The Punch Newspapers is arguably the best legacy Media organisation to work within Nigeria. The organisation, to the best of my knowledge, stands out among its peers in terms of staff welfare, high ethical standard of journalism, good cooperate governance, among other attractions.
A young graduate who once sought employment at The Punch Newspaper in this article shares his experience about the compulsory writing test he wrote.
Mathematics/English
Following a prior notice, I visited the Newspaper organisation for my appointment slated for 12noon, but I got to the organisation at past 10 am to avert the ever-present Lagos traffic.
Before the D-Day, I never studied or revised any book for the written test. I was 90% confident that I am a good writer who should not be found wanting in a writing test. Also, I am abreast of events, happenings in Nigeria and a little around the world.
A staff I believe from the Human Resource Department of the organisation led me to the Library and returned with four different question papers. My heart began to pump blood faster than usual. I wondered what writing test would require four question papers and was given three hours to answer the questions.
In the first question paper, I was asked to write an essay. I cannot accurately remember the essay topics, but they were three and I was instructed to choose one. In paraphrase, the topic I chose and wrote on was, ‘Nigeria At 54, better or worse?’
I wouldn’t say I did justice to that topic because the time wasn’t enough especially when I had in mind that there are three other question papers waiting to be answered. More so, to dust such topic, a thorough job is required.
The way a professional writer or journalist would handle such a topic, I believe, should be different from how a secondary school student would. Hence, more time and less time pressure are required.
The second question paper, was an English Language test on words nearest in meaning, prepositions, fill in the gap, et cetera. This paper wasn’t difficult, to the best of my knowledge. But, I was conscious of my time.
As a student in secondary school, mathematics was my horrible nightmare. I detest any task, rooted in the calculation of numbers. For this reason, I wrote four O-Level exams because I could not pass Mathematics, a compulsory subject required to get admission into the Higher Institution of learning. My hatred for the subject was among the factors which informed my course of study, Mass Communications, at the Higher Institution.
At Punch, I was served my horrible nightmare (Mathematics) in the third question paper. When I saw it was Maths, I wondered what business a journalist like me should have with mathematics. I was sad and didn’t know where and how to X or Y.
Although some of the Maths questions were not difficult to solve, I was conscious of my time.
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The last question paper was on Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test, which I think wasn’t out of place for a journalist or anybody. IQ test enhances fast, smart and rational thinking. While I did all I could within the shortest time, I’m not sure I did justice to it.
I finished my test within the time given and submitted my papers. I was asked to write my phone number and name on the top of one of the papers. I was told I would be contacted if I pass or selected. He escorted me to the door and turned back.
The rest like they say is history. Don’t ask me if I got employed or not.
i want to… if you were employed. I am an aspirant of this occupation