Re: Hiring a Writer with little experience

[Margie Greskewicz <margie -at- csleboda -dot- com>]

Rasil asked:

<snip>
The question is: how much of an interest should I take in the hiring of my
replacement?

"Newbie" answers:

Rasil,

I know others have responded with concerns about the condition of 
your resignation and organizational policies on training.  While I 
agree you must consider the nature of your departure and the 
environment and policies of the organization, I thought I would offer 
my perspective as a "newbie" to the field.

I would appreciate any friendly advice or suggestions a former 
employee could make that would ease my transition into a new 
environment.  Of course I wouldn't want to hear any strong, personal 
opinions or office politics that would predispose me to a certain 
view, especially if I am unaware of the nature of an employee's 
departure.

However, if there are important concerns, such as no engineer taking 
interest in the documentation, I would like to be forewarned in a 
non-threatening manner.  It would even be better if the employee took 
an interest in my position and offered some help in learning the 
basics of the technology, especially if there isn't any training or a 
considerable amount of time for adjustment.  I'm not saying a former 
employee needs to go to great lengths for his or her replacement, but 
it would be great if the former employee offered support and 
guidance.

Also, consider that whether you are a "newbie" or "seasoned veteran" 
the transitional phase to a new position goes much more smoothly when 
someone takes an interest in your success.

"Newbie" Margie Greskewicz
Graduate Student
Technical and Science Communication
Drexel University