Page 79 - Boost Your Hiring

The Manager’s Hiring IQ Test 65

INTERVIEWER’S QUESTION
29. Would you give me an example of a time when you worked
on a project that required a great deal of written communi-
cation?
Which response actually answers the question? Which answer
should you be wary of? Are there any red flags?
(A) “That would be when I took over the responsibility of writing
the department newsletter. This was my first experience at co-
ordinating a publication from start to finish by myself. The
first thing I did was to consult with the people in the company
who had written similar newsletters to get a sense of what to
do and what not to do. Next, I did an informal survey of com-
pany employees, everyone from the support staff to the direc-
tor of the department. From their comments I came up with a
new idea of getting the people involved. Now, each month I
hold a writing contest and then publish the winner’s stories.
The employee involvement has made a big difference in my
efforts. Recently, the newsletter was awarded “most creative
departmental newsletter.”
(B) “My writing skills have always been my strong point. I have
been commended on my writing ability in every performance
review that I have ever had. I am very good at researching facts
and following through on leads. In my last job I was involved
in the creation of our Web site by writing the content. That
was a great experience. Working closely with the designers, I
was able to contribute and add to the message that they were
trying to get across.”
(C) “Writing isn’t the major focus of my job responsibilities, but I
do like to write very much. I have written some proposals, and
they have been received very well. When I do have writing as-
signments, it is usually in addition to my regular job. I can tell
you that whenever I have had the opportunity to write, I have
received several comments on what a good job I have done. In
fact, I was given an award for my writing skills as a team mem-
ber on a project that received a grant. I am looking at this job
as a chance to learn and develop my writing skills.”

I think the strongest answer is ____.