Interview Question - "Writing Sample" during an interview (1 Viewer)

[MCguidance]

This question pertains to an education-related job. I filled out the AppliTrack (interview process portal for many schools) that also required answers to a few writing prompts. I was fortunate enough to get called in to meet with the superintendent. I then did well enough that I met with a committee of five people. At the end of the interview I was told the timeline would be 3-4 days, and the superintendent said to me, "Good job," on the way out. I guess I did well enough that her secretary called me the next day and asked me to come in for another interview for a writing sample. She said I will be provided a prompt and then expected to respond.

Is this just due diligence/am I close to being offered the job or are they bringing back another candidate, as well? My thought is that I will be given a real life scenario and told to compose a letter to the various stakeholders. Curious as to whether anyone in education has done something like this?

 

[zamboni]

I am also in the eduction business (financial education, specifically) and we ordinarily ask candidates to submit a writing sample since writing/editing is a big part of what we do.

Every position is different, so it's hard to say where they stand. That said, I imagine if they are asking you to submit a writing sample, they are serious about you. Still, it could just be part of the interview/due diligence process, so I would view it as though it was a first interview and you are in the running with several others. I am sure you know this, but don't take a writing sample lightly - it could be a huge difference maker.

 

[MCguidance]

I am also in the eduction business (financial education, specifically) and we ordinarily ask candidates to submit a writing sample since writing/editing is a big part of what we do.

Every position is different, so it's hard to say where they stand. That said, I imagine if they are asking you to submit a writing sample, they are serious about you. Still, it could just be part of the interview/due diligence process, so I would view it as though it was a first interview and you are in the running with several others. I am sure you know this, but don't take a writing sample lightly - it could be a huge difference maker.

I believe I am in the running for the position, likely with 1 other person. A few months ago I took the SLLA test (administration licensure exam) and did very well. Assuming I utilize those basic principles and involve the key participants, I hope I do well here, also.

Many people submit a writing sample prior to the process, but this is the 3rd round, so I was caught off guard.

 

[ffldrew]

Walk out of process with a cup of pee and say - "here's my sample"

 

[zamboni]

I am also in the eduction business (financial education, specifically) and we ordinarily ask candidates to submit a writing sample since writing/editing is a big part of what we do.

Every position is different, so it's hard to say where they stand. That said, I imagine if they are asking you to submit a writing sample, they are serious about you. Still, it could just be part of the interview/due diligence process, so I would view it as though it was a first interview and you are in the running with several others. I am sure you know this, but don't take a writing sample lightly - it could be a huge difference maker.

I believe I am in the running for the position, likely with 1 other person. A few months ago I took the SLLA test (administration licensure exam) and did very well. Assuming I utilize those basic principles and involve the key participants, I hope I do well here, also.

Many people submit a writing sample prior to the process, but this is the 3rd round, so I was caught off guard.

It could very well be that they want to see how you can write on the spot, as opposed to submitting a preordained writing sample. Does seem to make some sense to ensure that it is your writing and you do not have a lot of time to edit and/or seek feedback from others.

 

[MCguidance]

I am also in the eduction business (financial education, specifically) and we ordinarily ask candidates to submit a writing sample since writing/editing is a big part of what we do.

Every position is different, so it's hard to say where they stand. That said, I imagine if they are asking you to submit a writing sample, they are serious about you. Still, it could just be part of the interview/due diligence process, so I would view it as though it was a first interview and you are in the running with several others. I am sure you know this, but don't take a writing sample lightly - it could be a huge difference maker.

I believe I am in the running for the position, likely with 1 other person. A few months ago I took the SLLA test (administration licensure exam) and did very well. Assuming I utilize those basic principles and involve the key participants, I hope I do well here, also.

Many people submit a writing sample prior to the process, but this is the 3rd round, so I was caught off guard.

It could very well be that they want to see how you can write on the spot, as opposed to submitting a preordained writing sample. Does seem to make some sense to ensure that it is your writing and you do not have a lot of time to edit and/or seek feedback from others.

I imagine that they also want to check off the box so that when questioned by the Board of Education, they can say, "Writes well." I'm hopeful this is the last step as it would be a great career move.

ETA: Thanks, Zamboni. Much appreciated feedback.

 

[zamboni]

Good luck

 

[MCguidance]

Good luck

Got a call from the superintendent that they need to reschedule the interview due to PARCC testing. She called herself and said, "They did not anticipate it being this chaotic," and will call me when the test is over to reschedule.

I'm even more confused now. If it was a traditional writing sample interview then the secretary could administer the prompt. This leads me to believe there will be a short prompt and then a discussion/review of my response and a conversation thereafter. Someone mentioned that they could just want to review to make sure I write well and then offer me the job. My pessimistic nature doubts it, but that would be sweet.

 

[MCguidance]

The district emailed my colleague (who originally put in for the position but twice refused the interview) to ask her again to come to interview. Safe to say the call to me was a way to stall? Also safe to say I am out of this? Seems a bit unprofessional to me to string me along and then contact someone I share an office with, no? Either way, bummed but it is what it is.

 

[zamboni]

The district emailed my colleague (who originally put in for the position but twice refused the interview) to ask her again to come to interview. Safe to say the call to me was a way to stall? Also safe to say I am out of this? Seems a bit unprofessional to me to string me along and then contact someone I share an office with, no? Either way, bummed but it is what it is.

Who knows, but it sounds like they really want your colleague if they reached out even though she refused an interview.

Don't know if it was a stalling tactic, but organizations do stuff like that all the time. I've faced it more times than I can shake a stick at.

It sucks, but unfortunately the hiring organizations hold all the cards and they can do what they want without fear of any repurcussion.

Best advice is not to focus on it or let it get you down even if it's a job you coveted. There will be others.