Q: What does it mean when I see there will be a “written” examination on the Employment      Opportunities Bulletin?

A:

• A written examination will be a timed, true-false or multiple choice examination. Many recruitments use this type of written exam to test on a large array of skills and knowledge needed for a job.
• 
  
• In most cases you will record your answers on a Scantron Form ("fill in the bubble" type answer sheet) and tests are scored electronically.

Q: How would I handle an essay question on a written examination?

A:

• Think before you begin to write, know how much time is allowed and set up a time schedule to plan how much time you need to answer each question.
• 
  
• A good answer gets right to the point and starts with a direct response to the question, provides specific as well as general information and uses technical vocabulary, if appropriate.
• 
  
• Write legibly. If a subject matter expert cannot read your responses, they cannot score them properly.
• 
  
• Proofread your answers. The few minutes you spend correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling may help to improve your score.