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.
At 02:28 PM 2/17/98 -0600, Tracy Boyington wrote:
>> Would you rather have
>> someone hide the truth so you could deal with the consequences after you
>> hire them or tell you the truth so you can ask one or two clarifying
>> questions during the interview.
>
>But how many hiring managers *would* ask clarifying questions, and how
>many would just slam a mental door in your face as soon as they heard
>"personality conflict?"
Actually, the manager who asks the clarifying questions is the one I'd want
to work for if I were interviewing. Seeing who pursues the topic and who
slams the door on the idea of a personality conflict gives me valuable
information about what it would be like to be that manager's employee.
I agree with those who say truth is best, though, naturally, I don't
advocate negativity. I believe there are always ways to say what is true
that puts things in the most positive light possible. The person who can do
this, in my opinion, is a better communicator than one who evades the
subject and uses only the "better career move" option.
martha
--
Martha Jane {Kolman | Davidson}
Senior Technical Writer mailto:editrix -at- slip -dot- net
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am only for myself, what am I?
If not now, when?"
--Hillel, "Mishna, Sayings of the Fathers 1:13"