RE: A Request for Some Help

[jgarison -at- ide -dot- com]

Technical Writing Survey for those who HIRE and FIRE
technical writers

Job Title:						Documentation
Manager
Name (Optional):					John Garison
Contact Phone Number (Optional):		978-402-2907
Business/Corporation/Company (Optional):	http://www.ide.com

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Please evaluate the statements in PART A according to the
following scale:

1 = Always False
2 = Sometimes False
3 = Undecided
4 = Sometimes True
5 = Always True

PART A

You hire technical writers who have gained no experience in
the field prior to employment within your business/corporation/company:
1 - I work for a start-up and we require people with experience. As we grow,
I may consider more junior or even entry-level positions.


You hire technical writers who have experience in technical
writing:
5

You feel an applicant with a strong portfolio of experience is more
attractive than an applicant with certification in technical writing from a
college, university, or technical school:
4


Most members of your technical writing staff have obtained their experience
within 100 miles of your location:
4

Applicants who have earned a certificate in technical writing from a
college, university , or technical school but have no experience in the
field are more attractive to you as an employer than applicants with no
experience and no certification:
2

Members of your technical writing staff hold degrees in areas other than
technical writing:
4

Members of your technical writing staff hold no degree:
2

Members of your technical writing staff hold a degree of higher rank than
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science:
2


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Please evaluate the statements in PART B according to the
following scale:

1 = Never
2 = Sometimes
3 = Always

PART B

You feel that new technical writers you employ are not completely prepared
for the position
through their education: 
3

You would hire a technical writer who has gained no experience in the field:

1 - See comment above

You feel that colleges, universities, and technical schools should work with
businesses and
corporations to decide the educational curriculum for future technical
writers:
2

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Please answer the questions in PART C with short phrases,
lists, or sentences:


PART C

What is the most valuable skill(s) you look for in a technical writer?

Attitude- willing to learn, try, achieve



If you were asked to help decide topics for an introductory technical
writing course at a college, university, or technical school, which key
topics would you suggest?

I have been teaching (adjunct faculty) at local universities for 18 years in
technical writing programs. I have a full syllabus - email me and I'll send
you a copy.

 


What is the most common mistake that technical writers in your employment
make?
They all make different ones!




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