Re: How To Choose A Good TW Was Re: Giving a surprise test to interviewees?

[David Neeley <dbneeley -at- gmail -dot- com>]

Eric,

One difference is that a carpenter who doesn't perform well is fired
on the spot and without a drawn-out process. Another is that for the
carpenter, it is relatively simple to get another to pick up where the
last one stopped without the project suffering. Thus, the analogy
fails when you attempt to push it too far.

Others have commented about the lamentable practice that some have in
using "writing samples" produced by others.

In my experience, technical understanding sufficient to deal with the
subject matter is also a sine qua non for a tech writer. However,
given any choice in the matter, I would also want to see a relatively
high level of English skill.

Too many people in our profession hire non-technical people for
editing--and pay them much less than the technical writers. In my
view, this is often a false economy. Instead, I would propose it makes
more sense to have a lead writer as the group mentor and editor. That
gives better continuity throughout a document set and gives immediate
guidance to those who may be having problems--before those problems
rebound to the detriment of the deliverables involved.

As to what might be the best method of determining an applicant's true
abilities...please remember we are terrifically constrained by the
legal restrictions on what can be said about a former colleague or
employee without fear of being involved in a lawsuit shortly
thereafter. This means that we often have insufficient ability to
truly evaluate anyone, for we cannot depend upon a fair and accurate
assessment from former associates.

When we couple this reality with the predilection of some to claim the
authorship of materials not in fact their own, then it becomes
increasingly useful to seek some sort of objective evaluation of their
abilities.

I would agree with you that a simple grammar test is not at all
comprehensive. However, it can be a very fast and relatively simple
screening tool.

Whether on a test or in an interview, I would also expect to give or
to see questions regarding the technology. The two are by no means
contradictory.

Are all technologists good at the mechanics of writing? Of course not!
Those who are not, though, should be loathe to describe themselves as
"writers."

Cordially,

David

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