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:Re: Half Day Interview From:barryk -at- MDHOST -dot- CSE -dot- TEK -dot- COM Date:Thu, 8 May 1997 13:05:52 -0700
On Thu, 8 May 1997, Michael Clark wrote:
> A potential employer of mine said they would like me to spend "at least
> a half a day" with them for an interview.
>
> What in the world would we do over a half day?! Should I prepare for it
> any any differently than I would other interviews?
>
> Thanks,
> Michael
>
Michael:
Many employers are looking for the whole package, not just a key tapper.
Now a days it is quite common to straddle an interview over lunch. This
way you have the oppertunity to meet the "person" not just the "technical
writing tool". You get an idea of the persons hobbies and how they might
fit in.
Sure you may be a great writer, technically sound, and know the tools of
the trade. But if you do not "click" with your potental co-workers, you
will be less then the prefect find for the position.
Many companies (and people in general) are happy to hire a person who may
be less the the perfect technical match, just because they will be easy or
even fun and enjoyable to work with.
Remember, when you join a company, you are in fact joining a "family".
Like most technical writers, I spend eight to ten hours a day with my
co-workers. I do not spend anywhere that amount of time with my spouse!
When interviewing, be yourself (albet better behaved then in real life)
and after you meet each person try to figure out how that person will be
like to work with. If the interviewer creeps you out, acts angry, or
uninterested, imagine what a butt head he or she would be like working for
day in and day out.
Interviewing is a "feeling" out process for the both of you. It is kinda
like dateing. It is real hard to form an intelligent opinion about someone
in two hours. So be yourself, ask questions, and see if you are
comfortable with THEM.
Good Luck!
Barry Kieffer
Tektronix
(No I do not work for personnel)
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
