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John Gilger writes:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I'm in transition from independent to captive. (Currently a contractor,
> with negotiations going on regarding a "permanent" position.)
>
> When the question of writing samples came up in my interviews, I told
them
> that my government work was all classified and that I did not have
> permission from other clients to use their documents for this purpose.
>
> Nothing more was said of the issue and we went on to discuss their
problems
> and my abilities to help solve those problems.
>
> I believe that only HR-types ask for samples because they don't know what
> else to ask. Documentation managers are more interested in you and your
> abilities.
>
> John Gilger
>
Wrong...it's not HR-types. As a documentation manager, I WANT to see your
writing samples. I've had cases where applicants could not provide samples
of previous work because of classification, etc. In those instances, I
gave the applicants an "assignment" that would show writing style, design
abilities, etc. Nothing that would take a great deal of time, but would
give me a good idea of what of their abilities were. If someone refuses to
supply samples, they won't get the job.
