Warning

If you do not plan to return these items to applicants, make it known right at the start so that they make a copy for you and keep the originals. You don't want to be responsible for throwing away the original copy of an artist's or writer's work.

Offering to return submissions — or failing to say that you won't — can lead to big costs in postage. If you think you may get a lot of responses to an opening that requires such submissions, seriously consider stating that you will not return submissions.

If you do return samples, be prepared to send them insured and by certified mail. You want to have proof that you did return the materials. Be sure to return samples to all applicants, even the one you've chosen to hire. The samples are not your property.