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Do we need a "writing test", or are we trying to establish core competencies
for a TW candidate?
1. Knows standard proofreader's symbols
2. Knows about Strunk & White's little book
3. Knows what a "format guide" is (MLA, APA, Chicago)
4. Can edit 5-10 sentences of varying complexity
5. Types with more than two fingers
6. How do they tackle SME non-response
(do they literally tackle the SME or are they capable of a more subtle
but effective tactic?)
They will have submitted writing samples before the interview, and I will
have some questions ready to help me confirm to my own satisfaction that the
candidate really was the author.
I might also give them a list of five technical subjects, ask them to pick
one and write a paragraph about it in ten or fifteen minutes.
BTW -- this has been a very helpful thread for me! I haven't interviewed TW
candidates for quite a while, but I might see if I can get a summer intern
this year -- probably a high school or junior college kid -- so I'm looking
at much more basic levels than I do when I'm looking at a candidate who
already holds a techcomm degree. Gosh, those "core competency" items do
apply across the board!
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