Re: Help -- staffing issues

[sam stuhlman <stuhlman -at- NETCOM -dot- COM>]

On Tue, 18 Oct 1994, Paula Reynolds wrote:

> Folks,

> Where to begin?  From the beginning, I suppose.  I'm a technical writer
> for a manufacturing firm.  I don't have a background in either tech

[snip, snip about your background]

Nor do a lot of people who manage writers, or who wrtie for that matter.
Don't worry.

 >
[snipped more background stuff and your boss's orders]




> I feel at a disadvantage in a couple areas.  First, I'm not sure how to
> handle this situation.  The other technical writer could *theoretically*
> return to work at any time, so we're not hiring someone.  What we want is
> someone to come in and learn the way we do things (maybe 4-6 weeks of
> training) and then be available to do work on an as-needed basis.  Does
> this seem feasible?

First, look for a contractor who is willing to work within your training
and as-needed guidelines.  If you can be flexible, certainly you can find
someone who will work with you.  If you find someone who's experienced,
you may not need 4-6 weeks of training.  I contract, and have done so for
more than 7 years, and I'm always expected to come up to speed in the
first few weeks at the most.  Often, they expect me to follow style, etc.
rom the very first day!

I rarely have a style guide to work from, but my experience allows me to
look at existing documentation and imitate existing style.  You would be
saving yourself a lot of your time if you can convince your boss to allow
you to bring someone in to develop a style guide and an overall "look" to
your documentation. It adds credibility in the users' eyes and allows you
to use contract help with a minimum of hand-holding.


> Second, I'd like guidelines on *how* to hire a writer.  How do I evaluate
> from their resumes/samples?  I've never taken a writing/editing test, so
> I wouldn't know where to begin in designing one (and I also don't have
> the time).

Next, don't be afraid to hire someone who knows more than you do.  You
can learn a lot about writing while he or she is there andyou and your
company will be richer for it. Don't be afraid to listen and get advice
either.  It will help your career.  With regard to *how*, use the STC as
someone already advised you.  Check with other writers in other companies
to see if they have writers they work with.

When you talk to writers, get samples.  See if you like what they wrote.
Evaluate in terms of your customers.  Get references and check them.
Write your contract in a way that if you don't like the person you can
get rid of 'em easily.

You can try using a contract agency who will prescreen, if there are any
where you are. (There are a few reputable ones here in Atlanta. I don't
know where you are, but if you want to email me privately, I may be able
to recommend one.)

And, of course, you could always hire me :-).  I'll telecommute.
**Hey everyone don't flame me on that one. I'm just trying to keep her
options open.**

> paular -at- hispeed -dot- mhs -dot- compuserve -dot- com

Sam Stuhlman
The Ion Group
stuhlman -at- netcom -dot- com