I have a news writing selection test and need to remain calm!

babs2008

Hi everyone,

(I don't often post in this area of the boards.)

I'm slightly stressing myself about this and I'm sure I dont need to be. At 4pm I have a news writing test for a job :eek:

My main worry is not my ability to write, just that I will panic for no reason. I only have an hour to do it, which will probably be fine, but if I mess it up that might be it.

I worry that if it my writing today is not perfect then I have no chance of getting the job (or even to a real interview) - even though I have the experience and an MA in the subject area.

Does anyone have any strategies for focusing your mind, preparing yourself and calming yourself down before hand?

Bx

MothballsWallet

I'd hope that they're looking for evidence of your abilities in writing rather than just your writing, if you see what I mean.

I'm not very sure what to suggest, other than some deep breathing exercises and not worrying too much, but I wish you the best of luck on this.

Ms_seaplane

Good luck with the test. I'm also a journo by training and I've sat a few of these before and I remember thinking exactly the same as you.

My tips from the experience is:

a) a lot of the newswriting is about speed and accuracy. Try and use what you can lift from press releases or newswires, focusing on key points and not try to think about re-writing too much. It's hackery that's valued under pressure.

b) you'll probably get a selection of stories to turn into a news bulletin or if a sub - a few sections to quickly rework in the house style. Again, the core basic skills rather than excellence is needed. I used to feel that I wanted to do my absolute best in these tests and basically, that's the mentality that backfired for me.

c) as the contributor before said - relax, breathe and also - this will not be the last news test you'll do - there'll be others even in a recession. If desperate to relax try some camomile tea and think that the interviewer is just like you...
Good luck.

Fran

Some calming food and brain food perhaps? Eg. a rice cake and a banana.

babs2008

Thanks everyone.

Just reading your comments helps me to relax a little.

I've been too nervous to eat - but I think I better have something before hand.

I think I just need to stop stewing over it and think about something else for a while.

Thanks Ms Seaplane for the insight into the tests. That sounds quite similar to what I did at uni. I'm going to try to stick to the facts as concisely as possible and try not to overwrite, which is one of my biggest downfalls sometimes.

brightonman123

make the feature about yourself, getting the job!

babs2008

brightonman123 wrote: »

make the feature about yourself, getting the job!

If only it were that simple.

As long as I don't have to write about sport I should be ok.

babs2008

Well, I'm not sure how I did. I had to write up 2 articles. One about unemployment and the other about savings and investments.

At least I have hopefully shown I can string a sensible sentence together, stick to a word count and get it back on the deadline.

At least I'll know what to expect in future.

babs2008

Ok - so I passed the test. I've been invited to a recruitment day.

Apparently there will be a company presentation followed by some more selection tests. Then, those who pass these are interviewed during the afternoon.

Does anyone have any advice or experience of recruitment days?

Thanks.

brightonman123

take a book / music player. and maybe a packed lunch, if they dont proide refreshments.. get outside for some frsh air between session if you can.

BELEIVE you have the job, and the day is just proving you are the right man/woman/unspecifiedgender but were all equal etc blah blah..

(OMG, i'm turning into a life coach! does that pay any good??)

babs2008

thanks brightonman.

I just need to remember that everyone is in the same boat as me.

I've a week to prepare, so fingers crossed.