What is typically given the least amount of attention by candidates, but has the highest likelihood of undermining one’s chances of getting a job? Yes, Writing Samples. When it comes to the importance of writing samples, I will never forget the following email, which came from a recruiting manager at a large firm:

This illustrates how a writing sample has the potential to sabotage one’s candidacy.

 Interestingly, writing samples are seen by some attorneys who are in the market as a mere after-the-fact formality that warrant only minimal attention. This seems to be for several reasons. First, many people find it draining to search for the best writing sample, consider redactions/privilege issues, and review it with a fine-tooth comb for any mistakes, context, etc. There is a fear of finding errors and having to spend substantial time reworking the sample. Second, because most interviewers typically don’t focus on writing samples (though some do, even more so during law school), people are often under the false impression that writing samples are secondary to the contents of the resume and how well they connect with the interviewers. What candidates don’t see is how writing samples are scrutinized after the interviews.

 If you want to give yourself the best chance of getting the job, you must take the time to ensure that your writing sample is as close to perfect as it can be. This article provides some tips (based on frequently asked questions) to consider when selecting and preparing your writing sample and demonstrates how you can ensure that it helps, rather than jeopardizes, your candidacy.

1. Proofread Your Sample Multiple Times:

“I looked over my sample on my computer screen, and it looks okay. Is this enough?”

I cannot emphasize the importance of proofreading your sample several times. Remember, most of what you have worked on has likely been written under duress or looming deadlines. Thus, if you are thinking of using a winning brief that you finished at 2:30 a.m. the night before it was due, you can assume that there may be a few typos, etc., and that you could make it better if you spend a little more time polishing it up. Your writing sample should show your writing at its best. There are a few things to consider when reviewing your sample:

• Check for typos and any extra spaces between words or sentences.
• Check for any errors in your Bluebooking.
• Are your citations and parentheticals substantive?
• Are you sure that the cases you cite actually support the propositions you are making? (I know law firms that have paralegals check the cases that are cited in the writing samples to ensure that the candidate has accurately cited them.)
• Make sure your formatting is consistent among all the headings and that all the indentations are consistent.
• Make sure your font is the same size and style.
• Check your spelling.

To ensure that you catch all of your errors/mistakes, print out your sample and review the hard copy. Proofreading is much more effective when you review the actual document on hard copy as opposed to the computer screen. Another good tip is to read the document from the end to the beginning, sentence by sentence. By doing this, your brain will be forced to slow down a bit and will therefore catch more errors.

This article Writing Samples Top 12 Frequently Asked Questions first appeared on BCG Attorney Search also on Powershow.

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