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Robert Plamondon <robert -at- PLAMONDON -dot- COM> wrote:
>>>People rarely read writing samples, so make sure that any samples
you hand out include the most attractive-looking stuff you've ever
been involved with, regardless of what it says, or whether all you
did was copy-edit the last two pages.<<<
Emily Skarzenski replied:
Uh, I gotta disagree with this. When I was interviewing candidates for
tech writing positions, I insisted that they leave writing samples
with me (which I would return, if they wanted) so that I could examine
their writing closely. I've also had my work closely read by people
who interviewed me.
We've had several threads over the last few months about certification
and how to determine whether or not a tech writer is qualified. I
believe most of the opinions came down to the proof being in the
pudding: that is, how well can the person actually write?
It may be true that many employers are not checking writing samples
closely and just want to see something pretty. But be aware that
employers who do know how to hire tech writers probably are reading
your work -- and they're the ones you want to work for.
I have to second what Emily stated. When we recently interviewed
candidates for a technical writer position, we spent the majority
of our time reviewing and comparing the candidates' writing
samples. We discussed at length how the different style and
levels fit in with our "ideal" candidate.
If a company doesn't show much interest in your writing
ability, it might not be a company worth working for. If
management isn't interested in how you do your job, how can they
have much interest in you?
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^-- ^--
"Get a long little doggie!"
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Dave Meek
