Re: Getting a job as beginning tech writer
1. You must demonstrate technical ability. This means you must know something about something - computers, engineering, manufacturing, et cetera. If you don't have this knowledge, start studying (go back to school or grab some "for Dummies" book).
2. You must demonstrate that you can write. If you don't have a portfolio, dig in and start writing something - procedures for clipping your toenails if nothing else. Just write.
3. You must demonstrate tools knowledge. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise: if you don't know RoboHelp, for instance, you just won't land a job writing help files. Take the time to learn at the very least, the "big three" (Word, FrameMaker, and RoboHelp). Beyond that, working knowledge of screen shot software, operating systems, and PhotoShop or PaintShop Pro will be helpful.
Let me make one addition: you must demonstrate a professional attitude in your treatment of other employees and the way in which you co-operate with your employer and meet your committments. That doesn't mean always agreeing with everybody, or acquiescing to the boss, but it does mean avoiding prima dona attitudes or acting as though your job is the most important one in the company.In general, tech-writers are poorly regarded, and it's up to you to prove on each job site that you're an exception.
--
Bruce Byfield bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com 604.421.7177
http://members.axion.net/~bbyfield
"We are not beginners, we will not be fooled,
Time has been our teacher, and it keeps an iron rule:
We do our best work in the dark, we do our thinking on the run,
We will stay together till the longest day is done."
- OysterBand, "A Fire Is Burning"
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