Qualities for successful tech writers
less than a minute
A few years ago, I interviewed for a tech writing role.
While chatting with two team members and their manager, I asked, “What single quality would help someone succeed in this role?”
(I like asking this question in interviews because it’s not one many people plan for. The answers are often unscripted and can lead to unexpected points of clarity.)
Everyone thought for a moment before replying.
The teammates said, respectively: Curiosity and Humility.
The manager said, “Kindness, which is different than Being Nice.”
I really liked those answers; I felt them resonate.
I didn’t get that particular role, but I learned something. I value the experience.
Compassionate tech values
At about the same time, I coincidentally ran across April Wensel’s Compassionate tech values:
- Humility > Ego
- Inclusion > Elitism
- Cooperation > Competition
- Learning > Being smart
- Being a mentor > Being a “rockstar”
Again, these resonated.
They continue to resonate, especially when I find myself in environments that, um…, lean into other values.
I try to hold myself accountable by reminding myself of the values that resonate within me.
Your mileage may vary.
Vital statistics
- First post: 10 June 2024