Extreme Job Interview Writing Samples, The Real Deal

You can think you have what it takes to be an editor at Dirt Rider, but until you see that it isn't all brand new bikes and gear, it will remain a fantasy life for sure. We spoiled the impressions of our four candidates and they still want the job!

The writing samples here were generated from a day of testing with DR's Jimmy Lewis, Jesse Ziegler and Joe Mckimmy at Hungry Valley SVRA last Wednesday. The assignments for the day were pretty vague, but there were plenty of things to test and ultimately write about. Even Pete Peterson—in a cast with pins in his wrist—was able to find some work, using the input from test riders and compiling a list of "must fixes" for our battered Long Haul CRF450X. Brian Purtymun, Derek Steahly and Dan Kouba each took on a couple of items, from riding impressions to DR Tested assignments, and went to work.

Everything in the tests was compiled by the candidates and we posted their stories (unedited) for you to read. The photos were shot by the candidates as well, and in true team spirit, they even shot photos and/or modeled for each other. If there is something missing, it wasn't shot. That's one thing you learn here: if there aren't photos, Art Director Joe Mckimmy isn't going to draw a picture of it and put it in the magazine for you!

The final assignment was for each candidate to write a story on his experience through the interview process and tell you, the Dirt Rider reader, what the Extreme Job Interview was really like.

So if you think one guy is better than the others, let us know in our message boards. Or if someone stinks, tell us why. We work for you so we're definitely taking all your input before making our final decision by the end of the week.

Pete Peterson (Mr. Pink) Final Writing Samples
• Playing DR
• DR Tested - Rollon "YFZ Slow" Throttle Tube
• CRF450X Problem List Post Baja

Brian Purtymun (Mr. Red) Final Writing Samples
• California: Too Many Ferraris, Not Enough Sweet Tea
• First Impression: 2006 CRF150F
"Just For the FUN Of It!"
• DR Tested - Shift Pro Strike Gloves

Derek Steahly (Mr. Blue) Final Writing Samples
• The Apprentice
• DR Tested - IRC TR-011 Trials Tire
• DR Tested - White Brothers Tri-Pro Footpegs

Comment in our Message Boards

As for my personal opinion, I'm really stoked on all of these guys. I'm sure you'll be seeing their bylines, even of the three guys who don't get selected, in future pages of Dirt Rider.

Let the comments begin!