#14961
For years, would-be employees have undergone scrutiny by employers during the interview process. In addition to our resume, we have to provide personal and professional references. We have to pass drug tests and personality tests. We have to prove our education and in many cases, whether or not we actually served in the military. It's all for a good cause of course, but rarely is the topic of employer suitability mentioned in the Job Hunting context. These last few years have been unprecedented in regards to company ethics and business practices. One doesn't have to look far to hear a sad tale of over-promised benefits, stock, and promotions from companies who are now nothing more than memories. The ongoing telecom scandals have even further rocked our beliefs in the stability and ethics of Corporate America. With all the recent layoffs and 'restructuring' now is a great chance for employees to take time out to evaluate their next employer. employee happiness is possibly the most important area of a person's overall professional satisfaction. Thus, it is not to be taken lightly. Nothing else matters if you go to work for the wrong company - not even if you've been out of work for a year and you simply need the money. Sooner or later, you'll be back in the same jam.
Souther, Christopher. GaryConroy.com (2002). Careers>Interviewing>TC
#15134
Offers suggestions on finding work in technical communication for recent college graduates, professionals in other fields, and those who want to add documentation duties to their current jobs.
Block, Barbara M. Intercom (2001). Careers>Interviewing>TC
#20697
Finding the Right Technical Writer 
What skills to look for, and what questions to ask when hiring a technical writer.
Scott, Kendall V. Software Documentation Wizards (1993). Careers>TC>Interviewing
#21404
Getting a Technical Writing Job, Even If You Have No Experience 
Technical writing jobs can be hard to get if you have little or no experience. But there are things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired.
#31711
Hiring Contract Technical Writers
When you finally get the approval to hire a contract technical writer you'll want to go about it the right way in order to avoid problems and ensure success. This article provides insight on what you need to do before you start looking for a contract technical writing professional and how to go about finding one suitable for your project.
Hartmann, Scott. Writing Assistance (2006). Careers>Interviewing>TC>Technical Writing
#23526
Selling Your Skills: Tips from a Technical Interviewer 
Demonstrate your skills. Make your information relevant. Provide justifications to accept you with no obvious reasons to reject. Present your best work. Show enthusiasm and interest.
Roach, Jane. STC Four Lakes (2002). Careers>TC>Interviewing
#13607
The interviewee entered her prospective manager's office, eager to answer the questions that she knew would soon be fired at her. Shelley had been through this process a dozen times in the past few months as part of her quest for a technical writing position, and could anticipate the line of questioning. Far from being nervous, she was calm and confident. Phil, the manager, was also well versed in the interview process. Having hired many people during his career, he knew the type of person he was looking to hire. During an interview, his mind would usually be made up within the first few minutes about whether the candidate would get a second interview or would end up having to continue his or her search.
Zvalo, Peter. Writer's Block (2002). Careers>Interviewing>TC
#20730
What Makes a Great Entry-Level Candidate? 
There is a shortage of experienced technical communicators in many places. This often forces Tech Pubs managers to hire and train entry-level (or change-of-career) candidates who have no portfolio, related work experience, or references in the field.
Sakson, Donna M., Leah Guren and Shirley Hancock. STC Proceedings (1999). Careers>Interviewing>TC
#32177
Explaining the Value of Technical Communication on the Job Search
This presentation will provide techniques technical communicators can use to sell themselves to prospective employers who don't understand what technical communicators can do for them.
Castner, Joanna. STC Atlanta (2005). Careers>Interviewing>TC
