A typical initial screening call and an online test(1.5 hrs). Given the time constraints, i felt could have done better; there are no right or wrong answers with respect to writing; but did not perform quite badly for an outright rejection-one of the reasons why niche TW positions are open always. Having assisted on recruitment processes at my previous organizations, my leads always make it a point to give another chance to check the capability of the candidate and interview him/her irrespective of the test performance. They believed in mix of skills, one is strong in writing but not in tools or vice versa, do talk and if fine take a chance and hire. Well, give the candidates more than a chance, they can surprise you...happy hiring!!
I applied through a staffing agency. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Informatica (Austin, TX) in Sept 2011
Interview
I was referred by a staffing agency and was told there would be a test of my writing skills. The interview was professionally done, and the interview questions were pretty much what you would expect. Still, I had a hard time connecting with the interviewer, so there was a certain discomfort throughout the process.
The written test consisted of about three parts. The first part consisted of a number of basic grammar and punctuation questions such as how to abbreviate US. In the second part you were given snippets of technical writing and asked to rewrite it. The final part was an essay about what makes you a good technical writer, or something to that effect.
I didn't get a follow up, so it's hard for me to comment on the culture of the place. I can only say that the feeling I got was that it was a pretty formal place to work.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
One question had to do with how I would go about getting more information about some product or concept that I was unfamiliar with.
I applied through a recruiter. I interviewed at Informatica
Interview
There were 3 interview rounds - one initial call with a recruiter. Then, there was a phone interview and a an in-person interview with the team as well as a short technical writing test.
