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Subject:keeping writing samples for a portfolio From:Rosemary J Horner <rhorner -at- quellos -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 1 May 2002 17:01:54 -0700
Hi all,
I've recently started working as a tech writer, primarily writing online
help for internal applications. I was already working at the company as a
temporary admin when this position was offered to me, and they asked for
writing samples. Because the only previous work I'd done of this kind was
before I thought of pursuing tech writing as a career, I didn't keep any
samples. They decided to offer me the job anyway, based on the "known
quantity" factor perhaps? (my boss in the temp job thought I was wonderful
and told them they should!) and because they were impressed with the way I
wrote emails.
I'm not planning to leave my current position any time soon, but I think
I've learned that it's a good idea to keep samples of work just in case
something unexpected happens. What I'm not sure of is this: because the help
I'm writing is for applications that no-one outside this company has access
to, and because it's online help and therefore somewhat context-sensitive,
how can I keep samples that would be meaningful to a potential employer?
They could check it over for grammar and style, but not for accuracy,
completeness, clarity or general usefulness.
Anyone have advice on putting together a useful portfolio in this situation?
Thanks,
Rosemary
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