I’ve had enough negative experiences that I do not create original sample posts as part of a job application. If I’m going to take the time to write something specific for a company, I expect the contract to be in place.

I do provide already written and published, copywritten material from my portfolio (with the notations)if they want to see clips, but, in my experience, there are too many instances where one pitches for a job, writes a “sample”, is told someone else is hired, and then finds the unpaid content used on the web. And I mention it in the cover letter — why the specific sample has not been provided, and that I’m happy to create one for mutually acceptable fee (which is less than my regular fee).

In fact, we had such an incident from a job here a few months back, remember? That alleged medical company in BC?

The client mentions an important point — checking out the website and seeing if there’s even a better fit in another position in the company than the originally advertised one.

Many thanks — hopefully the poster will read the comments and understand why many good, professional writers did not create samples specific to the ad.

To respond to Mariella above, I constantly write on topics that are out of my “niche” and I do it well. Most employers do not have a problem with portfolio samples that show the writing style and range, even if it’s not on the specific topic, in my experience.

“To apply, please tell us why you think you’d be an ideal candidate for this; send us links to previous work; and an on-topic sample post if your previous work doesn’t cover that area.”

In short, if you’re already experienced in the niche, you won’t necessarily have to write up something specifically for this application.

Yes … working for free isn’t fun in my books.

@Thomas – I share your point of view on the samples: if I apply to jobs asking for samples, I send only links to past, published work.

I’m more than happy to provide ideas on what kinds of articles/posts I could write for a company, but that doesn’t include free copy!

How about looking at it from the freelancer’s point of view?

If you have quality past work, that should speak for itself … there is no need to give these people work for free.

I appreciate looking into the minds of these folks, but really, we should be just as selective as them … I’d like to see a job site that tells HIRERS what pisses off FREELANCERS about their job posts, etc.

Well, guess it’s all about supply and demand

You can get the information you’re after by entering the main level domain name – up to the .uk at http://www.who.is/

HTH

Sandi

If you have a website, you can paste and save the document to a webpage and then run it through copyscape for free by giving them the link.

I have a private page I use on my book review site for this purpose. There is a limit of I think 20 free searches per month.

Or you can do the same thing using a free website from geocities, your Internet provider or Freewebs.

When at Copyscape, there is a blank that tells you to paste your website address. List the site that you’ve saved your writing under and run it. I do have a premium account, but I use the free searches for previous work and use premium for my actual writing jobs.

But it’s nice to see the other side of the fence and a reality check on making a good impression.

@Maryam you can also use Copyscape Premium to check your work online. It costs .10 per search, but sometimes it’s worth it!