Decide whether writing samples help this role

Writing samples belong on a resume when the role depends on clear written communication, published work, documentation, research, proposals, messaging, training content, reports, or customer-facing language. They are less useful when the sample does not connect to the job or would distract from stronger experience.

Before adding links, read the posting and decide what kind of writing the employer needs to trust. A technical writer, content marketer, grant writer, communications coordinator, UX researcher, policy analyst, administrative assistant, or customer support lead may need different proof even though all of them write at work.

  • Include samples when the posting mentions writing, editing, documentation, research, reports, proposals, content, knowledge bases, or communications.
  • Skip samples that are outdated, off-topic, private, unfinished, or hard to access.
  • Use the resume to point to the best proof instead of listing every piece you have written.
  • Choose samples that match the audience, tone, and work type of the target role.
  • Keep confidential employer, client, student, patient, customer, and financial details out of public samples.

Choose the right place for the links

The best placement depends on how central writing is to the job. If writing is the main skill, a portfolio or samples link can appear near your contact details. If writing supports the role, place samples inside a project, publication, or selected work section where the context is clearer.

Avoid scattering the same link across the resume. Repeating a portfolio URL in the header, summary, skills section, and experience bullets can make the page feel crowded. One clear link is usually easier for the reviewer to use.

  • Header: use for a polished portfolio, personal site, or profile that represents your overall work.
  • Projects section: use for case studies, reports, documentation, or campaign work that needs a short explanation.
  • Publications section: use for articles, research, contributed pieces, or formal published work.
  • Experience bullets: use only when one sample directly proves a responsibility or result from that role.
  • Cover letter: use when the sample needs a sentence of context before the employer opens it.

Add context, not just a bare URL

A writing sample link is stronger when the reviewer knows what they are about to open. Add a short label that explains the format, audience, or purpose. This helps the link feel intentional instead of pasted into the resume as an afterthought.

The label does not need to be long. A few words can separate a useful sample from a confusing one. If the sample is part of a larger project, name your contribution honestly so the reader understands what you wrote, edited, researched, or organized.

  • Portfolio: customer education articles, help docs, and product messaging samples.
  • Project: onboarding guide for internal operations handoffs.
  • Publication: short article on nonprofit volunteer coordination.
  • Case study: research summary, interview notes, and final recommendation memo.
  • Writing samples: three short pieces matched to communications, support, and policy roles.

Make every link easy to open

Resume links should work in the exported PDF, not only in the editor. Open the final file and click each writing sample link before applying. If a reviewer has to request access, sign in, download an unusual file, or guess which sample matters, the link may create friction.

Use public links when appropriate, but review privacy and permissions carefully. A clean sample folder, portfolio page, or PDF can work well when it has a clear title, readable formatting, and no unrelated drafts sitting nearby.

  • Use descriptive link text instead of a long pasted URL when the template supports it.
  • Check that links open without requesting access from the employer.
  • Remove tracking links, personal editing notes, comments, and draft labels.
  • Confirm that mobile and desktop views both show the sample clearly.
  • Keep a plain URL available when an application form does not preserve clickable text.

Match samples to the role instead of the whole career

A strong resume usually shows selection. If you are applying for a content role, prioritize published articles, editorial calendars, landing page copy, or messaging examples. If you are applying for operations, support, research, or administration roles, a clear process document or report may be more relevant than creative writing.

Create a small sample set for each job family you target. This makes the resume easier to tailor and helps you avoid sending the same generic portfolio to every employer.

  • Content and marketing: articles, campaign pages, emails, product copy, or social content with context.
  • Technical roles: documentation, release notes, troubleshooting guides, specs, or clear project writeups.
  • Research and analysis: summaries, briefs, interview notes, reports, or recommendation memos.
  • Operations and administration: SOPs, handoff guides, status reports, templates, or process updates.
  • Customer-facing roles: knowledge base articles, response templates, onboarding guides, or training notes.

Review the resume and samples together

Before sending the resume, read the linked samples beside the job posting. The resume should explain why the sample matters, and the sample should support the same role story. If the connection is weak, choose a better link or leave it out.

CreateResume can help you keep tailored resume drafts organized, preview the final layout, and export a clean PDF-ready version. Use that final preview to confirm that your writing sample links fit the page, open correctly, and support the application instead of adding clutter.

  • The resume includes only relevant, accessible writing samples.
  • Each link has a useful label or nearby context.
  • The sample page or file is clean, current, and free of private details.
  • The final PDF keeps spacing, headings, and link text readable.
  • The sample choice matches the employer need in the posting.