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Ditto on going with you gut, however if you need something to back you up:
1) Did you review portfolio items? Was this person able to explain how the document was created, challenges, what they would do differently?
2) develop a writing/editing test--lots of archived discussion on this, but I believe it's a key part of identifying the right person.
3) who makes the final decision? If it's a joint decision, how does the colleague other than your boss view this candidate?
4) Suggest to your boss that a refusal to bend does NOT indicate problem-solving abilities--somebody who cannot adjust on the fly, adjust to the personality of the SME, or accomodate schedule changes will quickly find themselves with a pile of declined meeting invitations, no material, and probably a very large chip on her shoulder. That's not exactly an ability to solve problems and hardly gets you or your boss to where you need to go with the project,
Connie P. Giordano
The Right Words
Communications & Information Design
(704) 957-8450 (cell)
www.therightwords.com
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney
> -------Original Message-------
> From: Michelle Vina-Baltsas <Michelle_Vina-Baltsas -at- datascope -dot- com>
> Subject: Re: re Interviewing Tech Writers
> Sent: 10 May '07 12:45
>
> While it is good to have another opinion, I would suggest that you go with
> your gut reaction and keep interviewing.
>
> Thank you,
> Michelle Vina-Baltsas
> Technical Writer
> Datascope Corporation, Patient Monitoring
> 201.995.8350
> michelle_vina-baltsas -at- datascope -dot- com
>
>
>
> "Des Rivieres, Lynne" <DesriL -at- parl -dot- gc -dot- ca>
> Sent by:
> techwr-l-bounces+michelle_vina-baltsas=datascope -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> 05/10/2007 01:04 PM
>
> To
> <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
> cc
>
> Subject
> re Interviewing Tech Writers
>
>
>
>
>
>
> I spent some time with my boss and another colleague
> interviewing TW for a project that is coming up. There is nothing
> specific I can put my finger on, but I suspect one of the people is a
> nit-picker and would not be very effective at producing documentation.
> The person asked too many questions about formats and templates and who
> is responsible for that; I had explained earlier about having templates
> and formats ready. Also, this person expects SMEs to give her straight
> answers because the time was booked to this discuss this; I don't think
> she is realistic.
>
> The boss liked this person because he saw a pattern of
> problem-solving; I saw it as someone who wants his/her way. I explained
> to the boss that I didn't think this person would fit in because things
> don't happen exactly as you want them, so I would rather have someone
> who can switch gear easily and get something done. This person seems to
> need someone to hold their hand when I want someone who has discipline
> and initiative.
>
> Am I reading too much into this person? I will be the
> senior
> the TW will report to and I need help. Any suggestions or ideas before
> the final decision is made?
>
> Lynne Des Rivieres
>
>
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printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
Now shipping: Help & Manual 4 with RoboHelp(r) import! New editor,
full Unicode support. Create help files, web-based help and PDF in up
to 106 languages with Help & Manual: http://www.helpandmanual.com
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