Preparing Work Samples for a Job Application

A work sample gives an employer direct evidence of how you approach relevant work. A strong sample is easy to understand, ethically shareable and connected to the role rather than simply visually impressive.

Choose the capability to demonstrate

Read the job description and select one or two important outputs: analysis, writing, design, code, planning, facilitation or problem solving. A smaller relevant sample often helps more than a large portfolio with no explanation.

Never disclose confidential work

Do not share customer data, employee information, source code, internal strategy, unpublished financials or documents owned by a current or former employer. Redact carefully, obtain permission where appropriate, or create a fictional sample from public or synthetic information.

Add enough context

Explain the problem, audience, constraints, your role, approach, tools, output and result or learning. Distinguish individual contribution from team work. Avoid claiming business impact you cannot support.

Show judgement, not just polish

Include key choices, trade-offs and what you would improve. For an analyst role, a clear method and limitation can matter more than a decorative dashboard. For writing, explain the intended reader and action.

Make review easy

Use a clear title, short introduction, readable format and sensible file name. Check links, permissions, mobile viewing and accessibility. Do not require an interviewer to create an account or download unsafe file types.

Adapt without rebuilding everything

Select samples relevant to each role and change the context note. Keep a master portfolio privately. Do not misrepresent an old sample as work completed specifically for the employer.

Handle requested assignments

Confirm scope, deadline, format, permitted tools, confidentiality and how the work will be used. Ask questions if the assignment resembles substantial unpaid production work. Follow instructions and state assumptions.

Check before submission

Remove hidden comments, tracked changes, metadata and personal data. Proofread, verify calculations and confirm that every asset is yours or properly attributed. Keep a submitted copy.

Example

An HR analyst creates a fictional turnover dataset, explains definitions, builds a simple analysis and notes that the pattern does not establish cause. The sample demonstrates reasoning without exposing real employee records.

A useful work sample lets the reviewer see relevant thinking while protecting the people and organisations connected to your past work.