Hiring an entry-level writer

["Smith, Martin" <martin -dot- smith -at- encorp -dot- com>]

Hi fellow tech writers,

Well it finally happened: I just received approval to hire a full-time,
entry-level technical writer. I have been the only full-time technical
writer up until this point.

When I wrote the job description and filled out the forms to begin
recruiting for the position, I was determined to avoid placing the kind of
add that I have come to loath over the years--mainly ones that focus solely
on a grocery list of software applications. Rather, I want to recruit
someone who can write clearly, possesses the technical aptitude to
comprehend the material, and wants to begin a technical writing career. I
plan on sending the new-hire to a week-long FrameMaker class and refuse to
disqualify people who don't know how to use the program. At the same time, I
think candidates applying for the position should be prepared to submit a
writing sample, even if they don't have a portfolio of previously published
work.

I was wondering what kind of advice others on the list might want to offer
when it comes to recruiting entry-level writers, as well as helping them to
succeed once on the job.

Thanks,

Martin R Smith

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