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Re: How To Choose A Good TW Was Re: Giving a surprise test to interviewees?
Subject:Re: How To Choose A Good TW Was Re: Giving a surprise test to interviewees? From:Lee Hunter <leeghunter -at- gmail -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Sun, 20 Mar 2005 18:58:49 -0500
Tony Markos wrote:
> Another great thing: Interviewers should always ask:
> "What makes you unique as a Technical Writer?". The
> highest priority of the better job-search training
> programs is having their attendees drill on whats
> commonly referred to as their "30 Second Self Promo
> Commercial". And in it's most powerful form, that
> pitch is "My name is X, and WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUE as a
> Technical Writer is Y."
What does it reveal about the writer if I ask a ritual question and
receive a canned response? It shows that the writer has attended one
of the "better job-search training programs" and has constructed a
pitch that she thinks will impressive me, but have I really learned
anything of value?
And why should I care whether the writer is 'unique'? It seems a
little more realistic to ask "Why do you believe you are a *good*
technical writer?" or, even better, "Why do think you're a good fit
for this job?".
I'd rather spend an interview challenging the specifics of the
candidate's knowledge and abilities. If she can convince me that she
has the right skills and personality for the position, I'll hire her.
She doesn't have to be unique, just the best person for the job.
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