Re: Evaluating Candidates Using Tests, Logic Questions, and Similar

[Al Geist <al -dot- geist -at- geistassociates -dot- com>]

   Kevin Amery wrote:

     One thing to remember when it comes to tests is, in the real world a
     writer won't have a task popped on them at 10 AM and be expected to
     produce a finished, ready-to-send-to-the-printer document by 10:30.
     The normal process is to have some time to get to know the material
     (perhaps not a lot of time in contract situations, but a few hours at
     least), time to write, and crucially time to revise. I don't see how
     you can do that in a short on the spot test. Take home tests may be a
     better approach to allow the writer to use all of his/her skills.

   Guess what?  In the real world, this happens....been there, done that and
   done it good.
   As for Sharon's comments about the "ookie face" a potential employee makes
   when given a snap test, I've been known to make a face or two when slapped
   with a snap test.  It's happened twice to me and both times I was applying
   for TW positions with companies that had close ties with academic entities.
   I passed both with flying colors, but I did make an "ookie" face, and in
   both cases, the interviewer apologized stating that it was a standard policy
   that had to be followed.  Also in both cases, I was offered the position and
   worked them successfully until funding ran out.  Tests may be appropriate
   for entry level writers, but I never used them in the hiring process myself
   because I've found that most people who are good at taking tests are not
   always good at doing real world work.
   Just my opinion.....
   Al

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