Need a writing sample, don't want to ask for permission Forum
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Need a writing sample, don't want to ask for permission
I'm currently in my first year of a two year state gov honors program, looking to apply to a federal agency's honors program for next year. the issue is that i could potentially stay here, so i don't want to indicate in any way that i'm shopping around. unfortunately the application requires a writing sample, and while i have plenty useful options, i don't want to ask my supervisors for permission to use it as it will imply i'm applying around. what are my options? can i rewrite some details from something i've written and use it as a hypothetical situation?
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Re: Need a writing sample, don't want to ask for permission
It depends on the writing sample. Is the sample public record? If so, no permission would be needed. Does it contain confidential information? Edit all of that out.
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Re: Need a writing sample, don't want to ask for permission
Don't ask for permission, but make sure you follow proper procedures.
If you are at the DOS, DOD, DHS, or DOJ, and the writing sample addresses issues that give rise to additional security concerns, then use your discretion about whether or not you can use it. For example, if someone who is familiar with your particular field of legal work could guess with any accuracy the specifics of the case, then do not use the sample.
If you're working at an agency where the material is generally less classified like DOC, DOT, or DOA, then use your sample, but redact any identifying information (replace with "[REDACTED]"). Also, make sure to change all dates to a month later or earlier than the actual dates.
Source: Worked in 2 different federal agencies (1 highly classified, 1 less classified) and got permission for writing samples from both.
Edit: Sorry, I didn't see that it's a state government job. Probably the same rules apply for redaction/date change.
If you are at the DOS, DOD, DHS, or DOJ, and the writing sample addresses issues that give rise to additional security concerns, then use your discretion about whether or not you can use it. For example, if someone who is familiar with your particular field of legal work could guess with any accuracy the specifics of the case, then do not use the sample.
If you're working at an agency where the material is generally less classified like DOC, DOT, or DOA, then use your sample, but redact any identifying information (replace with "[REDACTED]"). Also, make sure to change all dates to a month later or earlier than the actual dates.
Source: Worked in 2 different federal agencies (1 highly classified, 1 less classified) and got permission for writing samples from both.
Edit: Sorry, I didn't see that it's a state government job. Probably the same rules apply for redaction/date change.