Re: Writing Test

Subject: Re: Writing Test
From: "Paul Goble" <pgcommunication -at- gmail -dot- com>
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 11:53:58 -0700

On 12/14/06, Sarah Bouchier <Sarah -dot- Bouchier -at- exony -dot- com> wrote:

I think I'd've started writing, got to about the hundred, paused, and
then turned around and asked, "'package' as in 'set of written
documentation' or 'package' as in 'software tool for writing
documentation'?"

As an interviewee, I think I would have done the same, possibly
adding, "'package' as in 'shrink-wrapped or boxed'?"

As an interviewer, I can imagine myself constructing a similar writing
test. I'd primarily be looking for a willingness to ask questions.
Where I work, someone who blindly follows directions and who makes
assumptions about the information needs of their audience probably
won't make a good tech writer.

The test would also help me screen out candidates who were completely
illiterate or who were unwilling or unable to self-edit and avoid
logorrhea. The answer could serve as the starting point for a
discussion about what information users need and how that information
could be delivered.

Of course, I'd need to recognize that people behave differently under
the pressure of a job interview. In practice, I'd also consider
whether there might be a better way to evaluate the attitude I'm
looking for, one which wouldn't engender hostility in a candidate I'm
trying to woo.

--
Paul Goble
Colorado Springs, Colorado
techwr-l: pgcommunication -at- gmail -dot- com
everything else: pg -at- pgcommunication -dot- com
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References:
Writing Test: From: James Barrow
RE: Writing Test: From: Sarah Bouchier

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