TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I agree with Melissa. Food is a great ice breaker. I keep a bowl of
candy on a table by my door. I now have engineers dropping by
occasionally to snag a piece of chocolate. I always take a few pieces of
candy to an interview or review session.
Whenever possible, I leave a copy of the relevant pages from the
document with my question(s) clearly stated. (before the interview, if
possible) If the engineer knows the scope of the questions, I get better
cooperation. And often, they will pop by with the pages I left and give
me the answers.
------------
Lots of you have already shared many helpful interviewing tips. I
agree with many of them. Here's one more:
Bring food to the interview. Doughnuts, cookies, popcorn, fruit, it
almost doesn't even matter. I had one SME who wouldn't make time for
me at all until another tech writer started feeding her. Now she's
one of my buds and will give me any information I want. It's the halo
effect, I guess.
