Have you received a written assignment as part of an interview process and want to maximize your chances of success? You’re in the write spot!
A writing assessment can feel high-stakes, as it’s often assigned later in the process, sometimes right before the final round. Moreover, they’re frequently timed, which adds an extra layer of stress.
In this article, I break down how to prepare for a job-related writing assignment, costly mistakes to avoid, and important tips to consider before you hit the “submit” button.
What Is A Writing Assignment For An Interview?
A writing assignment is one way that companies evaluate candidates during the hiring process. It may be conducted in person as part of your interview, or you might receive a take-home assignment with a set deadline for submitting your responses.
Importantly, a writing assignment is different from submitting writing samples. While writing samples showcase past work, a writing assignment requires you to complete something new, typically under time constraints and based on a specific prompt.
Here are two examples of writing assignments my clients recently received as part of their interview process:
- A business executive interviewing with a Fortune 50 tech company received a strategic planning prompt. They had 24 hours to compile and submit their recommendations, which needed to include benefits, risks, and key considerations.
- A nonprofit leader interviewing with a social impact organization received a short case study and had two hours to send back a written summary of the approach they would take.
It’s not unusual for companies to ask you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before sending you a writing assignment. This is often because the assignment includes sensitive or proprietary information, and the company wants to keep the interview process confidential.
How To Succeed On Your Writing Assignment: 5 Tips To Pass
Performing well on a writing assignment requires clarity, strategy, and attention to detail. Here are five steps to help maximize your success:
1. Get clear on the instructions.
Before you start the assignment, make sure you understand what’s being asked. Please don’t hesitate to clarify anything that’s vague or unclear. Consider questions like:
- How will I be evaluated?
- Can I use AI tools?
- Am I allowed to seek outside feedback?
For example, one client interviewing with a major tech company had to sign a statement confirming that they didn’t receive any outside help (human or technological). Another client was explicitly encouraged to use whatever tools they’d normally rely on in their day-to-day work.
Every company approaches writing assignments differently, so it’s important you know their expectations up front.
2. Consider whether you want to request accommodations.
Since I frequently work with job seekers who identify as neurodiverse or disabled, I’m often asked about requesting accommodations during writing assignments, especially when they’re timed.
As I’ve covered previously, you don’t necessarily need to disclose a disability in order to ask for accommodations. Instead, focus on the specific accommodation you’re requesting, such as receiving additional time or a modified deadline.
If this is your first time requesting an accommodation, you might feel uncomfortable, and that’s totally normal. However, many recruiters, especially in tech, are trained on how to appropriately handle accommodation requests.
3. Outline your writing piece.
I’m a major proponent of using an outline any time you’re writing, and it’s a must when completing a writing assessment as part of an interview process.
Employers often provide very specific instructions, and yes, part of their evaluation is how well you follow directions.
You don’t want to be dinged—or worse, disqualified—for missing a bullet point or misunderstanding the instructions.
4. Showcase your fabulousness.
Beyond seeing how well you write and whether you follow instructions, employers want to get a glimpse of how you think, your approach to problem-solving, and what sets you apart from other candidates.
In other words, they want to get a sense of what makes you fabulous.
With this in mind, don’t be afraid to let your voice shine through, especially if the prompt invites creativity or calls for a strategic recommendation.
5. Check your work (multiple times).
As someone who writes a lot, I have a ton of tips for ensuring your writing is clear and polished. You don’t need to use all of them, but here are a few of my favorites to help you catch small mistakes that can be costly:
- Run your draft through Grammarly.
- Print out your paper (yes, I hate wasting paper too!) and review it with a red pen.
- Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing or typos.
- Read it backward, from end to beginning, which allows you to see each sentence separately and slows you down.
- Use text-to-speech software to listen to your writing.
- If permitted, get a second (and third) set of eyes on your writing (shout-out to my proofreader, Jennifer, who’s a hawk for catching typos).
Perfection isn’t possible, but your goal is to deliver a final product that reflects your best work and your ability to follow instructions.
Are Written Assignments Common For Jobs?
Yes, written assignments are relatively common, especially if the role you’re targeting involves significant writing or frequent communication with internal or external stakeholders. Employers are increasingly using such tasks in today’s competitive job market, because larger candidate pools allow them to be more selective.
How Long Should An Assignment Round In An Interview Take?
You can expect to spend up to a few hours on a written assignment during the hiring process. Employers will typically share an estimate of how long the assignment should take, as they (hopefully!) don’t want to create a poor candidate experience.
If the assignment feels as if it will take significantly longer than expected, check in with the recruiter or hiring manager, as you may have misunderstood the instructions.
How Do I Pass A Written Assessment For A Job?
A written assessment requires you to carefully follow the directions, demonstrate your expertise on the subject matter, and communicate your ideas clearly. Additionally, you want to infuse your authentic voice and highlight what sets you apart from other candidates. Be sure to clarify any ambiguous instructions, triple-check your work for errors, and submit the assignment on time.
Final Thoughts On Acing Your Writing Assignment
Few job seekers enjoy completing writing assignments during an often stressful job search process. However, if you approach the task with a clear strategy and confidence in your abilities, it can be your chance to set yourself apart from other candidates and land an offer.
On a final note, if you’d like the support of a trained professional as you navigate the interview journey, please reach out or schedule a consultation. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
