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I've been a tech writer for over ten years. I've only been asked to take a
writing test once (my present job). I had to document (my choice) how to
use either an ATM machine or a vending machine.
BTW, I was really upset when I learned much later that other writers (with
less experience) were not tested.
IMHO you should either hire based upon samples, or conditionally hire for
60-90 days and reevaluate. The second choice amounts to entering into a
short term contract. It gives both the employer and the writer a chance to
strut their stuff...and change their mind.
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At 10:01 AM 3/2/95 -0500, Emily Skarzenski wrote:
>I'm fairly new at hiring other writers, and I'm interested in some discussion
>on
>having job candidates take writing tests. Do most of you who hire writers use
>tests? If so, do you purchase them or do you make them up? What specific skills
>do you test for? Is editing included?
>I look forward to learning from your replies.
>Emily Skarzenski
>Head Technical Writer
>Fastech, Inc. - Broomall, PA
>71220 -dot- 341 -at- compuserve -dot- com
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Regards,
Marc
M_a_r_c_ A. _S_a_n_t_a_c_r_o_c_e_________________________
Technical Writer/Trainer
TRW Financial Systems, Inc.
300 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA 94612-3540
santa -at- tfs -dot- com santacroce -at- aol -dot- com
"An idiot with a computer is a faster, better idiot"
- Rich Julius
