Re: Writing tests

Subject: Re: Writing tests
From: Herman Holtz <holtz -at- CLARK -dot- NET>
Date: Mon, 6 Mar 1995 21:50:12 -0500

On Mon, 6 Mar 1995, RoseCrowe wrote:

> I had to take a writing test once. I was required to
> write instructions for balancing a checkbook. Well, I remembered
> that I had had training in balancing a checkbook years ago in
> high school, but I had actually to that date, never used that training.
> In other words, kiddos, I did not know *how* to balance a checkbook.
> So I wrote "How Not to Balance a Checkbook". My answer proved
> I could organize ideas and write in clear language. It also showed
> that I was a creative problem solver. I was offered the job.

> Actually, I like tests. I'm one of those obnoxious types of people.
> I think testing is an option in hiring, although I personally do
> not resort to it. To me, the interview is a type of test, in and
> of itself. A test is just another interview question, IMHO.

The most outrageous experience I had, in re taking tests, was when I
applied for a tech writing job at RCA on the BMEWS system. I was required
to take a battery of seven tests in seven technological areas. When I
returned a few days later to check, I was told that I was not accepted. I
was increduloous.

"I didn't pass all the tests?" I asked.

"Yes, but you didn't pass them all with high scores," I was told.

Fortunately, I was permitted to re-take the two tests I had passed with only
mediocre scores, and managed to pass them with high enough scores to be
hired, but I still thought I had been used rather badly. It wasn't
that wonderful a job, anyway.





* * *
Herman Holtz [holtz -at- clark -dot- net]: Marketing Consultant/Proposal Specialist,
Writing & Ghost Writing Services, 35 years experience. Author of 60+
professional/business books, including best-selling How to Succeed as an
Independent Consultant (Wiley). PO Box 1731, Wheaton, MD 20915. Tel:
301-649-2499. Fax: 301-649-5745.


Previous by Author: Re: Profit ($) versus profit (!)
Next by Author: Re: QUERY: How much "tech" to expect from tech editors?
Previous by Thread: Re: Writing tests
Next by Thread: Re: Managers Not in the Biz


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads