Re: Re[2]: Certification Redux

[Bill DuBay <bill_dubay -at- PHOENIX -dot- COM>]

Arlen,
  Aren't objective standards important here? It is quite possible that your
work stinks, yet you and your employer both think it is grand. Getting some
way of more objectively identifying and evaluating skills is why every
professional organization has certification. Even us.

Bill DuBay
Technical Writer
Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
email: bill_dubay -at- phoenix -dot- com
(714)790-2049 FAX: (714)790-2001
http://www.phoenix.com
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Original Text
From: "Walker, Arlen P" <Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- COM>, on 6/17/97 5:32 AM:
      How can people know you are good?

By reading what I've written.

      Can you depend upon the interviewing company to have a clear
      knowledge of how to recognize a good writer?

Let's flip it around: if they *can't* recognize quality work when they see
it, do you *want* to work for them? We seem to forget the hiring process is
a transaction, with *two* parties that need to be satisfied with the
results. If they can recognize quality work and hire you because of it, you
have some assurance (yes, it's not a guarantee, but there are no guarantees
in this life) that they want you to continue to produce that level of
quality. OTOH, if they hire you because of a piece of paper, there's no
indication at all that they know what your standards are and how they will
affect their approach to documentation. The hiring transaction then becomes
a blind transaction, with neither side knowing what to expect. This is an
improvement?

      But especially important would be a certificate from my professional
      peers testifying that I have the skills they consider essential. That
      would be very satisfying to me.

And there's a primary difference between us. I don't give much thought to
what other writers think of my skills. That the *least* important opinion.
Much more important to me are what *I* think of my skills, and what my
employer thinks of my skills. Praise and criticism from third parties,
while welcome, is strictly non-essential.


Have fun,
Arlen
Chief Managing Director In Charge, Department of Redundancy Department
DNRC 224

Arlen -dot- P -dot- Walker -at- JCI -dot- Com
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In God we trust; all others must provide data.
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