Last updated on May 21, 2024
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Know the purpose
2
Do your research
3
Practice your skills
Be the first to add your personal experience
4
Follow the instructions
Be the first to add your personal experience
5
Be original and creative
6
Proofread and revise
Be the first to add your personal experience
7
Here’s what else to consider
Be the first to add your personal experience
If you're applying for a job that requires writing skills, chances are you'll have to take a writing test as part of your interview process. Writing tests can vary in format, length, and topic, but they all have one thing in common: they're designed to assess your ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and creatively. How can you prepare for a writing test and ace it? Here are some tips to help you out.
Key takeaways from this article
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Understand the job requirements:
Before the test, dig into what the company is looking for in a writer. Align your practice with their style and expectations to showcase that you're the perfect fit for their team.
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Practice under time constraints:
Simulate test conditions by writing on prompts within set time limits. This hones your ability to think and write quickly, ensuring you stay calm and focused when it's showtime.
This summary is powered by AI and these experts
1 Know the purpose
Before you start writing, make sure you understand the purpose of the test and what the employer is looking for. Is it a blog post, a report, a press release, or something else? What is the tone, style, and audience of the piece? What are the main points or messages you need to convey? How much time and space do you have? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you plan your writing and stay focused.
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To ace a writing test in an interview, start by understanding the job requirements and researching the company's style. Practice writing prompts within set time limits, focusing on clarity and adherence to grammar and style guides. Develop effective editing skills and seek feedback from peers. Explore various writing formats if relevant to the role. Stay informed about industry trends and stay calm on test day, trusting in your preparation. This holistic approach ensures you showcase your writing versatility and alignment with the company's expectations.
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- sarah emil seeking for new chance
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I am passionate about working and self-learning for work, I worked 3 years as a data entry operator at Oec (2019 to 2022) I worked as a social media freelancer for two projects (2022 to 2023) and worked as a video editor at Kerza Channel tv 2023 to 2024
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2 Do your research
Depending on the topic of the test, you may need to do some research to gather relevant information, facts, or examples. Don't rely on your memory or assumptions; use reliable sources and cite them properly. Avoid plagiarism, exaggeration, or misinformation. If you're not sure about something, leave it out or ask for clarification. Research can also help you find inspiration and ideas for your writing.
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Seeing what has been done and what is out there is always a good idea. To be honest, most writing tests have similar questions and topics of interests. Usually the expectation is to have correct writing in structure, format and voice that has a clear vision and argumentation.
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3 Practice your skills
The best way to improve your writing skills is to practice them regularly. Write about different topics, formats, and genres. Read your writing aloud and edit it for clarity, grammar, and punctuation. Ask for feedback from others and learn from your mistakes. You can also use online tools and resources to check your spelling, vocabulary, and readability. Practicing your skills will help you build your confidence and speed.
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4 Follow the instructions
One of the most common mistakes that candidates make in writing tests is not following the instructions. Don't ignore or skip any details or guidelines that the employer gives you. Pay attention to the word count, the deadline, the format, and the tone. Follow the structure and organization that the test requires. Use the keywords and phrases that the employer expects. Following the instructions will show that you're attentive, professional, and respectful.
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5 Be original and creative
While it's important to follow the instructions, it's also important to show your originality and creativity in your writing. Don't copy or repeat what others have written. Don't use clichés, jargon, or filler words. Don't be afraid to express your opinion, perspective, or voice. Use examples, anecdotes, or metaphors to illustrate your points. Use transitions, headings, and paragraphs to organize your writing. Be original and creative to make your writing stand out.
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I try to always have a story or a poem ready because I have friends who sing and when we get together, we are liable to start singing and sometimes I am called out, so I tell my prepared story. So if you think when you are on your way to take a test, that you might have to take a writing test, be prepared.
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- Dr. Oyekunle Taiwo Veterinary Doctor | Consultant | Content Writer | Personal Branding Expert for Veterinarians | Helping Animal Owners and enthusiasts achieve Optimal Health and Productivity through Consultation and Content.
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Before sitting a test... I ensure to prepare adequately and approach the answer based on my perspective without copying what others have written. I do this by understanding the question asked, thinking deeply, developing an answer using storytelling, and infusing some of my experiences to answer the question. Writing Should be done with clarity and accuracy; So I try to arrange my ideas clearly and understandably using paragraphs and some illustrations that best explain my ideas.
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- Pam Giordano Teacher and Writer
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Don't take it. If the company is willing to pay for your time as a writer, agree on a project, rate and time frame. Would they ask an engineer to answer questions about building a bridge? Ask a lawyer what he/she knew about the law? This is insulting and certainly not a company that would value you as a writer.
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6 Proofread and revise
The last step before you submit your writing test is to proofread and revise it. Don't rely on spell-checkers or grammar-checkers alone; they can miss errors or make suggestions that don't fit your context. Read your writing carefully and look for any mistakes or inconsistencies. Check your spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Check your logic, flow, and coherence. Check your tone, style, and voice. Proofread and revise your writing to make it polished and professional.
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7 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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