The Role of Tools in Getting Work (was: Green TW searching for software advice)

[Jeff Hanvey <techwriter -at- jewahe -dot- net>]

I can't count the number of times I've lost the chance at a position because I didn't have knowledge of some tools. While I understand that Access is a complex program (I'm gearing up to learn it now), I can't understand why experience project managers don't understand why it's impossible to transfer knowledge from, say, Word to WordPerfect or PageMaker to Quark Xpress. Or HTML to HTML Help.

BTW, why doesn't Microsoft provide demos of its software? I've searched their site extensively, but can't find any.

When the discussion comes around, I make sure to emphasize that I am so familiar with computers that learning Tool X isn't such a big deal, but they don't buy it, and I'm left feeling poorly (financially and emotionally). 

Again, it goes back to the idea that today's companies have matured in their expectations toward tech writers. You have to be able to hit the ground running - very few want to spend the time or effort preparing you for the job. Even assuring them that I can be up to speed on tool X in two weeks isn't enough - they'd rather have someone with experience.

It's sad, but tools have become such a checklist item - despite what others say - and not knowing one is enough to have your resume chunked in the old circular file. "Oh," you say, "just include it on your resume and then learn it before hand." That doesn't work - hiring managers are becoming savvy enough to explore where and how extensively you've used that tool. They want proof, not smoke and mirrors.

That's why I advocate planning to students in tech writing. Take the time while you're in school to learn Word, FrameMaker, and RoboHelp - the holy trio of tech writing, as I like to call them. Examine job ads and talk to other tech writers to see what other tools (and technical knowledge) you may need to make yourself marketable in your area.

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Jeff Hanvey: http://www.jewahe.net

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