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When I ask situational questions, I prefer to pose
them more objectively. For example, if you were in
situation X, how would you handle it? As someone
pointed out already, it sounds like they are trying
to avoid getting into a situation similar to one they've
just experienced.
>I don't see anything wrong with #2 ( What are some criticisms
that have been given to you about your work?). I've worked with
too many folks who couldn't handle being edited or
reviewed. No room for that.
Anyone got any good interview questions they want to share?
TIA,
A.
--
Alexia Prendergast
Senior Technical Writer
Seagate Software mailto:alexiap -at- sems -dot- com
>----------
>From: DWeber[SMTP:dweber -at- HARRIS -dot- COM]
>Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 1997 3:28 PM
>To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
>Subject: Inappropriate interview....(Long but I'm venting so it's ok)
>
> I had a rather annoying interview last night, over the phone. I was
> called by a human resource person from a private company to "screen"
> me before I go to a formal interview with the company I'm interested
> in. She asked me about 5 technical writing related questions...then
> started prodding into work environment questions.
>
> Now, I've had quite a few technical phone interviews before...and
> NEVER was a I asked the questions that were asked to me. These are
> only a few of the inappropriate questions (at least in my eyes).
>
>
> 1. Describe a time that you acted totally inappropriate and
> nonprofessional in your work environment....and what was the end
> result?
>
>
> 2. What are some criticisms that have been given to you about your
> work?
>
>
> 3. Describe a time when you tried to persuade another worker to
> "conform" to your standards...and lost the arguement.
>
>
> The list goes on, and on. Tell me, are ANY of these personal
> questions appropriate for a technical interview...or any interview at
> ALL?????? I feel that if they want to know how you react in certain
> situations they should give you hypothetical scenarios such as "What
> would you do if ....." Not ask for personal, very specific incidents.
> Also, what do these questions have to do with my skills and
> professional ability to do the job? And if you notice, these
> question seem to linger on NEGATIVE qualities. I don't get it.
>
> I'm kicking myself in the rear-end for actually answering these
> questions (45 minutes worth).
>
>
> And get this, when I was asked one of the few actual technical
> questions, "What is an online helpsystem?", I proceeded to answer her
> using technical terminology. She responded by saying, "Yeah, and I'm
> supposed to know what that means?" Well then, maybe you shouldn't be
> giving the damn interview!!!!!
>
>
> ARGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!
>
>
> What do you all think? Should a write a nasty letter to the company
> describing the interview process?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Diana Moran
>
> Ps: I was also asked "When would you NOT use a SANS Seriff font?"
> I've been a tech writer for 4 yrs, and honestly I felt this was a
> "preference" question. Is there a real answer?
>
>
> Also, she asked me to name a reference book that tech writers commonly
> refer to for guidance. I told her a Style Guide and Standards Manual.
> She said no, she was looking for a specific title. I asked, "Have
> you been to the bookstore lately? There are many." Is there a
> specific GODDLY book?
>
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