Employment Analytical Writing

Analytical Writing Sample

Thank you for your interest in analytical work for our company.

Background: O'Neil Associates has carefully reviewed hundreds of applications and writing samples from prospective analysts over the last twenty years. The specific request contained in this document comes from a careful consideration of what has proven predictive of success. The only indicator which we have found to be predictive of the ability to write survey analysis is extensive prior experience in writing precisely this type of analysis. While those with a decent background in social science methods and a flair for writing have sometimes been able to write focus group and other qualitative reports without much prior experience, we have not found this to be the case for survey research analysis. Survey research analysis is sufficiently unique that we have not found even other forms of quantitative analysis to be terribly predictive of the ability to write survey analysis. While eagerness ("I'm sure that I could do that.") is commendable, we simply have not found it to be predictive of success.

Some of the confusion that we have encountered in this regard may emanate from our concept of the function of an analyst. An analyst at O'Neil Associates is a senior-level position that is appropriate for a candidate with a relevant technical background (usually graduate work in the social sciences), and sufficient experience such that their writing has some depth and insight. We know that many firms use the term "analyst" for a position that is appropriate for a relatively junior applicant (e.g. a relatively recent college graduate). We find this generally inappropriate. We prefer to entrust analytical writing to the most senior of our staff; it reflects the value we put on the activity.

What we are looking for: So what do we need to see? The ideal writing sample will be based on crosstabular analysis and will demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate the meaning of the most important findings to an intelligent but non-technical audience. (Our typical clients range from Marketing Managers to CEOs.) A writing sample demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively to a literate lay audience is of greater interest than one that demonstrates advanced statistical proficiency. Our goal is to write clearly enough that the lay reader will readily understand the meaning of the data and its implications while, at the same time, presenting analysis that will withstand the scrutiny of a technically trained audience. We write for the company CEO but in such a way that if the CEO turned them over to a Ph.D. statistician, the latter would not take offense.

Ideally, such an analysis would make liberal use of presentation devices such as graphics, bulleted analysis, and any other devices (bolding, etc) that make the dissemination of results as painless as possible for the reader. We are, however, very much looking for analysis, not just the recitation of numbers. An analytical report should provide the reader with themes and patterns found in the data, rather than simply regurgitating numbers from the tables or charts. While graphs and tables can support and illustrate analysis, they are not, in themselves, analysis.

Why we need it: We need to know you can write the kind of analysis we regularly undertake. The ONLY way for us to know this is to see a relevant writing sample. We are looking for crosstabular survey analysis: no other type of analysis, no matter how good it is, has proven to be predictive of the ability to write this type of analysis. If you do not have a writing sample of analysis of crosstabular data, you should provide a writing sample as close as possible to this ideal.

A second writing sample dealing with qualitative research (preferably, a focus group report) would also be helpful.

Several final points:

  • While we would be happy to review resumes, references, etc. in addition to writing samples, none of these are substitutes for writing samples. Anyone who has done significant relevant work should be able to provide several samples. (Note: We will sign any reasonable confidentiality agreement; nearly any client will permit limited distribution of work samples for the sole purpose of an employment evaluation. Obviously, you are also free to change identifying information. We are interested in writing ability, not the content of the report - as long as we can assess your analytical acumen and writing skills.)

  • Anything you send should be ABSOLUTELY AND COMPLETELY your individual effort. (It is impossible to evaluate the individual contribution involved in any group effort). It is perfectly acceptable if you have consulted with someone prior to writing about the nature of analysis that you are going to write. This would be very much analogous to the way we work here, where you might consult with a Senior Analyst or others about the general direction of the writing. For us to evaluate a piece of writing, however, it is absolutely essential that you certify to us that the piece you sent was not subsequently edited by anyone for any purpose. When you send us a piece of writing, please indicate the following quote: "No one edited this document after I wrote it."

  • Submit in any Windows version of Word (preferably Word 97 or higher). Any graphics should be integrated into the file.

  • Please disable any macros in the file (we have received several viruses this way).

  • A modest excerpt of a few pages will suffice (the mass of the document will not substitute for its relevance or quality). We know exactly what we are looking for. The more on target the sample, the less we need to see.

  • This should be a very simple task for the right candidate: simply send us an excerpt from the many you have. If this seems like a difficult request, you may well not have the requisite experience for an analyst. As we have noted, this is not an entry-level position.

  • Again, do feel free to send a resume, references, etc, but as discussed above NOT AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR the sample(s) we need to evaluate what you can really do.

We look forward to hearing from you and reviewing your material carefully.
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