Newbie Technical Writer's Pro Advice




		Pro's Advice These posts are from the TECHWR-L list and offer insight from the people who are working in the field. I have included their email addresses, so take advantage of the advice and network! Networking David Castro I see a resume as a tool to get an interview. If your resume doesn't look good, you aren't going to be the first pick in the interview pool. So, a good resume is important. But definitely be willing to do more. Email the person who posted the job and ask them about the company. That's what one of our interviewees did. It shows that she isn't just looking for "a job," but that she's looking for "the right job." Which type of job is the applicant more likely to stay at for a few years? And, yes, network. Don't limit your contacts to people in the field. When you need a job, tell your banker and your mail carrier and your neighbors and the guy who walks his dog in front of your house. Word of mouth is worth a lot in this field. Mary Durlak Erie Documentation, Inc. I've spent more time than I care to recall suggesting avenues, resources, schools, programs, etc. to people. Guess how many of them actually got active in our chapter!! Guess who we all know to avoid! Around here, it's a small town & we know each other. We've been working very hard to find a job for a really good temp who had to be laid off...he came with a good recommendation from another STC member. I think, though, in fairness to newbies, that they're afraid of wasting your time by asking questions. (Newbies and job hunters both; maybe the latter feel like they're begging.) People like to help; people like to share their knowledge; and busy people would usually rather you called them than have to chase you down . . . Email Vanessa Weibler I've been surprised to find that-- especially when looking for work in a different city-- e-mail is a great networking tool. It can be a lot easier on the "newbie" (or job-hunter). Instead of trying to catch the contact in, or worrying about bothering him/her at a bad time, a well-crafted e-mail message can be an effective introduction, and the contact can respond in a free moment rather than being put "on the spot." A lot of professional organizations' directories list e-mail addresses, which makes it simple to find potential contacts. I've done a lot of networking while looking into a new city recently via e-mail, and people have been incredibly, overwhelmingly helpful! The informality of e-mail, perhaps, is the reason people have been so much more receptive to my e-mail messages than to phone calls. Just another route to try! Tracy Moore I recently gave up the idea of performing job searches through the mail. I know others will balk at this, but I made all my first contacts via e-mail. My reasoning was that I didn't want to work for a company that didn't have the latest and greatest technologies . Send e-mails and attach your resume (and online help samples). If you have a web site, attach it as well. If you don't, create one. In your web site include your resume, some online help samples and some writing samples. Make it fun, interactive and VERY easy to navigate. This shows off your ability. If you don't have help and writing samples, make some up. The web has many job opportunities. Search, search, search. Try the Online Career Center. Also check out the recruiters: Arthur Anderson, System One, Atlanta Technical Services, Ajilon. Good luck! A Different Approach Dick Schellens I agree that the networking is critical. Here's another idea: (I document software so this has that slant . . . correct the seasoning to your own taste) Keep an eye out in your local paper for software engineer and/or project leader ads. Often a team is being assembled for a specific project. I've responded to these ads and have been 2 months ahead of other documentation types. If they like you, they may never even advertise for the documentation position. TechWriting Boards General Job Boards Home © 1999, Paul Dunham