Expert knowledge means that you understand how to use features that most people aren't even aware of--borders, conditional text, conversion filters, document management features, frames, formats, graphics, indexing, macros, tables, styles, etc. If you don't own a major publishing program, buy one, or find some way to work with one--volunteer anywhere just to get some practice.

I am not endorsing any particular product or products--these are just the programs I see consistently in job ads. The links go to the companies' product page. To buy something direct, email or call the companies.

Adobe FrameMaker is the most requested tool in this industry. If you don't know it—you need to buy it or really work with the demo. The Windows academic version is relatively cheap.

A demo is available from Adobe Customer Service at 1-800-843-7263. The demo version is the full program except it will not print or save files. The demo version is designed to be used for business trials, so try it in your business.

Love it or hate it, MS Word is second in job ads. Though not a true "publishing" program, it is a good word processor in spite of its bugs. Just stay away from multi-level numbering, shut off the automatic style updates and never use the Master Document "feature"!

Not really common, but popular with some shops. An extensive XML/SGML authoring suite—very expensive. I don't know about demo or academic versions.

Another top-end XML/SGML authoring program. Also very expensive and not seen in many ads.

Rarely requested in technical writing listings, but in almost all marketing and magazine posts. The tool of choice for shops doing four-color work.

Used mainly for smaller documentation projects, but great graphics and layout features.

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© 1999, Paul Dunham