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 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).