writing tests

[Sherri Hall <shall -at- HILCO -dot- COM>]

Ron, and others,
        Not true.  There are A LOT of companies, ours included, that
        give coding tests to engineers they're considering for hire.
        Saves a lot of time--for everyone--in the long run.

        I'm sure most of you would never do this, but we've had two people
        interview for a writing job that lied about their writing
        samples and their degrees!  Anyone can show a writing sample
        and call it his/her own.  If we didn't have a writing test,
        we would have gotten burned--twice!
        Face the facts:  it's a dog-eat-dog world.  But unlike
        Norm on Cheers, we're not wearing milkbone underwear.  If we're
        equipped with talent, experience, etc., our writing test
        removes any doubts in our abilities raised from the
        interviewing process.

        No, you don't have to jump through these hoops.  But there are
        plenty of people--talented, experienced, etc.,--who will.  But
        don't take offense.  Even prestigious jobs like
        doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc., have to take competency tests.

> I really bristle when I read about "compentency" tests. I can't think of
> anything more insulting. If you want to know about my work, read my writing
> samples; that should show you how I write. If you don't like my writing,
> don't hire me, but don't try make jump through some technical writing hoop
> either.

> I'm sure most companies wouldn't consider having an engineer do a "test"
> design of a toaster before they hire him/her.
--
Sherri Hall (shall -at- hilco -dot- com)