Want to Earn Money in College? Try Content Writing!

Getting shortlisted for a content writing job is exciting — but before you celebrate, there’s one big hurdle waiting for you: the content writing test. Many companies in India use this test to see whether you can write clearly, follow instructions, and create content that fits their brand tone. Whether you’re a beginner or have experience, this test can make or break your chances of getting the job.

Let’s understand step by step how you can prepare, perform, and pass the test confidently.

Why Do Companies Give a Content Writing Test?

Before you start worrying about how tough the test will be, it’s important to understand why companies take it in the first place.

Most hiring managers want to check:

• Your writing quality – how well you express thoughts in simple, correct English.
• Your originality – whether you can think and write creatively, not just copy ideas.
• Your tone adaptability – if you can write in a formal, conversational, or promotional tone depending on the brand.
• Your SEO and structure awareness – whether you can use keywords naturally, write headings properly, and structure paragraphs neatly.
• Your deadline discipline – how well you can deliver within a given time.

When a company sees your resume, they already know you claim to be a writer. The test helps them know if you actually are one.

What Type of Content Writing Tests Do Companies Usually Give?

Every company has a different style of test, depending on the type of content they create. Here are the most common types:

• Blog or article writing: You may be given a topic like “How to Improve Social Media Engagement” or “Top SEO Trends 2025”.
• Product description writing: For eCommerce or marketing jobs, you may need to describe a product persuasively.
• Copywriting or ad writing: You might be asked to write headlines, social media captions, or short promotional lines.
• Email or newsletter writing: Some companies test if you can write crisp, professional emails.
• Editing or rewriting tasks: You might get a poorly written piece and be asked to rewrite it in a better way.
• SEO-based writing: The company may give you a keyword and ask you to create an article or blog optimised for it.

Most companies will also test if you can follow instructions carefully, such as word count, tone, and keyword use.

How Should You Prepare Before the Test?

Before you start writing, your preparation matters the most. Many candidates fail not because they can’t write, but because they didn’t understand what the company wanted.

Here’s how you can prepare effectively:

1. Research the company’s website

Read their blogs, social media posts, or newsletters. Understand their tone — are they professional, friendly, or humorous? This will help you match their writing style in your test.

2. Check their target audience

If the company targets young social media users, your writing should sound casual and fun. If they target business clients, your tone should be formal and informative.

3. Review basic SEO and formatting

Revise simple SEO practices:

• Use keywords naturally.
• Add headings and subheadings (H2, H3).
• Keep paragraphs short (2–4 lines).
• Use bullet points for lists.

4. Practise writing regularly

Before the test, write 2–3 sample blogs on trending topics. Read them aloud to see if they sound natural and easy to follow.

5. Check grammar and plagiarism tools

Use Grammarly or QuillBot for grammar checks and Duplichecker or PlagiarismDetector.net to ensure originality.

What Should You Do During the Test?

When the test starts, remember that this is not just about showing how much you know — it’s about showing how well you can follow directions and deliver quality work under pressure.

Here are key steps to follow:

1. Read the instructions twice

Understand everything clearly — the topic, tone, target audience, and word count.

2. Plan before writing

Take 5 minutes to outline what you’ll write. For example:

• Introduction (50–100 words)
• 3 main points with headings
• Conclusion

This helps you stay focused and organised.

3. Keep the tone consistent

If the brand voice is cheerful, keep your tone lively. If it’s corporate, stay professional.

4. Write simple and clear sentences

Avoid long, confusing sentences. Use short and active phrases that are easy to read.

5. Use keywords naturally

If keywords are given, don’t force them. Fit them naturally into your sentences.

6. Proofread before submitting

Spend the last few minutes checking for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.

What Are the Common Mistakes Candidates Make?

Even good writers lose marks because of small mistakes that create a bad impression. Avoid these:

• Ignoring instructions: Writing 800 words when the limit is 500 shows poor attention to detail.
• Keyword stuffing: Using the same keyword too many times looks unnatural.
• Overusing AI tools: Companies can easily detect robotic writing. Use AI for help, but add your personal touch.
• Plagiarising content: Copying lines from other websites can get your application rejected instantly.
• Bad structure: Writing without headings, bullet points, or flow makes reading difficult.
• Poor grammar and punctuation: Even one repeated grammar mistake can make your writing look careless.

How Can You Impress the Evaluator?

Passing the test is not just about avoiding mistakes — it’s about standing out.

Write like a human, not a machine

Your writing should sound natural. Add examples, emotions, and logical flow.

Show your understanding

If the topic is about “SEO for beginners,” don’t just define SEO. Explain how beginners can use it easily — that shows insight.

Keep it reader-friendly

Use:

• Short sentences.
• Simple words.
• Active voice.
• Proper spacing.

Format professionally

Add headings, bullet points, and bold keywords. It makes your writing easy to scan — something recruiters love.

End strongly

Your conclusion should make sense and connect back to the topic. A strong closing line leaves a lasting impression.

What If You’re Asked to Write on a Topic You Don’t Know?

Don’t panic — this is common. Recruiters often give random topics to test how you handle unfamiliar subjects.

Follow this simple process:

1. Google the topic and read the first 3–4 results to understand the basics.
2. Note key points — what, why, and how.
3. Write in your own words using your understanding.
4. Avoid copying sentences — instead, simplify and explain them.

If you can explain a complex topic simply, you’ll score higher than someone who just uses heavy words.

What If the Test Has a Time Limit?

Many companies ask you to complete a 500–700-word article in one or two hours. Don’t let the clock make you nervous.

Here’s a strategy:

• First 10 minutes: Read the topic and create an outline.
• Next 40 minutes: Write the content.
• Last 10 minutes: Proofread and format.

Remember — quality matters more than quantity. Even a 400-word article that’s well-structured and error-free can beat a 700-word messy one.

What Should You Do After Submitting the Test?

Your job doesn’t end after clicking “Submit.” Smart candidates always take the next step.

• Send a polite thank-you email: Appreciate the opportunity and express excitement about the role.
• Be patient: Some companies take a week or two to respond.
• Learn from feedback: If you don’t get selected, ask for feedback politely. Use it to improve.
• Keep practising: Every test helps you become a better writer.

Remember, even if you fail one test, your effort isn’t wasted — it prepares you for the next one.

How Can You Practise for Real Tests in Advance?

Here are some ways to build confidence before the real test:

• Join content writing groups on LinkedIn or Telegram — many share practice topics.
• Try platforms like Internshala, WriteSonic, and Pepper Content to get real assignments.
• Read top blogs like HubSpot, Backlinko, and Neil Patel to learn how professionals write.
• Take free online tests to improve typing speed and writing under pressure.
• Maintain a personal blog or portfolio — it’s your biggest advantage during selection.

Final Thoughts

A content writing test isn’t meant to scare you — it’s meant to help companies see your potential. If you prepare properly, write clearly, and stay original, you can easily stand out.

Don’t try to sound fancy. Just focus on being clear, useful, and real. Companies don’t want perfect writers — they want writers who can connect with their readers.

So, next time you’re asked to take a test, smile, open your document, and start writing confidently — because you now know how to pass it.