[ghaff]

For the most part I agree. Let me offer one counterexample though.

I've never been primarily a developer but I have worked in areas where one of my primary outputs is writing. When I've hired for a similar role, if someone doesn't (for whatever reason) have writing sample(s), they're not going to get hired unless they produce one. It doesn't have to be an assignment; choose a relevant topic. But I'm not going to trust you that you've done tons of great writing if I can't see it.

And that may take a day or two.

[cookie_monsta]

I'm curious about what the situation would be where a person had done tons of great writing but could not come up with one sample. Confidentiality?

[ghaff]

I agree it would be a bit odd--and something of a red flag TBH.

>confidentially

But yes. One can imagine someone writing non-public reports and analyses for internal or client use only and just doesn't really do that kind of thing in their spare time. Myself, I have tons of public material but I've also written many things I couldn't share.