Technical Writer Test

When looking to fill a technical writer position, it's important to make sure that the candidate has the skills necessary to do the job. A technical writer skills test can help ensure that the candidate is a good fit for the position.

  • What is a technical writer skills test?

    A technical writer test is an assessment used by employers to determine whether individuals have the skills and competencies needed to excel as technical writers.

    Employers often use the test in the early stages of the process as a pre-screening tool to filter applicants according to their level of competence in the skills needed for this role.

    The technical writer test is an easy-to-administer assessment formed of a series of multiple-choice and situational questions. These questions assess individuals on their technical skills (e.g. knowledge of relevant software packages), aptitudes (e.g. verbal and numerical reasoning) and soft skills (e.g. communication and time management).

    The results of the tests provide an objective way to shortlist the best candidates for the position.

Jump to a section on this page:

  1. What is a technical writer skills test?
  2. What are the benefits of using the technical writer skills test for pre-screening?
  3. How our test measures technical writing skills
  4. Technical Writer Test FAQs

Identify the best candidates and hire faster

Our pre-employment tests let you drill down to the best candidates at the click of a button.

  • Find those candidates who will excel in the role.

    Select the assessments that match the skills or behaviours for the position. You can test for software or coding competency, soft skills like teamwork, or personality traits, to be sure those who pass have high potential.

  • Reduce costs and time.

    No more laborious sifting of resumes or cover letters. Pick your ideal assessment mix, invite your applicants to take them, see the results in your dashboard. Get to the interview stage fast.

  • Eliminate bias.

    All your candidates take the assessments on a level playing field. Only their results determine whether they get shortlisted.

  • What are the benefits of using the technical writer skills test for pre-screening?

    A technical writer's role focuses on turning complex technical information into easy-to-understand documentation.

    Technical writers work with a variety of information, such as instruction manuals, operating guides, how-to manuals, and technical specification documents. Their work requires them to draw on several skills and competencies to succeed in their role.

    Working under pressure to meet deadlines, strong written communication skills, attention to detail and verbal reasoning are all essential skills and abilities needed for those in the technical writing field, no matter the sector.

    The technical writer test provides employers with an objective way to evaluate a candidate's skill set and skill level relevant to that needed to be a successful technical writer.

    Determining which candidates in your applicant pool have the skills you need can be challenging from a CV, portfolio or interview. Candidates may state they are proficient but assessing this in practice can be difficult.

    The test evaluates candidates on a range of skills, and results can then be used to compare candidates according to their level of competence in each of these areas. Those that do well on the test can be progressed to the next stage of the process, and those that fall short of the required benchmark can be eliminated.

    Many similar professions also share the skills required to be a successful technical writer. This makes the technical writer test a beneficial addition to the recruitment process for various roles:

More Job Skills Tests

How our test measures technical writing skills

Test questions are designed to assess industry-specific technical skills, soft skills, aptitude and suitable personality dimensions. Our data-driven approach provides results that enable you to determine how suited is a candidate for the role.

Depending on the type of question, the format of the test may vary. Multiple-choice questions are used to measure aptitude, technical skills and soft skills, while agreement on a Likert scale assesses suitable personality dimensions. Skills tests ensure that candidates are being evaluated in a precise and impartial manner, their results demonstrating the true knowledge and potential of each test taker.

The characteristics required to become a technical writer were determined by looking at the skills and abilities listed in the US Department of Labor’s O*NET database, which collects data from professionals in various fields.

O*NET is the largest database of its kind, providing detailed information about occupations and the requirements for each role.

Our team of I/O psychologists and psychometrics worked closely with subject-matter experts to create an extensive question bank that can be used to test multiple candidates. We also conducted rigorous field testing with a representative sample of candidates to ensure that the questions were reliable and valid.

Test scores are averaged together to give an overall score. The average score is compared to other candidates' scores to ensure there is no bias toward certain candidates.

Our technical writer test is constantly updated and optimized to ensure the best experience and results.

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Validated

Predictor of job success

Picked provides evidence-based recommendations for tests to use for over 750 jobs. Our recommendation engine leverages data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

  • Assessments

    A full suite of assessments

    Our platform comes with 12 tests across both foundation and advanced levels so they’re suitable for everyone. Including aptitude, behavioural and personality tests, you’ll have a full range of tests to help you find the candidates you’re seeking.

  • Analytics

    An array of candidate metrics

    For each of your candidates, you’ll be given a comprehensive report. Included will be all the metrics you need to build a detailed picture of each candidate and ensure you’re making the right hiring decisions.

“The platform is so simple to use. I had used competitor providers for over six years and will never go back. Fast, efficient and friendly!”
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd
Greg Chambers, HR Business Partner, Littlefish Ltd

Technical Writer Test FAQs

What are the essential skills of a technical writer?

To excel as a technical writer, individuals need several skills. These include soft skills such as time management, communication, and decision making skills. Strong written communication skills, attention to detail, and verbal reasoning are also crucial for individuals to be successful in their roles.

What other tests can be used to assess technical writer skills?

Given the wide range of skills needed to be a technical writer, employers can use several other assessments to determine whether candidates have the skills and aptitudes required for the role. These include aptitude tests such as verbal and numerical reasoning and an error checking test to evaluate an individual’s attention to detail. Written communication skills tests and relevant software skills tests can also be used.

Can I see what the test is like?

Yes, of course. You can try the test for free by signing up for a free trial.

Are these tests available in my plan?

We have a range of plans available. The difference between the plans is the number of test attempts permitted, not the type of tests. All our plans include our full test suite comprising all tests and all levels.

“An unbeatable service, impressive platform and fantastic value for money.”
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA
Laurence Fishman, Partner, NLPCA

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