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I often find myself being asked for writing samples by companies that would themselves forbid me from showing others the work I'd do for them. I do have samples that exhibit my writing skills, but these are rarely directly relevant to the tech writing contracts I apply for (speeches for airplane manufacturing execs and articles for technical magazines, for example). So what I did to be able to oblige requests for documentation samples was create a procedure for changing a flat tire on a bicycle (I've heard of another writer who wrote a procedure about setting a table for a formal dinner party). This seems to work just fine and has helped me land several contracts.
I think you also score points with prospective clients/employers by gently noting to them that you will guard their nondisclosure rights as thoroughly as you do those of other clients. Who'd want to hire a writer, after all, who demonstrates a willingness to break a trust (and a contract) to further their own self interests?
