Sending sample pages via email is a common practice, whether you’re applying for a job, showcasing your writing, or sharing your work with a client. But simply attaching a file isn’t always the best approach. Learning How To Format Sample Pages In An Email properly can make a huge difference in how your work is received. This guide will walk you through the best practices for formatting and presenting your samples effectively, ensuring they grab attention for the right reasons.
Formatting Your Sample Pages: The Basics
When sending samples in an email, you want to make sure they’re easy to read and understand. You should consider the following:
Use a clean and readable font. Stick to common fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. The font size should be 11 or 12 points for easy viewing on different devices. Avoid using fancy fonts that can be difficult to read or might not render correctly on all devices.
Keep it concise. Don’t overload your email with information. Choose the most relevant parts of your sample to highlight. If you have a long piece, consider sending only excerpts or a table of contents to guide the reader. If you have multiple samples, consider sending them as attachments. Remember, the goal is to showcase your best work without overwhelming the recipient. This presentation is extremely important in landing an interview.
Here are some additional tips:
- Use headings and subheadings to break up the text.
- Use bullet points to highlight key information.
- Proofread your email and samples carefully.
Job Application - Writing Sample
Subject: Application - Writing Sample - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to apply for the [Job Title] position, as advertised on [Platform]. I have attached a writing sample showcasing my skills in [Mention relevant skills, e.g., content creation, copywriting].
The attached sample is a [Type of sample, e.g., blog post, article excerpt] that highlights [Mention the main points of the sample]. I’m confident that my ability to [Mention specific skills demonstrated in the sample] aligns well with the requirements of this role.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Client Pitch - Project Proposal Excerpt
Subject: Project Proposal - Sample Excerpt - [Your Name/Company Name]
Dear [Client Name],
Following our conversation, I’ve included an excerpt from the project proposal for [Project Name]. This section focuses on [Specific area of the proposal].
Key Highlights:
- Project Goals: [Briefly state the goals]
- Methodology: [Describe the approach]
- Timeline: [Mention the estimated time]
I’ve attached the full proposal for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best regards,
[Your Name/Company Name]
Sharing Portfolio Work - Design Samples
Subject: Portfolio Samples - [Your Name] - Design Work
Hi [Contact Name],
I’m excited to share a few of my recent design samples with you. I’ve included previews of [Name of Project 1] and [Name of Project 2] in the body of this email. Click on the links below to see the full designs.
Project 1: [Brief Description and link to your portfolio]
Project 2: [Brief Description and link to your portfolio]
I’m particularly proud of how [Project 1: highlight a skill] and [Project 2: highlight a skill]. I’m always looking for new opportunities, and I’d love to discuss potential projects you may have in mind.
Thanks!
[Your Name]
Request for Feedback - Draft Excerpt
Subject: Feedback Request - Draft Excerpt - [Your Name]
Hi [Recipient Name],
I’d appreciate your feedback on a draft excerpt from my [Type of work, e.g., novel, script].
Here’s the excerpt:
[Paste the excerpt here or provide a link if it’s online]
I’m particularly interested in your thoughts on [Specific areas you want feedback on, e.g., clarity, pacing, character development].
Thanks so much for your time!
Best,
[Your Name]
Academic Submission - Research Paper Excerpt
Subject: Research Paper Excerpt - [Your Name] - [Course/Topic]
Dear [Professor/Reviewer Name],
I am submitting an excerpt from my research paper, “[Paper Title]”, for your review. This section focuses on [Specific section of the paper, e.g., methodology, findings].
Key Points:
- Research Question: [State the question]
- Methodology: [Briefly describe the methods]
- Key Findings: [Mention main results]
I have also attached the full paper for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Internal Communication - Project Update Sample
Subject: Project [Project Name] - Sample - [Your Name]
Team,
Here’s a sample of the [Type of content, e.g., script, design draft] for the [Project Name] project. I’ve included the initial draft for your review and comments.
Key Changes:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Revised tone for improved clarity. |
| Section 2 | Added specific case studies. |
Your feedback is highly appreciated!
Regards,
[Your Name]
By following these tips and examples, you can ensure your sample pages not only look great but also effectively communicate your skills and experience. Remember, the way you present your work is just as important as the work itself.