Re: A Test to Select Competen...

[Glen Accardo <glen -at- SOFTINT -dot- COM>]

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> Ron writes:

> >I'm sure most companies wouldn't consider having an engineer do a "test"
> >design of a toaster before they hire him/her.


Heli responds:

> As a writer, I too would find it uncomfortable to be required to take a
> test.  But as a manager--and one who has been burned too often by
> self-styled "writers"--I can't help but be very interested in this thread.


We've already had this discussion.  Just because someone says they can
write, doesn't mean that what they do fits our personal definition of
what needs doing.  I'm not too fond of tests either, I didn't give any,
and I don't like taking them (in interviews), but they do serve a purpose.

If your test isolates the people who can do what you need done, and it
isn't illegal (please take off your clothes, tell me about your family,
join me for the pre-interview prayer, then fill out this form....), I
don't see a big problem with it.  I don't think that written tests are
the best use of interview time, and I feel I can learn more by asking
questions about writing samples.  But if I had to fill more than one or
two tech writing slots (especially entry-level positions), I'd certainly
consider it.

------------
glen accardo                         glen -at- softint -dot- com
Software Interfaces, Inc.            (713) 492-0707 x122
Houston, TX 77084

Did the Corinthians ever write back?