How to hire writers.
I'm not an expert but have some experience. Here's what I look for, as well as what @bradwolverton, our head of content, looks for.
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- I look for specific knowledge + as general knowledge. - General: they're just smart.
@zzcrockett is like this. He just consumes stuff. Very curious. Knows a medium amount about a lot of stuff (and alot on some topics). Like people who win at jeopardy. This knowledge is neededShow this thread
General knowledge helps connect dots, have cool angles. They're consumers of info and very curious. U get this by living an interesting life, trying stuff, hobbies. -Specific: Need to actually be an expert. They can become an expert, but we want our people to know their shit.
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- We talk about business. So, our people need to know about this stuff. @onetrunna, he's an expert. Ask him about the p/e ratios of various industries of SP500 companies. He can riff on it. - After that, it's storytelling ability. They need to understand story arc.
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- Storytelling: they need to know what captures attention. - 2 tricks that help see if they have this: I ask about the bottom 4th of the resume. What they studied in school, clubs, sports. They spent $100k, 4 years studying something...
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- If they can't tell me a cool story about their fav course, they're likely either boring or don't know how to tell a story. I dont want to work with either of them. - I also like looking at their social profiles. You can see what they think is cool, how they talk to their buds.
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- Now, they need to be able to write. Like anything, this is a skill. - We get thousands of shit resumes. Because everyone physically can write, many people think they're actually good. - So you need to separate the smart people who can't write from the smart people who can
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- We have people do small assignments. You can see how they write. We put a deadline on it too. - I also ask if people write in their free time. Why? Most people want the results or writing, but you really have to love the process to be a good pro writer.
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- We hired a guy named Ethan. He had a 100 page manuscript that he was working on in his freetime. - Nick on our team complains because he wants to have MORE stories in our email (we don't have space). -
@stephsmithio blogs in her free time.Show this thread -
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@bradwolverton has some freelance in WashPo, USNews. - Personally, I don't love the process of writing. I love the result. Because of that, I'll only be mediocre, most likely. The others will be great. - Enjoyment + being skilled is 100% needed. We need high outputShow this thread -
- Like most skills, I think some people are pre-disposed to be better. I work hard to find those people vs. complete noobs who need lots of training. IMHO, this is the hardest part...seperating winners from others on a resume.
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- OK, finally. Interviewing. I am more fluid. But
@bradwolverton has this sheet he fills out during interviews.pic.twitter.com/czAKUToFLH
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- In my opinion, the biggest issue when hiring writers is ego. They often care about impressing other writers vs please their readers. - I AVOID THESE PEOPLE LIKE THE F*CKING PLAGUE - These people can ruin your business - Ego is good. U want drive + peeps who think they're great
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- I like people with chips on their shoulder, who think they're hot shit. - I don't like people who won't do whatever it takes to produce and please readers - This means risking looking dumb, not following the herd.
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- So, we have put huge emphasis on reader vs. vanity OK. There are tons more tips. But, there's something to start with. Hiring experts who write, CRAZY HARD. When you find winners, keep them. Hug them. hold them. Cherish them!
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