Technical Writer Assistant Interview Questions
Interviewer: Hello, thank you for coming in today. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background in technical writing?
Candidate: Hi, thank you for having me. My name is Jane and I recently graduated with a technical writing degree. During my time in university, I completed several technical writing projects which included creating software manuals and user guides.
Interviewer: That's impressive. Tell me about a time where you had to simplify complex information for a non-technical audience.
Candidate: Sure. During my internship, I had to put together a user manual for a software that was designed for healthcare professionals. However, the end-users were not expected to have any technical background. I had to break down technical jargon and include diagrams and screenshots to make the manual easy to read and understand.
Interviewer: Good work. What kinds of writing software and tools are you familiar with?
Candidate: I have experience working with Adobe FrameMaker, RoboHelp, and MadCap Flare. I'm also comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Docs.
Interviewer: How do you keep up-to-date with industry trends and innovations in technical writing?
Candidate: I regularly attend technical writing conferences and I'm a member of the Society for Technical Communication. I also follow blogs and read white papers on new developments in the field.
Interviewer: Have you ever written software code or worked with software developers?
Candidate: Yes, I have experience writing code snippets for API documentation and collaborating with developers to understand complex technical concepts.
Interviewer: Tell me about a time where you had to write for an international audience.
Candidate: During my previous position, I was tasked with writing a manual for a software that was being deployed in several countries. I was careful to avoid idioms and cultural references, and I worked with a translator to ensure that the text was translated accurately.
Interviewer: Have you ever collaborated with graphic designers or illustrators when creating technical documentation?
Candidate: Yes, I've worked with designers and illustrators in the past. I believe that visual aids can add a lot to technical documents, especially when it comes to instructions or troubleshooting.
Interviewer: Tell me about a time where you had to troubleshoot a technical issue.
Candidate: While working on a user guide for a software, I noticed that the instructions for one of the features were incomplete. I traced the problem to an error in the code and worked with the developers to fix it.
Interviewer: Do you prefer working independently or in a team setting?
Candidate: I'm comfortable working in both settings. I believe that team collaboration can lead to more creative solutions, but I also appreciate the focus that comes with working independently.
Interviewer: Can you provide an example of a technical document that you're particularly proud of?
Candidate: Yes, I wrote a white paper on cybersecurity best practices for small businesses. I was able to break down complex topics into easy-to-read sections, and I included graphics to keep the reader engaged.
Interviewer: What are your strengths when it comes to technical writing?
Candidate: I'm detail-oriented and I have a strong grasp of technical concepts. I also enjoy the challenge of explaining complex topics in a way that's easy for others to understand.
Interviewer: Have you ever worked with subject matter experts who had limited writing skills?
Candidate: Yes, I've collaborated with engineers and scientists who had difficulty translating their ideas into words. I worked with them to understand their ideas and translate them into clear, concise prose.
Interviewer: How do you handle criticism of your work?
Candidate: I believe that constructive criticism is important for growth, so I'm always receptive to feedback. I take time to consider the critique and make changes where necessary.
Interviewer: How would you stay organized and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
Candidate: I would prioritize my tasks and develop a detailed schedule to ensure that I meet all deadlines. I would also set up clear communication with team members and subject matter experts to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Scenario Questions
1. Scenario: As a Technical Writer Assistant, you may be asked to create user manuals for various products. Can you give an example of a product you could write a manual for and describe the steps you would take to complete the task?
Candidate Answer: As a Technical Writer Assistant, I could write a manual for a food processor. The first step would be to learn how to use the product by reading the manufacturer's instructions and testing it out myself. I would also research common questions or issues users may have and include troubleshooting tips in the manual. Additionally, I would ensure the manual is easy to read and understand by breaking down the process into step-by-step instructions and including clear pictures and diagrams.
2. Scenario: As part of your job as a Technical Writer Assistant, you may be required to create technical documentation for software applications. How do you ensure accuracy and completeness in your writing?
Candidate Answer: To ensure accuracy and completeness in my writing, I would start by researching the software application and understanding how it works. I would also get feedback from the developers and users of the application to ensure that I have a thorough understanding of its functionality. Additionally, I would use tools such as flowcharts and diagrams to help break down complex processes into more manageable steps.
3. Scenario: As a Technical Writer Assistant, you may be asked to revise outdated documentation. Can you give an example of a document that needs revising and describe how you would go about updating it?
Candidate Answer: One example of a document that may need revising is a user guide for a cell phone that has been updated with new hardware and software features. To update the guide, I would start by reviewing the current guide and making a list of any changes that need to be made. I would then familiarize myself with the new features and test them out myself to ensure I have a full understanding of how they work. From there, I would rewrite any sections of the guide that need updating, including screen captures and diagrams to reflect the changes.
4. Scenario: As a Technical Writer Assistant, you will be working with subject matter experts to gather information about certain topics. How do you ensure that you are accurately capturing and presenting the information that is being provided to you?
Candidate Answer: When working with subject matter experts, I would start by asking questions to ensure that I have a thorough understanding of the topic. I would also take detailed notes and record the conversation if possible to ensure that I capture all of the pertinent information. Additionally, I would ask the expert to review the documentation to ensure that it accurately represents their knowledge and expertise.
5. Scenario: As a Technical Writer Assistant, you may be asked to create documentation in different formats, such as online help or PDF documents. How do you determine which format to use for a particular document?
Candidate Answer: When deciding which format to use for a document, I would consider the audience and their needs. For example, if the documentation is for a software application, online help may be a more appropriate format because it allows the user to search for specific topics and get real-time assistance. However, if the documentation is something that needs to be printed and given to a user, a PDF document may be more appropriate. I would also consider the intended distribution of the documentation and any technical requirements for the format.