How to Prepare for a Technical Writing Interview

Technical writers are expected to be detail-oriented and technologically proficient. One should also be an excellent communicator. Before interviewing for a technical writing position, you should anticipate the interviewer's actions. Be prepared to respond to any issues that arise. The better the preparation, the less likely you are to be thrown by unexpected issues. You will be able to keep the focus on your skills and qualifications.

Instructions

1. Proofread your resume and cover letter. If you have landed an interview, you have likely already submitted a resume and cover letter. Check them over one more time for errors. Technical writers are expected to proofread and catch errors in a variety of texts. If you find one, assume that your interviewer has also caught the error.

2. Understand your online identity. Assume that your technical writing interviewer has plugged your name into at least one search engine. Be prepared to explain any potentially damaging search results. Look and see what's out there for yourself before your interview.

3. Protect your privacy. If you have a profile on a social networking site, set your privacy options so that only your friends can see your information. Chances are, your interviewer for the technical writing job will have a profile, too.

4. Research the company. At the very least, you should read through the company Website in its entirety. Understand the mission of the company, its vision and active projects. Do a quick market survey of competitors and audiences to further your knowledge and allow you to speak intelligently about them. Draw specific connections between your technical writing background and the company's needs. Be prepared to discuss them.

5. Practice how you would describe yourself and your qualifications during the interview. Express how you would be an asset to the company. Develop this summary. Be able to give it comfortably in under a minute.

6. Practice interview answers. Be able to answer standard interview questions confidently and articulately. Think of specific anecdotes from past professional or educational experience that demonstrate why you will be an ideal candidate for the technical writing position.

7. List questions. Come prepared with questions for the interviewer. If you can't think of any, ask questions to which you already know the answer. It shows curiosity and interest. It gives the interviewer time to think. The ability to ask pointed, direct and leading questions is an important skill for technical writers.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give an answer to a question if you are unsure of the right answer. Explain that the question requires further research. The interviewer will appreciate your honesty.