Choose a representative slice of work
Course overview · 4 min reading + 12 min practice, estimated
Principles and method
A work sample should reveal an important capability through a bounded task. Select a realistic decision or output rather than a broad project that favours people with spare time. Avoid using candidates to complete commercially useful unpaid work. Use fictional or sanitised material and make the purpose clear. Consider whether the task measures the intended capability or merely familiarity with your company’s internal context. Specify which knowledge candidates are expected to bring and which information you will provide. A short well-designed task can produce more interpretable evidence than an elaborate assignment.
Worked example
A quality role receives a fictional incident log and is asked to identify likely causes and the next evidence to gather. It is not asked to solve an active client problem or produce a complete operational audit.
Put it into practice
Design a 30-minute task for one essential criterion.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Compare your approach: self-review guidance
State the capability, supplied information and expected output. Explain why the task resembles relevant work and does not require company-specific knowledge the candidate has not been given.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Selection methods
Professional context for selection methods and their limitations.
- GOV.UK: Discrimination in recruitment
UK legal context. Obtain advice for your jurisdiction and circumstances.