Re: Writing tests

[Herman Holtz <holtz -at- CLARK -dot- NET>]

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+
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Independent Consultant (Wiley). PO Box 1731, Wheaton, MD 20915. Tel:
301-649-2499. Fax: 301-649-5745.