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A number of places specify a writing sample of specific length. I have 2 LRW memos, one is 5 pages, the other 7. If I'm applying to a place that specifies a sample of 2-3 pages, what is it exactly that I should send?

thrillerjesus wrote:A number of places specify a writing sample of specific length. I have 2 LRW memos, one is 5 pages, the other 7. If I'm applying to a place that specifies a sample of 2-3 pages, what is it exactly that I should send?

Use one page from each memo, that way they can get a more complete picture of your writing abilities.

Serious response:

If you can cut your WS down to the page limit asked for, do it. If you have to, cut the facts section and leave a note saying you have it if they want it. If you cannot cut it down without making it unreadable, send the shortest you can. In general, a longer, better written WS is better than a shorter, bad one. But realise they probably wont read the whole thing.

Totally disagree with the above.

They have given you a direction. They want 2-3 pages. Sending in 5 is obviously not 2-3. They don't even need to read it to mentally check off "doesn't pay attention to detail."

It's a writing sample. It doesn't need to be a complete piece. Choose the best section of your best writing (preferably analysis). Bracket a notation as to what you've redacted at the beginning and end of the piece. Keep it within the page limits.

Oh, and if none of your sections can be read independently, its actually not a good writing piece for these purposes. Spend some time making sure it can be. When you write a memo, you want to make sure that you've written something that a partner can pick up, flip to a section heading, skim two pages, and learn something. This is probably why they've put this limit on the sample.

LurkerNoMore wrote:They want 2-3 pages. Sending in 5 is obviously not 2-3.

/thread