TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:RE: new technical writer From:tvirostko -at- familydollar -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 14 Nov 2000 14:56:49 -0500
Train2:
Welcome to the Wonderful World of Technical Writing (little fairy spreading
pixie dust across your monitor right now...) AND in techni-color! <SMILE>
Valuable Employment Lessons I've learned and grace you with now... <G>
#1
Save your gas and postage: USE THE INTERNET. Last job search I did 2 years
ago was TOTALLY on line or phone interviews. (Yes, put a mirror in front of
the phone and smile while you talk.)
#2
You are your only salesperson. (Even if you go through a contract agency,
you are STILL the best salesperson.) No one else knows you like *you* so
you've got to sell you. And this includes all the tools to sell yourself:
mannerisms, grace, poise, portfolio...
#3
Have something to show. Even though you are selling YOU, they will want to
see what YOU produce. DEFINITELY use your portfolio. Fill it with writing:
if you don't have much, take any instructions you can find, and re-write
them how you would do it -- better. Assignments available from the courses
you took? Include them. Show what YOU do.
#3
If you're nervous, pick a mantra that calms you and think it. My favorite is
PEACE. <G> Helps me at least.
#4
Luck is merely preparedness meeting opportunity. Be prepared. Find the
opportunities.
All the best to you!
Tony Virostko
IT Technical Writer
Family Dollar Stores, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
> -----Original Message-----
> From: train2 -at- sprynet -dot- com [SMTP:train2 -at- sprynet -dot- com]
> Subject: new technical writer
>
> I was looking for advice on starting my job search as a new
> technical writer. I have taken some distance learning classes working
> toward a certificate in technical writing. I was hoping to get some more
> tips on what to bring to an interview and how important the portfolio is
> for a newbie. Its hard to get in the door without one, I have found.
>
>
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver! (STC Discount.)
**NEW DATE/LOCATION!** January 16-17, 2001, New York, NY. http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.
Sponsored by SOLUTIONS, Conferences and Seminars for Communicators
Publications Management Clinic, TECH*COMM 2001 Conference, and more http://www.SolutionsEvents.com or 800-448-4230
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
