How to Ace a Written Submission

One of the people in my program was applying for a dream job at a small, high-growth company.

The role was competitive, and—like many startups—they asked for a written submission: a set of open-ended questions to evaluate how he thinks, communicates, and solves problems.

With two decades of experience, he had strong stories to tell. But he knew that how he framed those stories could make the difference between standing out—or blending in.

Before he submitted, he asked me to review his responses. Together, we made targeted improvements:

• Reframed responses to emphasize leadership and decision-making

• Made his thought process more structured and transparent

• Aligned answers to the evaluation criteria the hiring manager likely cared about

How to Ace a Written Submission

A written submission is an early-stage assessment that tests how you communicate, think, and work. It helps employers filter high-potential candidates before investing in full interviews.

Here’s how to approach it strategically:

1. Understand the Purpose This isn’t just a writing test. Submissions help hiring teams:

• Screen for seriousness and commitment

• Spot red flags early

• Assess fit beyond what a résumé can show

• Evaluate signals like ownership, communication, and judgment

2. Decode the Signals Each question is a proxy for one or more evaluation signals. Ask yourself:

• Are they testing structured thinking?

• Do they want to see initiative and ownership?

• Are they looking for product judgment, team leadership, or clarity under ambiguity?

3. Show, Don’t Tell Don’t just say you led a project—walk through your decisions. Explain tradeoffs. Highlight impact. Be specific about what you contributed and why it mattered.

4. Frame Your Work Thoughtfully If you’re asked to submit writing samples, code, or designs:

• Provide context

• Clarify your role

• Share what it demonstrates about how you approach problems

5. Write Like a Teammate, Not a Candidate Avoid robotic or overly formal language. The best submissions sound like someone you'd want to work with: thoughtful, clear, and practical.

There is a system in the madness. And you can learn it.

If you're applying to tech roles and not hearing back—or getting stuck at the take-home stage—book a free 20-minute discovery call. I’ll help you figure out what’s blocking your progress and how to fix it.

https://calendar.app.google/5HjmhTJQN92freoJ7