Sample of writing for job application - include references ala academic work?

Hi all,

A quick bit of advice. As part of a job application, I have been asked to submit a piece of work demonstrating my writing ability. The piece can be between 1,000 and 5,000 words, on any topic. It can be something I did in college or something I have done in work.

Now, I've chosen to right something especially for this. Mainly because my college stuff is almost ten years old now (and looks very very raw) and I am unable to use any stuff from my existing workplace (non disclosure agreements).

The piece I've written is on a topic related to my current job. Basically, a review of a well known policy, detailing main supporting arguments and the main critical arguments.

Now - it's short. Less than 2,000 words. I am making clear in the article that this is a review of other peoples opinions and works. I am not plagiarizing type but I am obviously using opinions of other writers (and making clear that critics/supporters believe etc.).

I believe this is a technical exercise to ascertain the level of my written communication abilities and the HR person I spoke to strongly hinted that the topic is largely irrelevant.

Hence - should I mark this up with proper references etc. like a piece of academic work or submit it as an informal briefing report (as I regularly do in my current work).

Any advice appreciated.

Regards,
Quad