Introduction to Workplace Documents on the ACT® WorkKeys Test

The Workplace Documents section of the ACT® WorkKeys test checks how well you can read and understand common workplace documents. For example, you might see emails, memos, policies, or legal contracts. Therefore, to do well, you need to recognize different types of documents and understand how to use the information. In addition, we’ll cover the main document types on the test and give you simple tips to help you approach each one more effectively.

Informational Documents: Understanding Workplace Info on the ACT® WorkKeys Test

Informational documents on the ACT® WorkKeys test often include emails, notices, or memos that give straightforward details. For instance, these documents may explain schedules, events, or updates. Therefore, it’s important to focus on key facts like dates, times, and instructions. In addition, pay attention to the purpose of the document and any action steps you need to take. By practicing with these documents, you’ll learn how to quickly find the most important information.

Here’s a sample of an informational document you might see on the ACT® WorkKeys test:

Subject: Change in Office Hours Starting September 1st

To: All Employees

Starting September 1st, our office hours will change to 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Please ensure that your schedules are updated accordingly. If you have any questions or conflicts, contact HR by August 25th. Thank you for your cooperation.

Best,
Office Management

Here are some strategies for approaching an informational document like the one above:

• Skim for Key Details: Look for dates, times, and important instructions (e.g., September 1st, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
• Identify the Purpose: Understand why the document was written (e.g., informing employees about a change in office hours).
• Check for Action Steps: Note any required actions (e.g., contacting HR by August 25th if there are conflicts).
• Stay Focused: Don’t get distracted by unnecessary information; focus on what directly affects you.

Instructional Documents: Approaching How-To Workplace Documents

Instructional documents on the ACT® WorkKeys test provide step-by-step directions, like manuals or guides. For example, you might see instructions for using equipment or completing a task. Thus, it’s crucial to follow each step carefully and understand the order of actions. Additionally, you’ll need to identify any safety or procedural guidelines.

Here’s a sample of an informational workplace document you might see on the ACT® WorkKeys test:

Subject: Procedure for Filing a Travel Reimbursement

1. Complete the Travel Reimbursement Form.
2. Attach receipts for all expenses.
3. Submit the form to the accounting department within 30 days of your trip.
4. Allow 7 business days for processing.

Take a look at these strategies for tackling instructional workplace documents questions:

• Break It Down: Focus on each step individually to avoid missing any details (e.g., attach receipts, submit within 30 days).
• Understand the Sequence: Follow the order of actions to ensure everything is done correctly.
• Look for Specific Guidelines: Pay attention to deadlines and special instructions (e.g., 7 business days for processing).

Policy Documents: Navigating Workplace Rules and Policies

Policy documents on the ACT® WorkKeys test explain rules that employees must follow. For example, you might see a company’s attendance or safety policies. Therefore, it’s important to understand the policies clearly and know how to apply them in different situations. Moreover, you’ll need to interpret these rules carefully.

Practice reading this sample workplace document below:

Subject: Company Attendance Policy

Employees must notify their supervisor at least 24 hours in advance if absent. Repeated tardiness may lead to disciplinary action. More than three unexcused absences within six months can result in termination.

Here are some helpful strategies:

• Identify Key Rules: First, focus on the main requirements (e.g., 24-hour notice, no more than three unexcused absences).
• Understand Consequences: Next, pay attention to the penalties for breaking the rules (e.g., disciplinary action or termination).

Apply to Scenarios: Finally, think about how these rules might affect different workplace situations, ensuring you apply the policies correctly.

Legal Documents: Tackling Complex Workplace Regulations

Legal documents on the ACT® WorkKeys test often include contracts or agreements with formal language. For instance, you may encounter workplace regulations or employment contracts. Thus, understanding these complex documents requires careful reading to identify obligations and restrictions. Additionally, you’ll need to apply the legal terms to specific situations.

Practice reading this sample document below:

Subject: Employee Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

Employees must not disclose any confidential information during or after employment. Violating this agreement may result in legal action.

Take a look at these strategies for interpreting legal workplace documents: 

• Spot Key Legal Terms: First, identify important terms like “confidential” or “legal action.” These will guide your understanding of the document’s main rules.
• Understand the Agreement’s Conditions: Next, focus on the specific requirements, such as not disclosing information during or after employment.
• Apply the Legal Rules: Finally, think about how these legal terms might apply to real-life situations

Multiple Related Documents: Connecting Information from Different Sources

Sometimes, the ACT® WorkKeys test gives you more than one document to review. For example, you may see two emails or a memo and a policy. Therefore, it’s important to understand how the documents relate to each other. Moreover, you’ll need to connect the information to answer the questions correctly.

Practice reading these sample workplace documents below:

Email 1:
Subject: New Company Policy Changes
Hi Team,
Please review the updated policies attached. These changes will begin on Monday, March 1st. It’s important that everyone reads the updates by Friday, February 26th. Managers will be checking in to make sure all team members understand the changes. If you have any questions, reach out to HR.

Thanks,
Susan

Memo:
Subject: Policy Changes Starting March 1st
To All Employees,
Beginning Monday, March 1st, the following policy changes will take effect:

• All employees must submit their timesheets by 5:00 PM on Fridays.
• Lunch breaks are now 30 minutes instead of 1 hour.
• Overtime requests must be approved by your supervisor in advance.

Make sure your team is aware of these changes. Managers will confirm by end of day Friday, February 26th, that all staff have reviewed the new policies. For any questions, contact HR.

Check out these helpful strategies for multiple related documents:

• Compare the Documents: First, find details that are repeated in both documents (e.g., March 1st as the start date, and February 26th as the deadline to review).
• Connect the Information: Next, look at how the email and memo support each other (e.g., both stress the importance of reviewing the policy changes and the role of managers).
• Use Both to Answer: Finally, combine information from both documents to ensure your answer is accurate and complete.

Boost Your ACT® WorkKeys Skills with Albert

Understanding workplace documents is important for the ACT® WorkKeys test. You’ll need to work with different types like informational, instructional, and legal documents. If you want more practice, check out Albert’s Workplace Documents Course. It offers easy-to-follow practice questions for all document types and helps you build confidence. Start improving your skills with Albert today!