How To Write A Job-Winning Writing Sample (With Examples) 

Are you staring at a blank page, wondering what sort of writing sample will impress a hiring manager? Whether you’re applying for a content writing job, a role in marketing, or even a legal position, submitting the right writing sample can make or break an application. In today’s super-competitive job market, employers aren’t just looking for what you say on your resume – they want proof that you can communicate clearly, think critically, and write effectively. That’s where your writing comes in. Join us at What We Writing as we show you how to write a writing sample that gets you hired. You’ll learn:

• What a writing sample is (and why employers ask for it).
• How to choose or create the perfect sample for your application. 
• Tips, formatting advice, and common pitfalls to avoid. 

By the end, you’ll know precisely how to submit a professional, tailored writing sample that sets you apart from the competition. 

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What Is A Writing Sample? 

A writing sample is a piece of written content that showcases your ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Employers request writing samples to assess your writing skills, style, tone, grammar, and how well you can tailor your message to a specific audience or purpose. 

If you’ve found yourself wondering what is a writing sample for a job application, the answer depends on the type of role you’re applying for; however, the goal is always the same: to showcase that you can do the job well. 

Common Types of Writing Samples by Industry: 

• Content Writing & Marketing: Blog posts, SEO articles, product descriptions,and social media captions. 
• Journalism & Media: Published articles, investigative reports, interviews, and op-eds. 
• Legal & Academic Roles: Case summaries, legal memos, research papers, academic essays. 
• Public Relations & Communications: Press releases, email pitches, internal memos, speeches. 
• Technical or UX Writing: Instructional guides, help centre articles, interface microcopy. 

Whether it’s something you’ve published or a piece you’ve written specifically for a job, your writing sample should reflect the tone, format, and skill level expected in the role you’re gunning for. 

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When (And Why) Employers Ask For A Writing Sample 

You may be surprised to see a job listing that says, “Please include a writing sample with your application.” But it’s a more common request than you may think, especially for roles that involve communication, creativity, or technical precision. So, why do employers ask for writing samples? 

Here’s What They’re Looking For: 

• Communication skills: Are you able to express ideas clearly and logically? 
• Writing style and tone: Is your voice professional, persuasive, or adaptable to the brand? 
• Attention to detail: Typos, poor structure, or formatting errors are all red flags. 
• Industry knowledge: Does your content show familiarity with the subject matter? 

Hiring managers want more than just a polished resume. They want proof. A well-crafted writing sample for a job application helps them assess whether you’re able to deliver the kind of work the role requires, before they even approach you for an interview. 

When You’ll Usually Be Asked: 

• During the initial application process. 
• After the first interview, as part of the second-round task. 
• When applying for content-heavy roles (e.g. content writing, PR, journalism, law, policy). 
• When switching careers or industries, to prove transferable skills. 

If a job advertisement doesn’t explicitly ask for one, it can still be a good idea to attach a brief, relevant writing sample – especially if writing is core to the role. 

How To Write A Writing Sample From Scratch 

Don’t have a suitable sample on hand? No worries – writing a fresh one can actually be a great way to tailor your work specifically to the position. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft a professional writing sample that gets noticed. 

Step 1: Understand the Job Description

Before you write a single word, study the job posting carefully. Look out for: 

• The type of writing involved (e.g. blog posts, case studies, internal reports). 
• The tone of voice the company uses (formal, friendly, persuasive). 
• Any specific skills or topics mentioned. 

Writing Sample Tip: Mirror the language and tone in the job ad to make your sample feel aligned with their expectations.

Step 2: Pick a Relevant Topic 

Choose a topic that: 

• Reflects the work you’d be doing in the position. 
• Demonstrates your expertise or insights in the field. 
• Feels current and useful (especially for marketing, content, or journalistic roles). 

Example: Applying for a health tech copywriting role? Write a sample article such as “5 Ways Telemedicine Is Changing Everyday Healthcare. 

Step 3: Build a Clear Outline 

Even short writing samples benefit from structure. Before diving into the draft: 

• Sketch a brief outline with an intro, key points, and conclusion. 
• Decide where to include any data, examples, or sources. 
• Keep your word count reasonable (500-1,000 words unless specified otherwise). 

Writing Sample Tip: A logical flow = a more convincing sample. 

Step 4: Write in a Professional Tone 

Your tone should match the industry and role: 

• Marketing/Content: Conversational but polished. 
• Legal/Academic: Formal, clear, and precise. 
• Journalism: Objective, structured, and informative. 

Avoid slang, jargon (unless industry-specific), and anything overly casual. 

Step 5: Edit and Proofread (Seriously) 

Don’t skip this part. A writing sample with typos or awkward phrasing can undermine your whole application. 

• Run spellcheck and grammar tools (like Grammarly or Hemingway). 
• Read it aloud to catch flow issues. 
• Trim wordy sentences or off-topic tangents. 

Writing Sample Tip: Have a friend or mentor review it if possible – fresh eyes can spot things you’ll miss. 

Writing a sample from scratch takes extra time, but it gives you complete control over how you present yourself. And, when done right, it shows initiative, professionalism, and exactly the kind of writing talent hiring managers want to see. 

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Writing Sample Format And Best Practices 

Once you’ve written or selected the perfect piece, formatting it correctly is just as important as the content itself. A well-formatted writing sample shows professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for the hiring manager’s time. 

What’s the Best Writing Sample Format? 

• Save as a PDF whenever possible. It preserves your formatting across all devices and looks more polished than a Word document. 
• If the job listing requests a specific format (like .docx or a Google Doc link), follow that exactly. 
• Use a clean, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (11-12 pt). 
• Include a brief header at the top with your name, the job title you’re applying for, and the context of the sample (e.g. “Blog post sample for digital marketing application”). 

Tip: If your writing sample was published online, it’s okay to submit the link, but consider attaching a PDF version as well in case the link breaks. 

Ideal Writing Sample Length 

How long should a writing sample be? Whilst it depends on the role, here’s a general guideline: 

• 1-2 pages is usually ideal. 
• 500-1,000 words is a safe range for most jobs. 
• Shorter is fine for copywriting or social media samples. 
• Longer samples (legal briefs, research papers) may be acceptable if the job calls for it – but consider including an excerpt or summary with a note such as: “Full document available upon request.”

Always aim for quality over quantity. A concise, well-edited piece is far more effective than a lengthy one full of fluff. 

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Quick Writing Sample Format Checklist

• Saved as a PDF (unless specified otherwise);
• Clearly labelled with your name and context; 
• One to two pages or under 1,000 words;
• Clean layout with consistent fonts and spacing;
• Checked for typos, grammar, and formatting issues;
• Matches the tone and style of the job you’re applying for. 

Mistakes To Avoid In A Writing Sample 

Even strong writers can make errors that weaken their application. Before you hit send, double-check that your sample doesn’t include some of these common writing sample mistakes: 

• Submitting something unrelated to the job

Don’t send a college essay for a marketing role or a press release for a legal position. Your sample should match the type of writing the job involves. 

• Using overly long or unedited work

Hiring managers won’t trudge through 10 pages. Keep it focused, proofread, and ideally under 1,000 words. 

• Including confidential or proprietary work 

If your sample includes client names, internal data, or sensitive material from a previous employer, leave it out. It’s unprofessional and may violate NDAs. 

• Forgetting to add context 

If it’s a piece from a school project or a ghostwritten article, include a short note explaining its purpose and your role in creating it. 

• Submitting something with spelling or grammar issues 

Even one typo can make your application look rushed or careless. Always proofread and run it through a grammar checker. 

• Using an informal tone (when not appropriate) 

Unless the job specifically calls for a casual voice (such as social media or lifestyle blogging), keep your tone professional and polished. 

• Failing to format it properly 

Walls of text, inconsistent fonts, or sloppy spacing can hurt even the best writing. Stick to a clean, readable format. 

• Recycling outdated or irrelevant samples 

That essay you wrote back in 2018 might be well-written, but if it doesn’t reflect your current voice or the job’s needs, it isn’t going to help you stand out. 

Wrap Up 

A strong writing sample isn’t just a formality – it’s often the deciding factor between securing an interview or getting skipped over. Whether you’re applying for a content writing job, a legal role, or a communications position, your sample is evidence that you can walk the talk. 

By choosing the right piece, tailoring it to the job, formatting it professionally, and avoiding common mistakes, you’re already ahead of the competition. 

Got any lingering questions about writing samples? Drop them in the comments!