you authored.

What do I do if I don’t have any relevant samples?

Write a fresh, role-specific sample. Treat it like a take-home assignment: pick a realistic brief, target the audience, and deliver a polished piece. You can also create a mock internal memo or short article that demonstrates the specific skill set the role requires.

Should I include metrics or results with my sample?

Whenever possible, include concise metrics or outcomes in a one-line context note. Numbers help reviewers assess impact, but don’t invent results; be transparent about what you measured and over what timeframe.