TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Tests to Select Competent Writers From:Ellen Adams <ellena -at- TOLSTOY -dot- SC -dot- TI -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 7 Mar 1995 10:07:20 CST
Tech Writers,
What about psychological tests? Any other tech writer
have to endure one of those? I was up for a position
as a technical editor with a West Coast-based software
vendor. The company flew me from Austin, Texas out to LA,
where I was interviewed by company bigwigs, given a tour
of the company, and given a four-and-half-hour psychological exam
(administered to me by a medical professional in Tustin, CA).
Sample test question:
What would you rather be?:
a. an accomplished painter earning large sums for your canvases
b. a well-compensated full-back on a winning football team
c. a real-estate salesman winning top awards and commissions
(I believe the answer the company was seeking was B.
It would say: "Team Player." True to my creative nature and
not really a seller or a sports fan, I chose A.)
I guess I flunked, because I flew back to Texas, and never
heard from the company again.
Drug tests are okay. I don't mind; I don't do drugs. But
psychological tests? I detest them. These exams are not a measure of
talent. They're not even a good measure of subservience and loyalty.
Ellen Adams
ellena -at- tolstoy -dot- sc -dot- ti -dot- com
