A job I applied for is asking me to submit a work sample, but I no longer have access to any documents from past employers.
My only option seems to be to recreate a document myself, which I am able to do. Is this how most people approach such a request?
I assume it would not be necessary to reveal that it isn’t the actual document unless prompted nor would they be able to tell.
There is also a possibility a writing sample might be requested if I advance to the next round, but again I have no samples in possession.
I would actually call out that your prior work belongs to your employer. That should earn you points with your new possible employer.
“My most recent examples would be work I did for my prior employer. However, that work contains confidential policies or trade secrets that are not meant for public disclosure. I respect my prior employers confidence and cannot share that. Should I get this position with your organization, I will respect your data just as strongly as I do my prior employer’s. However, I am providing Sample #1 document I have written which I wrote which reflects my writing style and subject matter expertise without violating any prior employer agreements.”