During my interview process, I was confused about why there seemed to be insiders' opinions on every position at Epic EXCEPT Tech Writer. I wen through the whole process without an offer, so hopefully this review clears it up for other people in the same situation:
First off, I started with the application and a phone screening about a week later. Then I was sent an hour-long writing test. After that, I was asked to take a skills test (DON'T BE WORRIED ABOUT THE PROGRAMMING TEST FOR TECH WRITERS - IT IS ALL LOGIC BASED AND VERY EASY). I didn't have a good feeling about it, but about 10 days later I got an email inviting me up to Madison. They let me pick the airport I wanted to fly out of and I was put up in a very nice hotel right on Lake Monona and received a welcome package from Epic saying that they would take care of any expenses, including rental cars, food, parking, etc. I was taken out to dinner that night by an employee and there were two others in my group. They'll tell you it has nothing to do with the job, but you should still brush up on your business etiquette: there were a few times when I felt like the employee was evaluating me. Don't order beer either. Stick to soda, or better yet, water. And don't go overboard when they tell you to order whatever you want - a guy in my group ordered a pricey appetizer for the table and it looked kinda selfish to the rest of us.
The onsite interview was an all-day thing, including a software demo, two interviews, a campus tour (the pictures aren't a marketing trick - the campus is AMAZING), editing test, lunch at the cafeteria, and a presentation. Just when I thought it was all over, I was asked to do a 3-hour writing test, which completed the day.
That's the basic gist of it. Here's what you need to know about the tech writer position:
1. Wondering why there aren't a lot of tech writer reviews? It's because there are only about 100 at Epic, and the position is VICIOUSLY competitive. So don't feel bad if you don't get selected!!!! Across all positions, only 10% of applicants make it to the onsite interview.
2. You write software manuals, the little inserts inside of software boxes ("TRY THE NEXT VERSION OF THIS PRODUCT...") and other documents related to software production.
3. You decide how much you want to travel. It's not usually required, but if you want to travel to the installation site to see if the client likes your installation manual (or just to use that as an excuse to see a new city!), you can do that.
4. Your starting salary should probably be somewhere around $36k. But if you have some experience in writing, it could be closer to $40k
5. Compared to other positions (I'm looking at you, Project Manager role), tech writers don't have it too rough, BUT they make less money.
So am I mad that I put a thousand hours into the process and didn't get an offer? Yes.
Am I mad about anything else? Not at all.
I got a free trip to a new city and state, got some great interview experience and will probably apply again. Good luck everyone! :)