How to Succeed in Technical Writing Interview
In order to succeed in the interview and work as a technical writer, you should be confident that you can do this job. But technical writing is not easy. It is a field that demands a lot of different skills, such as excellent writing skills, research and exploration skills and many others. If you’ve made a decision to work as a technical writer, this article is going to help you to prepare for technical writing interview.
Nowadays it’s not a problem to find job vacancies on the Internet. Some of them I posted in my article “Three Steps to Build a Career in Technical Writing”.
Examine carefully job requirements such as experience, job duties and so on. For example, if the employer is looking for an “independent worker,” you should be sure that you can work successfully on your own. Generally, an experienced employee is suitable for this position.
When you’ve chosen the company, research the information about the employer, employees, company organization. It’ll help you to understand whether the company fits you or not.
If the employer is interested in you, you’ll be invited for the interview for a position. You should bring the portfolio that will represent your skills. Usually, it contains past projects, writing samples and so on. It’s obvious that your portfolio should contain the best examples of your work.
Reread your application and examine your materials (for example, a resume or a cover letter). If you don’t have enough experience, explain it to your interviewer and emphasize other skills that you have.
Prepare an elevator pitch of yourself. It should be about your education, experience, skills, goals and so on. Your elevator pitch will describe you to the potential employer, so think carefully about what to say.
After the elevator pitch the employer will ask you some questions that’s why you need to spend some time to prepare for potential questions before the interview. In order to make your answers more meaningful make a list of key points about your interests, experience, recent projects and so on. Of course, you can not know what your potential employer will ask you beforehand, but you may think about what your interviewer may want to learn about you.
Then practice answering these questions again and again. Your answers should sound clear, well-rehearsed but natural. Don’t answer just “yes” or “no”, prepare detailed responses.
Try practicing in front of a mirror. It’ll help you to pay attention to your body language. But it would be better to ask your friend to listen to your answers. Your friend will help you to correct your responses and manner of speaking.
Speaking about body language, show the interviewer that you’re interested in the conversation. Make eye contact, nod and gesticulate.
But an job interview is about two sides asking and answering questions. Ask the interviewer about the company and the job position to show your competence and desire to get the job. Don’t ask about salary unless the interviewer touches on the issue. You may ask about recent projects, clients, management style and so on.
Some technical writer interviews may include tests. So ask the HR manager about that before the interview. You might also be asked to demonstrate knowledge of a programming language or writing codes.
Consider before the interview what you are going to wear. In order to look professionally choose business clothes. Pay attention to details your nails must be clean, clothes look neat, breath smells good and so on.
Have a proper meal and get enough sleep the day before the interview. Don’t drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal, or you’ll be absent-minded, less confident and sleepy. Preferably, eat porridge for breakfast. It’ll give you the energy.
After the breakfast take what you need and leave the house early. You mustn’t be late for the interview. Arrive at the rendezvous point about 10 minutes early, so you can prepare.
What brought you succeed at a technical writing interview? What advice can you give to beginners?