8. How do you keep yourself updated with the industry news and new trends?
As a technical writer, you need to keep yourself abreast with the new technological developments
To answer this question you can say something like: "I am an avid reader. I love reading Tech blogs on regular basis. I allow myself at least half an hour to read these blogs on a daily basis. I have even subscribed to a few mailing lists from where I receive emails about the new trends and changes happening in this industry. Following tech bloggers on Twitter also keeps me updated with the new things they discuss.
These regular efforts help me stay updated with the latest developments."
What’s important is, you do not just say these things just to impress the interviewer but actually practice them.
9. Tell me about a time when you received a negative feedback at work?
With this question, the interviewer is trying to understand your ability to handle negative feedback. For many employees, negative feedback can create a lot of stress. The interviewer would also like to see your ability to manage stress. While answering this question you need to focus on how a negative feedback helped you to learn and grow.
To answer this question you can say something like: "Once when I just joined work I was given a topic to write an article, my senior was not quite happy with the end result. Though I wasn’t used to negative feedback but I was convinced that it was for my good. He pointed a few ways which could improve the content. I took that as a learning opportunity. Though criticism adds a bit of stress, I don't let it affect my work. I take it as a learning opportunity and it motivates me to perform better."
10. What are the challenges faced by the technical writer at work?
As a technical writer, you will have to face certain challenges at work. Some of them are as follows:
i.) Knowing the audience and their knowledge level at times becomes very difficult for the writer.
ii.) The SMEs may not have the time to explain to the documentation team about the product or process. This makes it difficult for the writers to get the correct information.
iii.) Also, SMEs find it difficult to review and provide feedback on the document.
iv.) Sometimes writers find it difficult to incorporate the suggestions received from various sources which lead to personality clashes.
v.) Very little or no information about the product or service makes the work of the technical writer more difficult.
vi.) Limited access to the product or service
vii.) Computer or software issues.
viii.) Last minute changes make the writers work more challenging.
ix.) Short deadline makes it difficult for the writer to deliver quality work.
11. What is your approach to research on a certain topic?
With this question, the interviewer is trying to understand what steps you take to get information about a certain topic. He/she is interested to know your research process and what are the sources you approach for information.
To answer this question you can say something like: "Whenever I get a new topic I dedicate some time to visit a few reliable websites to get some accurate information. I also refer blogs written on that topic. I also consult SMEs of that subject and try and get more information from them."
12. What is collaborative writing and what does a collaborative writing plan include?
As the name suggests collaborative writing refers to writing a document collectively with a group of people rather than doing it alone.
The collaborative writing plan should include the following:
i.) Explanation of the final project.
ii.) Outline of the content.
iii.) Assignment of responsibilities of content.
iv.) Schedule for finishing the assigned part.
v.) Editing Strategy
vi.) Reviewing Strategy
vii.) Production information.
