As I said to you off list, I apologize if this came across as short. My
intention was to provide you with truly helpful information. I found your
question very broad-reaching and not clearly defined. I attempted to give
you some paramaters by which you might judge how to craft a writing sample
that might meet an employer's expectations.

I will take this opportunity to apologize to you a second time, and
in "public." I was sincere when I said I wasn't trying to be snide.

Perhaps another answer to your question is: There is no perfect length to a
writing sample. Please help me understand what type of job you are applying
for and I will be happy to give you some direct advice. I hire writers for
many different types of projects and always look for specific skills when I
ask for samples. I try to make clear, by the job description, what type of
writing is expected and I discount applicants if they do not target my
needs.

Sincerely,
Diane Gutenkauf

On Wed, 3 Sep 2003 08:12:45 -0400, Patricia McDougall <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

>Yes, Diane, that was absolutely snide.
>
>I am not an idiot and of course I would submit something appropriate to the
>job I was applying for.  Maybe I should have been more precise in my
>question and asked if I should submit a portion of a longish paper
>
>Oh, by the way, thanks for submitting such a rude reply to the WHOLE list.
>
>
>>From: Diane Gutenkauf <[log in to unmask]>
>>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>>To: [log in to unmask]
>>Subject: Re: writing samples
>>Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2003 18:16:12 -0400
>>
>>Not to be snide but...doesn't that depend entirely on the type of job
>>you're applying for? As hiring manager for an Exhibit Developer position,
I
>>asked applicants for writing samples. I used this as a filter. Would the
>>applicant understand the appropriate samples for this type of job might
>>include exhibit scripts, label copy, and evaluations of exhibits? I got
the
>>gamut and eliminated, in short order, applicants who sent me samples of
>>material outside the range of the type of writing they'd do on the job.
>>
>>In short, if the job is to research the history of domestic objects, don't
>>send a sample of poetry. If the job posting does not make it clear what
>>type of writing you'll be expected to create...maybe you should contact
the
>>employer and ask.
>>
>>Diane (Yeah, 150 words of 12 pt. type, silk-screened on the wall, works
for
>>me)G.
>>
>>On Tue, 2 Sep 2003 14:47:32 -0400, Patricia McDougall
<[log in to unmask]>
>>wrote:
>>
>> >Hey folks-
>> >
>> >How long is too long for a writing sample for a job application?
>> >
>> >Trish McDougall

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