As if life weren’t full of tests and trials enough, you’ll find that some jobs even require you to complete a copy test before you get the work—or even before a second interview. But what does that mean? And is it a good thing or a bad thing? Well, read on!
Today’s question comes from Dustin Q. who asks, “I keep seeing the term ‘copy test’ in job listings; as in ‘applicants must complete a copy test.’ What does that mean? And what’s the format?”
We’re so conditioned, after our years and years of school, to think of “tests” as bad things. You may find, though, that copy tests are tools that can help you get work. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start with a definition:
A copy test is simply a little sample writing exercise a company will have you complete so that they can get a feel for your writing skills. Usually, they’ll send it to you and give you a day or two to complete it and send it back to them.
The copy test will give you the background on a project and the objectives (much like a creative brief would), but you’re also welcome to ask questions about it. Though multiple choice might be nice, it’ll be in the form of whatever work the company would be most likely to have you do. So, for example, if it’s an interactive company, they might have you write a banner ad or an email.
Here’s the thing, though: Copy tests can be good things. In fact, they can be great things! Think about it: If you’re a fairly new copywriter and you don’t have a ton of pieces in your portfolio, a copy test can help you prove to your potential employer that you’re good at what you do. They wouldn’t be taking a risk by hiring you; they can already see that you’re good at what you do.
Not all jobs will require copy tests and you’re most likely to see them when you’re applying for junior to mid-level work. But when you do see them required, do your best to see them as a positive thing and dive into them with enthusiasm. You’re good at what you do; here’s your chance to prove it right off the bat!
Your turn! Have you taken a copy test for a prospective employer/ client? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below!
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jon says
October 11, 2014 at 3:29 pmA copywriter who has worked in the industry for a number of years, one who is senior and has an online portfolio, should not take a copy test. I had a company steal my headlines from the test I submitted. If they can’t tell by looking at your portfolio (that’s why you have one) then they’re probably not someone you want to work for anyway.
Nicki Krawczyk says
October 15, 2014 at 8:13 amHi Jon,
I think you and I will have to agree to disagree on this point. 🙂 If a senior copywriter wants to work for a company and that company requires a copy test, I think that that person should be confident enough in his or her abilities to spend 20-30 minutes doing that test. Looking at it from a company’s perspective, (and as you and I well know!) even a good portfolio doesn’t necessarily mean a good copywriter. Copy tests are a way for a company to be sure that the writer they’re hiring really can write well, not to mention write well while adapting to their voice.
Now, actually, this point won’t actually come up all that often, since relatively few companies require a copy test. And I’m sorry to hear about your experience, but I can say that underhanded tactics like that are definitely the exception and not the rule. In that case, you’re right that it’s not a company you want to work with, but I think that has more to do with their stealing of your copy! In a sense, that copy test actually helped you to find out right away that they were an unethical company, before they hired you and wouldn’t pay you or something else along those lines. In any case, I’m glad you were able to move on and find work at other, more trustworthy companies.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Katie says
October 6, 2017 at 7:17 pmHi Nicki,
I just had an agency request a copy test with the following exercises:
1. Develop 3 campaign taglines with rational for each.
2. Develop a three-phase holiday campaign with a tagline and a month-by-month plan.
3. Write 3 headlines each for 3 products categories.
4. Write seven Instagram posts complete with caption & an image reference.
I feel like this is extensive and am wondering if you agree? Also, do you have any advice on how to handle this? Thanks in advance!
Nicki Krawczyk says
October 7, 2017 at 2:18 amHi Katie,
Yep, your gut is right: This is an exceptionally long copy test! You’re doing *hours* of work for free. One of these items could be considered a standard copy test alone.
The first thing you need to consider is how badly you really want this job. (Or freelance gig?) If you really, really want it with everything you’ve got…you might just want to grin, bear it, and write the pieces. Unfortunately, interviewing isn’t generally the time to rock the boat. (I will say, though, that it’s a little bit of a yellow flag that an agency would have interviewees do so much free work… Just a note.)
If your feeling though is, “Eh, I could take it or leave it” then go ahead and push back a bit. If I were you, I’d say something along the lines of “Thanks for sending this! I’m really excited to show you guys what I can do. Looking at these projects though, I’m estimating that it’ll be about X hours of work, which is a lot of time to take away from my current freelance clients to do work on spec. How do you feel about me doing one of each item for you?”
*Side note: work “on spec” means “work for free” which is generally a no-no. This is different from spec work in a portfolio, which you have chosen to do for free. Working “on spec” means that a company is basically like, “Do a bunch of work for us and if we like it, we’ll pay you.” It’s definitely different from a copy test, but they’re asking so much from you that they’re reeeeeally pushing that line. I put it in there to gently remind them of that, but if you feel uncomfortable, I’d change it to “…from my freelance clients to do such an extensive copy test.”
It’s not right and it’s not fair, but as I said, the first thing you need to decide is how badly you want the work (and if it really *will* take away too much time from your current clients).
Let us know what you decide and how it turns out!
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki
Daniel Odunlami says
June 4, 2018 at 5:42 amHey Nicki,
I’m so glad to have found this article at this time, I’ve been invited by a marketing firm to come take a copy test and it sounded foreign to me, it’s an entry level opening and like you said, it is common to take such tests.
My fear is that i don’t quite get the nature of the test, what kind of questions will be asked and will it be graded or they just want to use the test to access my current skill level? I would appreciate if you can shed more light on this and probably give me hints on most likely questions that may come up.
I hope you to hear from you soon.
Have a great day.
Nicki Krawczyk says
August 22, 2018 at 1:41 pmHi Daniel,
A copy test isn’t really a “test” in the sense that there are questions and answers; it’s an opportunity for you to take a small sample project and write copy for it. Basically, they’re “testing” your copywriting skills. Does that make sense?
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki