What do you do if your writing skills are put to the test in a corporate communications interview?
Facing a corporate communications interview can be a daunting prospect, especially when you know your writing skills will be under scrutiny. In such a high-stakes environment, it's crucial to convey your expertise and ability to communicate effectively. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, being asked to demonstrate your writing prowess on the spot can catch you off guard. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to shine. This article will guide you through the steps to take when your writing skills are put to the test during a corporate communications interview.
Preparation is key in any interview, but when your writing skills are in the spotlight, it becomes even more vital. Before the interview, review common writing tasks in corporate communications, such as press releases, reports, and email correspondence. Brush up on your grammar, style, and tone to match the corporate environment. Familiarize yourself with the company's brand voice by studying their existing communications materials. This will help you tailor your writing samples to their specific style and show that you've done your homework.
-
In this age of immediacy, many people do not pay attention to detail, in this case writing. From my experience, I sometimes receive emails as if they were a WhatsApp. And this, from my perspective, tells me a lot about the person who is writing: about their interest, their social and communicative skills,... Where are you writing? Is it formal or informal place? Why are you writing? Do you want any feedback back? It is important in any field to have a presence, a formalism in writing and to follow a structure to get your message across clearly. Once you are working in a team, I recommend you to write in plural, as you are all one. Only if this is your case :) Be confident and not afraid of mistakes ✨️ We are still humans.
-
I do not actually understand this question. Why would my writing skills not be evaluated as part of the interview process for corporate communications? That said, I would write authentically, proof my work carefully, and point out and correct errors in the directions or examples from the corporation. Trust me, calling attention to the mistakes in corporate communications does not take much effort and disarms the interviewers. If you offend folks by pointing out their errors, then you would not be a good fit for the corporate culture. (Yes, I am speaking/writing from experience.)
-
The more you know about the company, the better - it's just not about their brand voice. Which audiences are they talking to? What problems are they trying to help their audience solve? What gaps are they addressing (or not)? Employers don't just want to see that you can do something - they want to see how you can do it for them.
-
If your writing skills are tested in a corporate communications interview, prepare by familiarizing yourself with the company's tone, style, and key messaging through their public materials. Practice writing concise, clear, and engaging content on topics relevant to the company's industry. During the test, carefully read the instructions, plan your structure, and ensure your piece has a compelling introduction, informative body, and conclusive end. Proofread your work to correct any errors. Emphasize your ability to communicate effectively, demonstrating how your writing can support the company's communication goals. Showcasing your adaptability and attention to detail in writing will highlight your strengths as a candidate.
When presented with a writing task during an interview, take a moment to fully understand the brief. Ask clarifying questions if necessary to ensure you grasp the purpose, target audience, and desired outcome of the piece. This understanding is crucial as it will guide your writing process and help you produce a piece that aligns with the company's goals and brand voice. Demonstrating your ability to interpret and execute a brief accurately will showcase your attention to detail and strategic thinking skills.
It's natural to feel pressure when asked to write on the spot, but staying calm is essential. Take deep breaths and approach the task methodically. Start with an outline to organize your thoughts and create a structure for your piece. Remember, the interviewer is interested in your thought process and how you handle stress as much as the final product. By remaining composed, you can think more clearly and showcase your ability to manage demanding situations—a valuable trait in corporate communications.
-
As in any situation, panic will ruin your performance more quickly than subpar fundamentals will. There is a difference between working with a sense of urgency and working in a panic or frenzy. You often have more time than you might think in situations like this. Yes, employers are busy during the interview process, and you should be mindful of that. However, even if it takes a bit longer, employers will likely be more impressed by you showing a methodical approach to the challenge than if you rush through to create an inferior product. Finally, remember that the other candidates are your competitors. If you’re really the right candidate for the job, then your new employers will appreciate the effort.
Clarity in writing is paramount, especially in corporate communications where messages must be easily understood by a wide audience. Focus on writing clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon or complex language that could confuse readers. Use short sentences and paragraphs to make your text more readable. By prioritizing clarity, you demonstrate that you can convey messages effectively, which is a core competency in any communications role.
After completing your draft, take the time to edit your work thoroughly. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as opportunities to improve the flow and coherence of your piece. This step is critical as it shows your attention to detail and commitment to quality—attributes highly valued in corporate communications. A well-edited piece of writing reflects your professionalism and competence.
-
Proofreading is one of the most important skills in writing. Having known the basics of grammar, punctuation and writing structures, and knowing if our sentences are having the same amount of impact we want them to have and sending the message across, it all combines together in having a great piece of writing. Sure, AI does help with the correction of mistakes, but we need to hone that ability in ourselves to cross check the material and look through it minimum two times once the final draft is finished. As in interviews and in places where we don’t get AI on our hands right away, those skills of going through the piece of writing calmly helps.
Throughout the interview process, it's important to reflect confidence in your abilities. When discussing your writing task, speak confidently about your choices and the rationale behind them. This doesn't mean being arrogant but rather conveying a sense of assurance in your skills and experience. Confidence can be infectious and may help convince interviewers that you're the right candidate for the job. Remember, they're not only evaluating your writing but also your ability to fit into their team and represent their company's voice.
-
Embrace the opportunity to show your interviewers how you think and how you work (i.e., your workflow and process). When you bring your highest level of professionalism to the activity, and tangibly demonstrate your skills, you're building a relationship that ideally continues into your new position. Even if you're not hired right away, your confident effort and willingness to participate will be remembered when future opportunities arise.