How do you interview for a technical writing position? It’s not only bringing samples of your work, it’s also being able to communicate about how you created your documents. Go through the following checklist to be prepared:
Knowledge – Speak about:
- Tools or applications that you have worked with or that you are familiar with – for creating the various documents, including querying, database, info graphic, testing tools, etc.
- Any courses you have taken to improve your skills – including communication, organization, management, training, designing, testing, etc.
- Any relevant background information that qualifies you for the type of position you are interviewing for – such as being familiar with the industry terminology, i.e., pharmaceutical, manufacturing industries.
- What interests you about the industry, position, and why.
- How you can help the organization – elaborate on some ideas you may have.
- What knowledge and experience you are bringing to the organization that they don’t have.
- Your desire to learn and to share information.
Documents produced – Speak about:
- The benefits of the documents you have produced – their accuracy, usefulness, formatting, consistency, relevancy, importance, etc.
- How you decided to design and organize the document – what tools were used, who you were writing for, the length, formatting, features, etc.
- How you would begin to create a document – via mapping, outline, etc.
- Whether or not you’d do anything different within the document samples you are sharing with them.
- All the different forms of documents you have produced – for users, training, requirements, specifications, testing requirements, style guides, operating procedures, process flows, diagrams, etc.
Getting the information – Speak about:
- How you were able to get the information to create the document – finding your SME’s, interviewing, speaking with others, etc.
- The individuals (clients, users, management, etc.) that you met with to get the information.
- The types of questions you asked to gather specific types of information.
- The meetings you created or attended to gather information, requirements, etc.
- Any research you had to perform.
Collaboration – Speak about:
- Your ability to cooperate and work with others – your interpersonal skills, flexibility, patience, being a good listener, being to work under deadlines and pressure, etc.
- Your sensitivity skills – understanding about confidentiality and propriety work that may need to be produced.
- Being able to work independently – knowing how to get started and knowing what to do.
Other suggestions:
- You can create a blog and have some of your writings displayed there if there are too many samples to bring to an interview. This will display your confidence and assuredness of your work.
- You can also create a video if the positions calls for training capabilities – this will display how you handle yourself as a presenter and within a group situation.
- One important factor is being able to speak about you, why you want the position, how you enjoy sharing information, being a great communicator, listener, analyzer, and how you enjoy working within the organizations environment. To paint a clear picture of the organization’s environment and philosophy, research the company before you go for the position. Practice the above suggestions and be able to speak about each of the items so that you will be relaxed and prepared.
How have you prepared for a technical writing interview?
Gail Zack Anderson, President of Applause, Inc., has nearly 20 years experience in training and coaching. She
provides individual presentation coaching, and leads effective presentation workshops and effective trainer workshops.
Theresa Pojuner is a Documentation Specialist with over 20 years of writing experience and is skilled in many areas of documentation, for example, Style Guides, Training Manuals and Test Cases, wth a specialty n Technical Writing and Procedures.