Attaching Samples of Your Work

Today's morsel of wisdom comes from a blog I read by Danny Margulies about attaching relevant writing samples to your application. Nearly all job descriptions for copy-writers and bloggers ask to include relevant samples - previously my tactic has been to include a few lines like this in my application:

"I have attached some blog posts that I have recently created, as I believe that everyone has a unique writing style and I want you to see mine! 

 As you can see, I've written in a number of niches, from business and digital marketing to travel and interior design. I am more than happy researching any topics you might desire."

Before including as many examples of high quality blog posts that I've already put out for previous clients, like so:

In hindsight, this is probably not the most effective way to score interviews, for a few reasons. One is that there is no way they are going to read all of them. They are kinda long I guess - big waste of time. Two is that unless you're applying for writing job that necessitates covering a load of different topics, at least a few are likely to be irrelevant. Like the one I wrote about walk-in showers. Fair.

So the tactic I read recently is as follows - instead of attaching loads of samples, stick to one which is fine-tuned to your proposal. As the client isn't likely to read a thousand word sample, bang out something that is relevant - not so relevant they can just use it straight away obviously - and short, so they can digest it at once.

Whilst I think including just one sample of 200 words is kind of ballsy, and would maybe go for two or three short ones, this seems pretty sensible. Going to give it a shot when I get more connects - not today though because I've just finished a few contracts and it's too sunny outside to sit here thinking about this nonsense.