Work Samples and Cover Letter- Tips and Tricks

Notes from a "How to Create a Work Sample/Cover Letter" Workshop by Grant Byington, writer extraordinaire:

Work Samples

• 3 samples is the magic number
• Beyond resume, first thing an employer requires to make a decision
• Work samples are the “test drive” for the interviewer
• In a screening process, they push the door open to interview
• Keep a copy of work samples in an interview just in case
• Short, self-contained work is the best kind of sample
•    Can be read in one sitting
• If it is formatted or designed, that is ideal
•  If it’s in a magazine/booklet/brochure/etc, then that is awesome.
• Have interesting, timely topic
• Topics that relate to the past ain’t that great. Ones that are in the present are best
• If something has been written that is applicable to a job that I’m applying for, include it
• If something hasn’t been written, demonstrate that you can write that type of thing
• Designed sample
•  Your best choice
•  Obtain permission from the person who commissioned the work
•  If there is designed work, then have high-resolution files
•   Print pieces ONLY if on website. Send URLs under separate cover
• Formatted samples
•  Still good choice
• Use standard formatting
•   1 inch margins
• Calibri or Times New Roman 12pt
•  Use header and footer for easy identication
• White paper, black ink
• NO:
•  Hand-written work
• Unedited work (EVERYTHING SHOULD BE EDITED)
•  Unproofed work (EVERYTHING SHOULD BE PROOF-READ
• Work in progress
• Read stuff backwards to catch every word
• Read it outloud
• It is sometimes okay to show work done with a group

Cover Letter

• Follow a business letter format
• Why you’re writing someone
• Refer to stuff on works and resume
• And why you’re an ideal candidate for the job
• Be personal without being too informal
• Gives them a sense of what to do next about me
• Have a call to action

Check out Grant Byington and his blog: http://www.grantbyington.com/