RE: Maybe things ARE getting better...

["Wright, Lynne" <lwright -at- positron911 -dot- com>]

There would be no point in specifying excelling writing skills as a job
requirement for a tech writer, because:

1) it's implicit that a writing job requires good writing skills.

2) as we all know, there are plenty of people who THINK they have
excellent writing skills... and obviously they WOULD think that if they
are applying for a writing job... when actually they aren't very good at
all. We include excellent English writing skills in our job descriptions
(especially since here in Quebec, the official first language is
French), yet we got several applicants who clearly had a weak grasp of
english... and several of the ENGLISH speakers weren't much better. 

In general, people seem to think that if they know what a noun and a
verb are, and are vaguely familiar with how to use a comma, that makes
them a competent writer. 

-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-techwr-l-149168 -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Behalf Of Chuck
Martin
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2004 2:46 PM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Re: Maybe things ARE getting better...



Bonnie Granat wrote:
> 
>>Yes, but where's the one that says something along the lines 
>>of "Excellent writing skills required, including how to 
>>design and produce communication that is audience appropriate."
>>
> 
> 
> That would certainly indicate they needed someone like that.
> 

In most TW job posts, I see requirements that include proficiency in any

number of tools and technologies, but rarely do I see a requirement for 
good writing skills. Having seen the output of many people with the 
title of "technical writer" or similar, I'd say that it would behoove 
many companies to add that as a requirement. Assuming that the title of 
"technical writer" automatically bestows good writing ability is a 
fool's hope.


-- 
--
Chuck Martin
User Assistance & Experience Engineer
twriter "at" sonic "dot" net         
"I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.
The day may come when the courage of Men fail, when we forsake our
friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day!
This day, we fight!"
                                                      - Aragorn

"All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given you."
                                                      - Gandalf



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