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Bill Swallow said:
>
> I've been in the interviewer's chair a few times.
> Personally, I expect that you've written technical
> info, published to print and online, and have worked
> on help files if you're interviewing for anything
> other than an entry-level position. Seeing what you've
> done brings me little comfort as to your ability to do
> it. I'd much rather you talked about it, especially
> your challenges. How you talk about what you did is
> much more valuable than showing me the end result.
> *Anyone* could have done that portfolio for you... If
> you can talk me through your best and worst days, best
> and worst projects, and really show me you know your
> stuff, well, who cares about the portfolio, really.
> I've already "seen" all I need with which to make a
> decision.
> =================
One thing I would like to interject is that in many places I have
interviewed, there was an HR or boss' boss person in the mix. Someone
NOT a tech writer was involved more times than not.
While peers may not need samples, I have found HR/others very happy to
see my portfolio. This was the concrete evidence that they wanted to
see. I've had interviews where the "BOSS" popped in for about 15
minutes, told me some basics, flipped through what I had, and was
satisfied. I am positive that if I did not have my portfolio that the
"BOSS" might have had more questions about me.
So, before we dismiss the portfolio, remember they are a very useful
tool for some of our audience. Let's not forget about all of the groups
of people who may be your potential audience at your next job.
-Dan Glovier, who believes that a picture of 1000 words is worth, like,
a lot of words
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