The Right Write: An Inside Look at Applying to Writing Gigs

Sample Blog Post
Tone: Casual
Purpose: Commercial How-To
Word Count Limit: 500 Words
Perspective: First-Person

As a writer, there’s nothing more daunting than staring at a job application’s blank fill-in space titled, ‘link your best works here’. Funnily enough, something that should be quite simple and natural to a writer is actually the most intimidating. What should you include? Is it better to be diverse or niche focused? Should you use live samples or create tailored content?

Take a deep breath, and stop firing off a million questions in your head. I know, for writers, that’s like asking them to stop breathing, but the process is really simpler than you’re making it. Here are some tips that I’ve personally found to set me up for success.

1. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask. Employers and recruiters love when a potential candidate wants to be certain they’re doing the right thing. If the application doesn’t specify anything about writing examples, ask what they’d like to see and tailor your samples to fit that. If you don’t hear back, of course, go with your instincts, but it never hurts to try to gather their insight.

2. If step one fails, diversity is key. If you’ve got articles for several different niches, include your best work from all of them. Think of different subjects, but also different tones, and formats as well — as long as they’re relevant to your audience. See step three.

3. Make it relevant. If you’re applying to a copywriting position, your “spicy” romance novel snippets aren’t appropriate. Think about where you’re applying, who your audience will be, and if they can use these samples to apply to the role you’re filling.

4. Don’t overthink it. As long as your samples are relevant, error-free, and showcase your skills well, don’t create a new 10,000-word piece for each application that takes weeks to agonize over. Not only will the job likely expire, but you’ll make life harder for yourself.

5. In this case, abundance can be a downfall. Including every single piece you’ve ever written is both overwhelming for you and whoever is interested in reading it. Concise, relevant short pieces are way more impressive than 100 pieces that are very similar to each other.

6. Bonus tip! If you’ve gotten some killer feedback that you can create testimonials from, include that in your portfolio. It’s unique and lets interested parties know you play well with others.

Remember, not every job is for you, and you’re not a fit for every role. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Think of the bigger picture. Your writing speaks for itself, you just need to place it on that pedestal. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, but it’s fine if your portfolio is just that—a portfolio. Let your best work shine.

I’ve had my fair share of rejections and acceptances, and let me tell you—coming to the table prepared is most of the work. If you’re looking for more tailored or personalized help, contact me. I will help walk you through what a professional writer can do with a great portfolio.