The following are some examples of appropriate questions to ask of writers and/or editors with whom you'll work if you are offered, and accept, employment.

All companies have conflicts. How a company works with internal and external conflict can tell you a great deal about its particular culture. These questions help you get a feel for the types of management, company culture, and conflict management styles you may be working with.
 

Questions for Writers

• What audience do you typically write for? How do you find out what they need?
• Have you had problems working with editors or developers here? How did you resolve them?
• Do you feel that the editors you've worked with here have consistently improved your work?
• Do you feel that you're given enough time to complete projects? If not, why not?
• Have you been able to meet deadlines consistently? What kinds of tradeoffs do you find yourself making?
• Do you feel that you're valued here? How have the company/your manager/coworkers shown appreciation?

• Which reference books do you use/like the most? Why?
• How useful do you find the style guide here? Does it answer most of your questions? How are style decisions made?
• Have you had problems working with writers here? How did you resolve them?
• Do you feel that the writers you've worked with here have consistently been receptive to your suggestions?
• Do you feel that you're given enough time to complete projects? If not, why not?
• Have you been able to meet deadlines consistently? What kinds of tradeoffs do you find yourself making?
• Do you feel that you're valued here? How have the company/your manager/coworkers shown appreciation?

• What do you think of the technical writers you work with? What would the ideal tech writer do that the writers here don't or can't?
• Does your management support your efforts to make sure tech writers understand the product and get useful and timely review comments on their drafts?
• Do you feel that your customers are well-served by the existing documentation? If not, what would you like to see added or improved?

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