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Writing and editing tests are malarkey. TL;DR—Avoid them. Push back. Especially for a freelance gig. Especially without compensation. If you’re offering a job, don’t give tests, especially to freelancers. Give paying assignments instead. 1/18
I applied for a job the other day, on a whim, because I’m qualified and it’s nearby. Yesterday, they sent me a writing test. It’s something that’ll take hours of reading and research, hours of composing, and hours of editing. Nnnnope! 2
I won’t be taking that writing test. I told them they can rely on my credentials and portfolio. And if they need more, they can hire me to do a piece they can keep and use. If they won’t, well, I learn something useful about their culture. I can do without that job. 3
Aside. I realize that’s a privileged position. If I really wanted a job, I might take a writing test in the future. But most tests I’ve seen were things hiring managers should’ve been able to learn from my CV and samples. I know that’s true because a few good ones have. 4
That’s the flip side of the problem. Most writing or editing tests shouldn’t exist. They’re unprofessional or, worse, draconian. Firms should stop giving them. That includes firms I’ve worked for and helped to make similar bullshit tests. 5
That goes for writing or editing tests for freelancers and in-house positions. These tests say, “We don’t believe your CV and portfolio. Prove you can do what we need before we go further.” It’s unreasonable because… 6
If a team can take time for these tests, they can take time to provide real assignments for any candidate with a serious shot. Pay those candidates to produce real content. It’s like a test, but everyone gets something useful out of it in the end. 7
Writing and editing tests are a chore for everyone involved. Someone must compose the test, someone must complete it, and someone must check it. And every step provides info you can get from a real assignment. One you pay a candidate for. 8
What I'm saying, in case of doubt, is doling out real assignments to worthy candidates is no more work than a test. And render unto the waste bin tests that exist as weeding mechanisms. Disrespectful of any professional involved and wasteful of resources and time. 9
Some firms can’t do that? I call BS. Any candidate worthy of a writing test is worthy of a real assignment. Give them something they’d do the first day on the job or as a first assignment. Let that freelancer write a short, real article, for pay. 10
A lead writer or editor for a #ttrpg company does that. I did it for Wizards, including Dragon and Dungeon, and as a technical editor (developer) for Paizo. I gave new freelancers real work. They got paid. Those who could do the work got more work, sometimes with coaching. 11
Eliminating writing or editing tests is about everyone doing their job. It’s about the hiring party evaluating candidates on existing merits. It’s about respecting the candidate’s time and skill. And it’s about everyone doing something useful instead of performative. 12
If you’re reading this, and I’ve done a writing or editing test for or alongside you, you might wonder if I’m referring to that test. I am. They were all malarkey, and several of them were worse. And a couple were worse than that. 13
The worst writing and editing tests examine not only skill, but also speed and endurance. Such tests have hours-long timers measured through an online portal. A test like that indicates a bad culture. If you’re in this tweet *coff* @CrypticStudios *coff*, sorry, not sorry. 14
And let's grace "tests" that amount to scams for real content only with a cursory nod. If a firm asks you to make new content exactly like what they produce for live work, be wary. They need to pay you or fuck off. 15
Many of the best gigs I've had didn't test me beforehand. The hiring folks did their work and got to know me. They looked at my CV and samples, and they trusted I could do the work. And I did. Mutual respect. And I'll admit that a couple great gigs started with tests. 16
I get that this can be easier said than done. If you really want a gig, you're probably going to do that writing test. But consider asking why. Why isn't your portfolio adequate? Can you get a real assignment to show what you can do? Will they pay you for your time? 17
Normalize doing better than writing and editing tests. Respect candidates more. Push back against hiring firms that don't. Out draconian, unfair, or inappropriate tests. We can do better. Let's. 18/18 -fin
