06 Mar Should Tool Be the Main Criteria to Recruit Writers?
Once upon a time, MS Word was the global tool for Tech Writers. As IT industry evolved, writing skill befriended tools for ease of writing and better presentation. RoboHelp and FrameMaker were soon challenged by many other tools. All found willing customers. Some feel, writer’s are more busy with tools now than writing. Agree!
Viewpoint 1
Most authoring tools are designed on the same premise of structured authoring/DITA/XML, and so on. We should certainly gauge candidates’ know-how on these concepts. Picking up speed with the tool is just a matter of time and not a criteria for one’s merit.
Viewpoint 2
Many mention that tools can be learnt. Who will teach? Why should they teach when looking for experienced candidates? Why should a candidate apply if they don’t know a tool mentioned as mandatory in the job description? Even if they apply, shouldn’t they practice on a trial version instead of trying to attend an interview without any knowledge of the required tool? Knowledge is wisdom.
Viewpoint 3
As a hiring manager, I rarely look at specific tool skills. I see tools as enablers that can be taught. Most of the team authors in the tool and does not define the framework. For me, the critical skill in a technical communicator is the ability to look beyond the surface; to define the business problem, to identify the user(s), and then deliver the appropriate information artifact.
Viewpoint 4
Accomplished TECHNICAL writers should not only be good at communicating information to the end user effectively, but also have an understanding of basic coding practices, which would help them handle modern authoring tools that facilitate content reusability and single sourcing. Tools like Oxygen and Adobe FrameMaker, which support structured authoring, and moving a little upward into the area of CMS like Astoria and AEM, demand a comprehensive skill set from modern-day technical writers to jump into their jobs without any extra hours of training.
Viewpoint 5
Tools should not be “The Hiring” criteria. It should be the fundamentals. A week or two of hands-on with KT can help anyone work with any tool.
Viewpoint 6
TW <—>Tools / 75% <—>25%, A mechanic should know how to use a manual screwdriver to fix a screw. Using a power screwdriver should not be a challenge, as one can master that also, if one is a true mechanic.
Viewpoint 7
The tools used in the documentation industry are in constant evolution, going through quintessential change. However, the focus could be on the concepts used in the technical writing that are specific to tools, such as TOC mapping, Cloning, Conditioning/Profiling, CMS Version Controlling, Documentation Build Generation etc. Applying these concepts with the tools would sometimes be similar or different from company to company. These concepts empower the writers’ power with enhanced productivity. Coming to the second part, knowing little about the tools, a particular company uses and learning about the same is a great attitude on the candidate’s part. However, after joining the company, an additional psychological, motivational factor would be building expertise with the tool and getting up to speed.
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