Benefits and Pitfalls of Mentoring  

Choosing a mentor or mentee can be a powerful moment in your professional life. Making the mentoring relationship work is not always easy and requires time and dedication from both parties. This article will define and explore the mentoring relationship, listing key factors for success.

Mason, Catheryn L. and Elizabeth Bailey. STC Proceedings (2003). Careers>Mentoring

Strategies for Successful Job Interviewing  

Good interviewing skills are critical to your professional success. Taking inventory of your own strengths and weaknesses is essential to preparing for any job interview process. The following strategies will help you navigate the job interview with success: do your homework on the company; when asked about a skill you do not possess, answer by drawing attention to a related competency; engage in active listening; exhibit calm and poise; try to meet the rest of the team; and be skeptical of the information furnished by the interviewer. These skills will keep you well prepared for job transitions.

Mason, Catheryn L. STC Proceedings (2003). Careers>Interviewing

Successful Hiring Using Role Profiles  

Explains how role profiles—descriptions of the roles new hires are expected to fill within an organization—can help managers make informed hiring decisions.

Mason, Catheryn L. Intercom (2003). Careers>Management>Recruiting

The Use of Role Profiles and Critical Requirements in Hiring Technical Communicators  

A role profile consists of four parts: strategy, accountabilities, critical requirements, and expected outcomes. Role profiles go a step beyond position descriptions by specifying the critical requirements you seek in a candidate and expectations around integration. Using a role profile in the hiring process can help ensure that you find the skills you are looking for in a new hire.

Mason, Catheryn L. STC Proceedings (2002). Careers>Management

Working with Subject Matter Experts: Strategies to Gain Cooperation and Win Respect  

Working well with SMEs is essential to our success as technical communicators. This article recommends strategies to employ to improve your relationships with SMEs – seeking buy-in, increasing transparency and cross-functional teams, expressing expectations clearly, setting common goals and objectives, and making success a shared accountability.

Mason, Catheryn L. STC Proceedings (2002). Careers>Workplace>Collaboration>SMEs