Mastering the Art of Pre-Screening: Key Questions to Ask Principal Technical Writer
Determining the right candidate for a technical writer position is a meticulous process. Thus, this article is not only meant to aid hiring managers craft the proper questions to ask potential hires, but it also aims to help aspiring technical writers prepare for an interview. To ensure in-depth understanding of the text, we've split these questions under different headings, displaying their salient aspects. These inquiries might be technical in nature, covering software proficiency, working styles, timelines, and more, but remember, they are all aimed at understanding the candidate better. Let's delve deeper into these prescreening questions and their possible implications.
One's Familiarity with Technical Writing Software
A proficient and reliable technical writer should be adept in a variety of technical writing software. Stating their proficiency level in such software not only demonstrates the writer's expertise but also may provide an insight into their versatility, painting a picture of how they could adjust to different tools that might be used by the company.
Approach to Technical Versus Non-Technical Audiences Assessed
Writing for technical and non-technical audiences necessitates varying approaches. It's essential for a potential hire to demonstrate their ability to tailor communication styles based on the audience's technical understanding, ensuring the message is clearly and effectively delivered.
Handling Constructive Criticism on Written Work
Feedback is crucial to learning and improvement in any field, including technical writing. A technical writer's ability to gracefully accept and implement constructive criticism shows development potential and their commitment to delivering the best quality work.
Experience with Cross-Functional Teams
A candidate's ability to work with cross-functional teams may reveal their proficiency in collaboration, essential in the creation and review of technical documents. This can also reflect on their flexibility, adaptability, and teamwork.
Experience in the Localization or Internationalization of Documents
The candidate's experience with this aspect shows their understanding and mindfulness of diverse cultures, suggesting an inclusive approach to technical writing. An internationalized document would reach a broader audience.
Communicating Complex Technical Information
Ensuring complex technical information is understandable and coherent is a challenge. Thus, understanding the candidate's strategies for this can help determine their creative problem-solving skills and their grasp of the field.
Experience with Agile or Scrum Methodologies
Experience with Agile or Scrum signifies the individual's understanding of project management methodologies. This can be a plus point, especially for companies that adhere to these methodologies.
Familiarity with the Industry
Understanding the specific industry live wires helps to tailor technical content precisely to the target audience. Industry jargon could be a turnoff for some readers and thus, a good technical writer knows how to balance such terms.
Experience with Version Control or Document Tracking Systems
Technical writers working shoulder to shoulder with development teams often use the same tools as engineers do. Therefore, familiarity with version control or document tracking systems could be beneficial.
Probing Crucial Qualities for a Principal Technical Writer
The requested qualities might differ from one company to another. Therefore, the answer to this question might give an insight into the candidate's perception of a good technical writer.
Experience with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Working with SMEs might speed up the writing process and ensure the technical accuracy of the content. Therefore, a technical writer that can effectively communicate with SMEs might be an asset to a team.
The Capacity for Creating and Editing Graphics and Diagrams
Graphics and diagrams are useful tools to condense complex processes into easily digestible material. A candidate with this skill can deliver technical content less burdensome for the reader.
Handling Tight Deadlines and Multiple Projects
Realistically, the pressure to meet deadlines and juggle multiple projects is inevitable in the corporate environment. Hence, understanding how the candidate operates under pressure would be revealing of their work ethic.
Proofreading and Editing Skills
Identifying and correcting errors independently indicates professionalism and is a crucial skill for a technical writer. Exploring how the candidate approaches this task can also provide insight into their attention to detail.
Align Writing with Company Voice and Branding
Company branding can be communicated subtly through technical writing. Evaluating how a candidate will maintain this cohesion reflects their adaptability and commitment to brand image.
Creating Technical Content for Digital Platforms
Experience in web development or writing specifically for digital platforms might be a great advantage especially in the current era of digital transformation.
Experience in Technical Documentation Standards
Being at par with the industry standards might be a significant factor when considering a technical writer. The usage of standards promotes uniformity and enhances the comprehension level of the readers.
Experience with Multimedia Content
Similar to graphics, multimedia content can significantly improve the engagement of the reader. Thus, experience in this domain might be looked upon as a bonus.
Conducting User Research to Improve Documents
Feedback from users can help improve the clarity and effectiveness of technical documents. Therefore, asking a potential hire about their experience with user research can help gauge their openness to improve and enhance their work.
Interfacing with Engineering and Product Teams
Excellent communication skills and an aptitude for cross-functional collaboration are necessary while working with engineering and product teams. These factors directly influence the accuracy and timeliness of technical documents.
Prescreening questions for Principal Technical Writer
- What technical writing software are you most familiar with and how proficient are you at using it?
- How does your approach differ when writing for a technical vs. a non-technical audience?
- How would you handle receiving constructive criticism or feedback on your writing?
- Can you share any experience you have working with cross functional teams in the creation and review of technical documents?
- Do you have experience with localization or internationalization of technical documents?
- What are your strategies for ensuring complex technical information is communicated in a comprehensible and coherent manner?
- Do you have any experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies for project management?
- How familiar are you with our industry and its jargon or terminology?
- Can you provide examples of your experience with version control or document tracking systems?
- In your opinion, what are the most crucial qualities a principal technical writer should possess?
- Can you talk about your experience working with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)?
- Do you have experience creating and editing graphics and diagrams for technical documents?
- How do you handle tight deadlines and multiple projects at once?
- What is your approach for proofreading and editing your own work and the work of others?
- How do you ensure your writing aligns with company voice and branding guidelines?
- Do you have experience creating technical content for digital platforms such as websites or apps?
- Do you have experience in creating and managing Technical Documentation standards?
- Can you share some of your experiences in using multimedia content, like embedding video or animated GIFs, in your technical documents?
- Describe your experience with conducting user research to improve the clarity and effectiveness of technical documents.
- How are you at interfacing with Engineering and Product teams to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of document drafts?
Interview Principal Technical Writer on Hirevire
Have a list of Principal Technical Writer candidates? Hirevire has got you covered! Schedule interviews with qualified candidates right away.