WorkKeys Observation cheat sheet

Percent change = (new − old) ÷ old × 100; a negative result is a decrease.

To find a part: part = percent × whole; convert percent to decimal by dividing by 100.

Unit rate = quantity ÷ time; use it to scale to other time periods.

Average (mean) = sum of values ÷ number of values.

Proportion: a/b = c/d; cross-multiply to solve for an unknown.

Area of rectangle = length × width; area of triangle = ½ × base × height.

Total cost = unit price × quantity + fees; compare totals to choose the lower-cost option.

When mixing solutions, amount of substance = concentration × volume; total substance is the sum of parts.

On a line graph, the horizontal axis (x) is independent and the vertical axis (y) is dependent.

A bar graph compares categories; a line graph shows change over time; a pie chart shows parts of a whole.

To read a value on a graph, locate the point on one axis, follow the gridline to the data point, then read across to the other axis.

Scale intervals: count the spaces between labeled tick marks and divide the label difference by the number of spaces.

Legend/key maps colors or symbols to categories; match the symbol before interpreting data.

A trend is increasing if the line rises left to right, decreasing if it falls, flat if horizontal.

In a table, row and column headers define what each cell represents; read both before using a value.

Gantt charts show task duration as horizontal bars; the bar length equals the time span.

Policy statements use 'must' for required actions and 'may' for optional ones.

In a memo, the header lines (TO, FROM, DATE, SUBJECT) identify audience and purpose before the body.

Procedures are read in order; skipping a step can invalidate the result or violate policy.

A contract's terms are binding once signed; look for effective dates, renewal, and termination clauses.

When two documents conflict, the more specific or more recent document usually governs.

Safety warnings use signal words: DANGER (most severe), WARNING, CAUTION (least severe).

To find a specific fact in a long document, scan for headings, bold text, or keywords rather than reading every line.

An email's reply chain should be read from the most recent message backward to understand context.

A system's input is processed to produce an output; feedback adjusts the process.

Preventive maintenance is scheduled at set intervals; corrective maintenance occurs after a failure.

In a series circuit, one break stops current everywhere; in a parallel circuit, other branches keep working.

Torque = force × distance from the pivot; increasing distance increases torque for the same force.

A thermostat is a closed-loop control because it measures actual temperature and adjusts the heater.

Gears: a larger gear turns slower and with more torque than a smaller meshing gear.

Machine guards and lockout/tagout protect workers during maintenance; never bypass a guard.

Troubleshooting order: verify the problem, check the simplest causes first, then test components.

Use active voice: 'The team approved the plan' is clearer than 'The plan was approved by the team.'

State the main point in the first sentence or paragraph of a business message.

Keep sentences short; split any sentence that contains more than one main idea.

Use parallel structure in lists: all items should start with the same part of speech.

Choose precise words: 'daily' instead of 'on a daily basis'; 'because' instead of 'due to the fact that.'

In a bad-news message, use a buffer, then the reason, then the decision, then a forward-looking close.

Proofread for subject-verb agreement and pronoun reference before sending.

Format with headings, bullet points, and white space to make long messages scannable.

Observation means noting what is actually present, not inferring intent or motive.

Record facts (time, location, action) separately from opinions or judgments.

Compare observed behavior to a written standard or procedure to identify a deviation.

Watch for safety hazards: blocked exits, missing guards, spills, and improper lifting.

Change detection: compare the current state to a known baseline to spot differences.

Sequence matters: note the order of events to determine cause and effect.

Use all senses where safe; unusual sounds, smells, or vibrations can signal equipment problems.

When reporting an observation, include who, what, when, where, and how, without blame.

Match tasks to strengths: detail-oriented people suit inspection and record-keeping; outgoing people suit customer contact.

A job description lists required skills, duties, and working conditions; compare your traits to each.

Reliability is shown by punctuality, consistent attendance, and following through on commitments.

Teamwork requires sharing information, offering help, and resolving disagreements respectfully.

Adaptability means adjusting to new procedures or priorities without losing productivity.

Integrity means following rules even when unobserved and reporting your own mistakes.

In a fit assessment, distinguish can-do (skills) from will-do (motivation) factors.

Ask clarifying questions when instructions are unclear; guessing increases error risk.