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Re: Why don't more job interviews use writing tests?
Subject:Re: Why don't more job interviews use writing tests? From:Dave Brown <david -dot- brown -at- tait -dot- co -dot- nz> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 09 Feb 2005 17:51:24 +1300
When I was hired for what I call my first Tech Writing Job (that wasn't
the job title), I was asked to come in for the day, and produce a document.
The manager had been frustrated with two previous employees who could
not write and didn't want to be burnt again.
I came in, worked with my SME, did some illustrations and wrote up a
process.
To add some fun (or stress), I lost some work when one of the IT guys
turned off a mains switch, taking down my computer.
Turned out the manager liked my work, and even learnt something about
the process. And so, I was hired.
I didn't mind this approach as it gave me a chance to prove myself, and
see how I fitted in the group. I think it actually worked for both sides.
FWIW, I applied for a camera repair job once, and they asked me to come
in for the whole week.
One interview approach I didn't like (mostly because it was totally
unexpected and I was unprepared for it) was a computer training company
that asked all candidates to come for an interview at the same time and
we had to explain to the other dozen why we should get the job. But
that's another story....
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