How To Create Impressive Writing Samples For Job Applications + Examples

If you're pursuing a writing job, whether freelance or more permanent, chances are the person hiring will want to see some writing samples. But what makes for a truly great writing sample that will impress potential clients, editors, and hiring managers?

To help you along the way, I've put together this post which includes:

• Examples of writing samples for different types of writing jobs 
• How to present your writing samples 
• How to format your writing sample for your job application 
• How to create an online writing portfolio for presenting your work in the best way possible.

Remember, it's not just the sample that matters but also how you present it. My top tip: compile your writing samples into an online writing portfolio so that they’re easy to share with one simple link (you can create a portfolio in less than 20 minutes with our easy-to-use writer website builder with templates designed to make your writing samples look great, and one-on-one support from yours truly).

What Can I Use as a Writing Sample for a Job Application?

What is a writing sample? The sky's the limit! 

There are many types of works you can use as a writing sample! It all depends on the job or gig you are targeting. Your samples don’t need to be previously published works; even self-published blog posts can be effective in a professional setting. In my early freelance days, I used blog posts on food and travel to successfully pitch to newspapers and magazines on similar topics. It’s all about showing your relevant skills and experience. (Read more about how I got my first writing gig and how to create a writing portfolio with no experience.)

Examples of Writing Samples for Different Types of Writing Jobs:

Copywriting

Copywriting samples typically showcase persuasive, engaging, and concise writing aimed at driving action:

• Brochures: Mock brochures for products, services, or companies, highlighting benefits, features, and calls to action.
• Website Content: Samples of homepage, About Us, and service or product pages, emphasizing brand voice and value propositions.
• Landing Pages: Persuasive landing pages tailored to specific offers or campaigns, with elements like headlines, bullet points, testimonials, and calls to action.
• Email Campaigns: Promotional, welcome, or re-engagement emails, demonstrating skills in crafting subject lines and engaging content.
• Social Media Ads: Short, attention-grabbing ad copy for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.
• Taglines and Slogans: Memorable taglines or slogans for brands, products, or campaigns.
  Product Descriptions: Engaging descriptions for e-commerce sites that highlight features, benefits, and unique selling points.

Research and Reporting

Writing samples in research and reporting demonstrate the ability to synthesize information and present it clearly:

• Business Reports: Market analysis, competitor analysis, or performance reviews, showcasing data-driven insights and recommendations.
• Case Studies: Success stories illustrating problem-solving scenarios for businesses or clients.
  Industry Analysis: Reports on current trends, challenges, or future predictions within a specific industry.
• Surveys and Polls: Reports based on survey data, showing the ability to interpret and present findings insightfully.
• White Papers: In-depth papers addressing business issues, market strategies, or innovations.

Content Writing

Content writing encompasses a variety of formats aimed at informing or engaging an audience:

• SEO-Optimized Blog Posts: Blog posts on relevant topics, incorporating SEO best practices like keyword optimization and engaging headings.
• How-To Guides: Step-by-step guides on niche-relevant topics that educate and provide practical advice.
• Listicles: Articles in list format, such as “Top 10 Tools for Remote Work,” known for their easy-to-digest and shareable nature.
• E-books and Lead Magnets: Short e-books or downloadable guides that provide value and demonstrate expertise in long-form content.
• Social Media Content: Content plans or posts for platforms, adapting style and tone to fit different audiences.

Journalism

Journalism samples highlight storytelling, fact-checking, and a clear, unbiased writing style:

• Articles from a Student Newspaper: Pieces from school newspapers or similar publications, or new samples on current events or feature stories.
• Feature Articles: In-depth profiles or human-interest stories that require narrative style and research.
• Op-Ed or Opinion Pieces: Persuasive articles on current issues, demonstrating the ability to argue a clear and convincing point.
• News Briefs: Short, concise news briefs or bulletins that convey the essentials of a story.
• Reviews: Critical evaluations of books, films, products, or events that showcase analytical skills.

Technical Writing

Technical writing involves creating clear, precise documentation for complex topics:

• User Manuals: Step-by-step manuals for software, hardware, or processes, focusing on clarity and usability.
• Technical Reports: Reports that communicate technical findings, such as lab reports or project summaries.
• API Documentation: Guides that explain how to use software or technology, including code examples and best practices.
• White Papers: Technical papers that explore specific problems and propose solutions, often used in B2B marketing.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): SOPs for specific processes, detailing clear instructions.
• Process Documentation: Guides on workflows, whether for software installation or equipment operation.
• Knowledge Base Articles: Articles for troubleshooting and best practices in a product or service.
• Training Manuals: Instructional content designed to help users or employees learn to use a product or perform a task.

Ghostwriting

Ghostwriting can include a variety of writing types depending on the niche:

• Books or E-Books: Sample chapters or excerpts of books, whether fiction, non-fiction, self-help, or industry-specific e-books.
• Speeches: Sample speeches for events or presentations, capturing the voice of the person you’re writing for.
• Social Media Posts: Content for influencers, executives, or brands, matching their tone and style.
• Blog Posts: Posts on various topics that reflect the client’s voice while maintaining engagement and authenticity.

Niche-Specific Writing

Depending on specialized knowledge, niche-specific samples can further tailor your portfolio:

• Educational Writing: Lesson plans, educational articles, or study guides that convey information clearly to learners.
• Creative Writing: Short stories, poetry, or scripts for entertainment or literary content.
• Grant Writing: Grant proposals or funding applications that are persuasive and well-structured.
• Resume and Cover Letter Writing: Resumes, cover letters, or LinkedIn profiles that effectively market individuals.
• Legal Writing: Legal briefs, summaries, or articles on legal topics, demonstrating knowledge and precision.

What Is the Best Way to Present My Writing Sample?

I highly recommend creating an online writing portfolio using a writer website builder like Writer’s Residence (it takes less than 20 minutes to set up, so why not?). We offer automated tools that let you upload writing samples and templates that make them look good on a computer (web-friendly fonts and themes designed for readability).

Putting your writing samples in a dedicated portfolio has numerous advantages:

• You can easily link to specific writing samples that are relevant to the job application or gig you are pitching for.
• You have an instant archive of all your work.
• You have a portfolio URL that you can use in your email signature and on social sites like LinkedIn (you can even enhance your professionalism with a custom domain name).
• Having a dedicated portfolio speaks to your professionalism, and remember you can create a writing portfolio even if you have no experience.

What Should My Writing Sample Look Like?

Sure, you could send a basic PDF or a link on Google Drive, but you can really enhance your presentation by using an online writing portfolio. I recommend including the following:

• A catchy image, for example, a screenshot of your clip if you have one, or an image related to the piece.
• A short introduction to the piece. I like to explain what the goal and outcome of the writing sample was.
• The writing sample in full, either as text or a link to a PDF or the original publication source.

Writing Sample Examples for Job Applications and Cold Pitches:

Marketing Flyer Writing Sample

This sample was created with Writer’s Residence.

Website Copywriting Sample

Top tip: Create a screenshot of your work to preserve your writing sample for the eventuality that the website eventually changes the copy or disappears altogether.

Educational Content Writing Sample