How do I give credit for sources, collaborators, or tools used in a work sample?

Separate the note into what you made, what others contributed, and what you consulted or used. That gives readers a clearer picture of your role without minimizing anyone else’s.

For example, if you drafted a project plan, consulted a planning guide, and asked a colleague to review the wording, say so plainly. Instead of “with help from the team,” you could write, “A colleague reviewed the draft for clarity.” Don’t claim work someone else created, or imply a source endorsed your sample.

Start with: “My contribution: [specific work]. Collaborators: [name or role and contribution]. Sources: [material and creator]. Tools: [tool and how it was used].” Keep only the fields that apply.

Describe each contribution in proportion to what actually happened. A brief proofread is different from co-writing a section, supplying analysis, or designing the final work. Name the person only when it is appropriate to do so; otherwise, a role label such as “[reviewing colleague]” can identify the contribution without using a name.

For a source, give the item and its creator or organization when you know them. Include a page, section, or date if it would help a reader locate the material. Keep the source credit distinct from your own work: “Used [organization]’s [guide title] for background; the recommendations and layout are my own.” List only material you actually used, and don’t say a collaborator approved the finished sample unless they did.

Mention a tool when its role would help a reader understand how the sample was made, or when the portfolio, workplace, or client instructions ask you to disclose it. Describe the use narrowly: “Used [tool] to suggest headings; I selected and revised the final text.” That is more informative than labeling the entire sample “AI-generated” if that does not describe your process.

For instance, you might have drafted a report, used a spreadsheet feature to sort supplied figures, and used a writing tool to suggest shorter headings. Your note can distinguish those steps and say which parts you reviewed and wrote. Don’t claim a tool checked facts or produced analysis unless it actually did. Follow any relevant instructions; an attribution note does not replace checking them.

Use this template and remove any line that does not apply:

My contribution: [work I created or completed]. Collaborators: [name or role — specific contribution]. Sources: [creator or organization, item used, and how it informed the work]. Tools: [tool — specific use].

Here is a hypothetical example: “My contribution: drafted the project summary and recommendations. Collaborators: [reviewing colleague] suggested edits to the introduction. Sources: [organization]’s [planning guide] informed the background section. Tools: [writing tool] suggested alternate headings; I chose and revised the final wording.” Replace bracketed text with accurate details or delete it. If you are unsure how to describe a contribution, clarify it rather than guessing. Before posting, check whether you may share the sample and whether any instructions set additional requirements. Remove placeholders and anything you should not disclose.