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Common writing sample topics?

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rleonard5

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The thread about common interview questions is very helpful!!! Thank you!!I…. I have a municipal assistant planner interview coming up and they informed me that at the conclusion of my interview there will be a short writing sample. Are there any common writing sample topics that are asked??
 
That is my kind of place to work. Writing is so critical and so abused. One peer asked candidates to "describe in one paragraph what is on the top shelf across the room." (Many couldn't do it)

It does not sould like a test of your planning abilities; more to see how you organize your thoughts and put thoughts to words concisely. I would go in with the intention of using headings and bullets as they might apply.

The last time I had a writing exercise the question was what I would do to prepare a revitalization study. That was for director in a great town that I did not get. :(
 
I've used two methods for the writing sample: editing ability and original thought. One approach I've used is to hand them an existing one page written document and asked them to edit it and make it more concise. I have also handed them a case file and applicable sections of the comprehensive plan and asked for a one page report on how the project is/is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, as well as identifying any information not present in the file that would assist in making the determination. I've also asked them to draft a zoning violation letter before. And perhaps my favorite: "Describe any planning related issues you observed in my city on your way to this interview."

I have also done a homework interview in which I follow-up the interview with an email of five questions. The interviewee is required to provide written answers to three of them within __ days, not to exceed __ pages.

I tend to use the writing sample more for positions that spend more time in long-range planning and mid-level positions. So few students come out of school capable of academic writing, but without a clue when it comes to professional writing. I try to pair-up new planners with older ones to work on professional writing.
 
The only time I had to do something similar, they sat me at a computer at the end of the interview, explained a scenario where a neighbor was angry about what another neighbor was doing, but what they were doing was not any violation of the zoning ord. So, I had to type out a fake letter to the complainent to explain that there is no violation.

I guess they didn't like how I worded it, even though I handled similar things on the phone all the time. I didn't get the job.
 
I always required a writing sample - or in the case of GIS positions - a hands on test. A typical writing sample for us was to review a (simple) site plan, do a red pen mark-up and draft a concise staff report with a recommendation. They didn't realize it, but reviewing their red pen mark-up was part of our evaluation.
 
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