TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Based on my participation in a number of interviews, here are some things we
look for:
Collaboration skills
Can this person work effectively with programmers? If the programmer is not
from the same culture, can this person still work effectively? Is this
person able to work under an editor who, due to time constraints, may not
always be diplomatic?
Language skills
Does this person write well? Can this person learn to write according to a
new style guide? Is this person able to learn new language skills on the
job? Can this person write quickly?
Technical skills
Does this person have the required software and hardware skills? Does this
person know how to use on-line documentation tools? Can this person
understand complex concepts and explain them to the user effectively?
Good luck.
Lee S. Tesdell
> We are looking at making some changes to the tech writing degree here at
> Texas A&M Corpus Christi. This is directed toward those of you who hire
> tech writers right out of college. What types of
> classes/activities/skills/portfolio work do you look for in an
> undergraduate experience?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Susan Loudermilk
>
