RE: A Question for Newbies and Intermediate

[Bill Swallow <bill_swallow -at- yahoo -dot- com>]

[Sheldon Kohn asks:]
     I am asking for advice and perspectives based on 
     your experience when you entered the tech comms 
     field. ... we made an offer and received an 
     acceptance from an entry-level person.
     I have identified some tasks that our new writer 
     can perform immediately to start being 
     productive. ... I find myself wondering what
     types of activities, projects, and assignments 
     are most useful. 
[end original post]

I'd say you should do the following (not listed in any
order, other than the order in which my brain works
*g*):

  * Take the writer around and introduce him/her to 
    the developers, QA folks, SMEs and others in the 
    know. Knowing who to turn to for what information 
    is extremely important.
  * Allow the writer time to get used to the 
    environment (tools, network, climate, tasks). A 
    seasoned writer can jump right into a sink or swim

    situation with no problem, as they usually bring 
    their own boat and oars). A new writer needs to 
    get organized and learn the nature of the work and

    business.
  * Give the writer small but important tasks at first

    and build up to the big chores. Set loose 
    deadlines at first to allow for learning speed and

    any errors along the way.
  * Allow training time (on-site or off-site) in 
    various tools/technologies the writer needs to 
    know. Your options are wide open - time to play 
    with tools, formal external training, Web-based 
    training, internal coaching by developers/peers, 
    company-purchased books, etc.
  * Include the writer in various development and 
    planning meetings. Knowing what's coming down the 
    pipe (or what's stuck in it) is extremely 
    important.
  * Check in with the writer often at first and 
    encourage question-asking on the writer's part. 
    Asking questions is what we as writers need to do 
    best (well, and of course write).

If I think of anything else I'll send another message.
But this should get you started, and I don't doubt
you've already heard a lot of good advice from others
on the list. I'm on the digest, and I haven't finished
combing through it yet.

Also, don't be afraid to contact me directly if you
have any specific questions. 

Good luck!


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