WRITING SAMPLES

Some employers require writing samples. In some cases, you will be asked to send the samples with your resume. In others, you will be asked to bring writing samples with you to the interview. You must follow the employer's instructions in order to be considered for the co-op position.

What makes a good writing sample:

· A press release, an article you wrote for the Michigan Journal, and a 3 page research paper would be great if you have them and they show your best writing!

· Brief (No 20 page papers please)

· Errors corrected (No professors' marks circling errors. Fix them and submit a clean copy)

· Include some variety if possible when submitting more than one sample

· Papers from classes are fine. Don't worry as much about the topic as you do about choosing the best sample of your writing.

The best samples would be (in this order):

· From current or past employment that was related to the job you want

· Something you wrote that was published

· From a volunteer assignment or class project

· A paper you wrote for a class

· Anything you wrote for any reason

Prepare your samples by:

· Include your name on each page if possible, or at the very least, on the first page of each sample

· Label the samples so the employer knows what she/he is looking at