How Do I Prepare for a Technical Writer Interview?

Preparation for a technical writer interview should include gathering samples of your prior technical writing experience to share at the interview. If you are a recent graduate with no work experience, you should put together samples of your technical writing from college courses. In addition, you should research the company's history, choose professional attire, and think about answers you might give to questions that could come up in the interview. Leave yourself plenty of time on interview day to take tests that may be part of the interview process.

Knowing the history of the company you are interviewing with will let you to ask informed questions during the technical writer interview. For example, if the company recently manufactured digital clocks, but now manufactures watches, you might ask if it plans to bring clock production back in the future. This lets the interviewer know you are interested enough in working with the company that you took the time to research its history.

Choose key points on your resume that dovetail with company goals and bring them up during the interview. If you know the company manufactures medical equipment, and you took college courses on writing medical equipment manuals, take time before the interview to refresh your knowledge. Go over skill sets learned from the courses and be prepared to discuss them with the interviewer.

Conversely, if you are aware that your resume does not reflect skill sets that specifically dovetail with the company's goals, focus on presenting personality traits that will work well in the position. For example, a technical writer interview should include a mention that you are detail oriented, as that is a skill important in technical writing. In addition, highlighting your ability to focus on a project lets the interviewer know you will be able to master the company's style and formatting needs.

If the technical writer interview is with a magazine or trade journal, read a few recent copies of the publication before going to the interview. This will give you a foundation for asking questions. In addition, you will be prepared to offer services and skill sets that work well with what the publication already have in place.

Choose professional attire for a technical writer interview. Wear clothing that you would wear if you already worked at the company. This shows the interviewer that you will fit in with current employees. If the position is for a freelance technical writer, dress in business casual attire for the interview.