When do employers read the writing sample? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm curious to know at what stage of the interview process when the employer reads the writing sample? Is it after the OCI screening, but before the callback or is it after the callback? I'm thinking it would make more sense to read it after the callback because it would be less samples to read, but I could be wrong.

[B.B. Homemaker]

I'm curious to know at what stage of the interview process when the employer reads the writing sample? Is it after the OCI screening, but before the callback or is it after the callback? I'm thinking it would make more sense to read it after the callback because it would be less samples to read, but I could be wrong.

I think you'll find that they often don't read it at all, with some exceptions. A couple of interviewers admitted to reading it but didn't ask any substantive questions about it. Several screeners declined to even take one, and I'd say the substantial majority asked for a resume and transcript and said something along the lines of, "Oh, sure, I'll take whatever you have" when I offered references and a writing sample. White & Case is one firm that stands out as actually caring about it, but for most, firms don't even bother trying to pretend the process isn't a resume + transcript numbers game at the screener stage.

And after the callback doesn't make sense, since at the callback stage your credentials have checked out and it becomes more about fit, generally.

[TooOld4This]

It can be any time during the process, or never. I would always read at least the first page. I also have dinged many applicants on the basis of their writing sample. I also remember cases where the last slot was down to 2 people and the writing sample ended up eliminating one of the candidates (tbf, if anyone had read the sample earlier, that candidate would have been dropped from consideration sooner).

It's a quirky process. Your writing sample may never be considered. But it could become relevant at any time.