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.
I'm in transition from independent to captive. (Currently a contractor,
with negotiations going on regarding a "permanent" position.)
When the question of writing samples came up in my interviews, I told them
that my government work was all classified and that I did not have
permission from other clients to use their documents for this purpose.
Nothing more was said of the issue and we went on to discuss their problems
and my abilities to help solve those problems.
I believe that only HR-types ask for samples because they don't know what
else to ask. Documentation managers are more interested in you and your
abilities.
