Today’s question: What should I do when an employer asks me for a writing sample?
Answered by: Mary Federico, Tufts Career Services
Employers can surprise you and request a sample of how you write as part of the job application process. It does happen more often than you may imagine. You can easily supply an example of how you write without too much stress. As a student, you have written many papers for a variety of classes. While they may be longer than the number of pages an employer has requested, you can take a portion of the paper and use it as a writing sample. Choose a paper that is on a topic either related to the job area or of potential interest to the employer. For example, choose a research paper for a job that has research as a part of the job responsibilities. You can also identify what section you have chosen to send by indicating it is the introduction or conclusion to a 25 page paper.
You are certainly welcome to create a writing sample. Just keep in mind that the papers have all been graded and well groomed for a class, whereas the created piece may not have had much attention given to it. It would be wise to have a professor or colleague look it before submitting it to an employer.
Career Advisors are happy to discuss more detailed questions about writing samples. Call 617.627.3299 to make an appointment or stop by our Monday/Wednesday/Friday drop-in hour from 12-1 pm in the Dowling Library for a quick chat.
