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Subject:RE: Editing and writing tests for jobs From:"Giordano, Connie" <Connie -dot- Giordano -at- FMR -dot- COM> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 15 May 2002 11:51:44 -0400
Well it's about time this topic reared its head again :)
Many experienced writers are insulted by writing tests. I use them whenever
possible, having been burned more than once by supposedly experienced
writers who could barely figure out how to turn the PC on, much less how to
interpret a workflow, and write comprehensibly. I however, never use the
"how to tie your shoelaces" or "how to make a PBJ sandwich" variety. I
typically present an introductory, or fairly simple UI that's already been
documented and ask the candidate to do so, with some background on typical
users, power users, etc. No time limits, no limits on questions that can be
asked of me, no limits on how to structure the document. Gotten some
amazing results that way, and figured out pretty quickly who could fit into
an environment, who has the savvy to ask questions, and who's not afraid to
push the envelope of traditional doc.
Not everyone's cup of tea, but it worked extremely well for me.
MTC
Connie P. Giordano
Senior Technical Writer
Advisor Technology Services
A Fidelity Investments Company
704-330-2069 (w)
704-330-2350 (f)
704-957-8450 (c)
connie -dot- giordano -at- fmr -dot- com <mailto:connie -dot- giordano -at- fmr -dot- com>
"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to
do it." - Pablo Picasso
-----Original Message-----
From: Cara O Sullivan [mailto:cara_osullivan -at- modusmedia -dot- com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2002 11:43 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Editing and writing tests for jobs
Hi TechWhirlers--
I have a question out of pure curiosity--
For those who are looking for work and are experienced tech writers, have
you encountered many potential employers who use editing or writing tests to
screen candidates?
And if so, what do you think of that tactic? Personnally, I would use it
only for an entry-level position, but not use it as the only determining
factor; I would think an experienced writer's resume and references would
say more about their abilities and expertise rather than a test.
What do those of you who are hiring managers say?
What do you job seekers say?
Cara O'Sullivan
Documentation Writer
QA Testing & Deployment Group
Global Software Development, P&T
Modus Media - Lindon, Utah
Ph. (801) 431-8550
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