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> This is a pretty basic question, but it has been a while
> since I've been job-hunting. My work is well respected at my current
> position, and there are at least 20 people I could use as references.
> Who would be the best 3 or 4? Other tech writers, my supervisors, the
> engineers, the CEO, head of personnel? I write software manuals, proposals,
> govt. requirments documents, etc. for a space hardware developer.
I generally only use two or three references
and select writers who managed me first (no matter
what their job title is/was).
Second choice is programmers or other software-
savvy people who managed me.
If I'm applying for a management position, I'll
almost always include a writer that I managed.
Depending on the job, I may use peers (but I've
seldom needed to or been asked to.
Way down the list are personnel managers and other
people who did not have direct contact with me and
my job performance from day to day.
I'd say the most important thing (other than making
sure that the reference actually has something good
to say about you, of course) is to select those who
are most familiar with your skills (writing *and*
project/people management).
Hope this helps!
Sue Gallagher
sgallagher -at- starbasecorp -dot- com
