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I would agree with Chris on this subject. While I have not hired a technical writer, I am in the process of helping the HR lady with hiring developers. One of the things that I have been looking for in resumes is a developer who tends to stregthen his resume with each position. One who shows an ability and desire to grow with each position. I would think this would also apply to hiring a technical writer. One who shows the ability to learn or strengthen a skill with each position is as important as one who has a certification.
I know that I had a BA in Technical Communications when I joined this field, but my real growth and strength as a technical writer has come from straight up on-the-job experience, as well as not being afraid to try and learn something new each time. While I have failed at more than one thing I have attempted, and other things would not go on a resume because I would not want to do them at another position. I would still list that as my biggest strength to a prospective employer. Growth has a certification all its own!
Melissa
> Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:09:23 -0700> From: athloi -at- yahoo -dot- com> Subject: RE: Technical Writing Certifications> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> > While that's true, is it the kind of slimming you would want? I have a> friend who is a Human Resources ninja. I'll ask her how she would> answer, but my answer is to look for some sense of purpose to the> resumes. The people who have consistently developed skillsets and> worked toward something will stand out, and that should cut the number> to a manageable 20-25 people, which I don't consider an unduly heavy> call load to find a match for a position.> > --- "Tariel, Lauren R" <lt34 -at- saclink -dot- csus -dot- edu> wrote:> > > How does the plan of interviewing candidates work in a market that is> > saturated with "technical writers" who really aren't qualified for> > the job, but can write up a resume, produce samples (possibly> > borrowed), and come up with references, so the TWs look qualified? > > If you are hit with 50 or so resumes from "qualified" candidates, how> > do you determine who to call for a phone interview and later bring in> > for an in-person interview? Certification can help slim the numbers> > in large markets.> > http://technical-writing.dionysius.com/> technical writing | consulting | development> > > ____________________________________________________________________________________> Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect. Join Yahoo!'s user panel and lay it on us. http://surveylink.yahoo.com/gmrs/yahoo_panel_invite.asp?a=7 > > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> > Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or > printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007 > Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more.> http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList> > True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.> Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical> documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com> > ---> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as melmis36 -at- hotmail -dot- com -dot- > > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > techwr-l-unsubscribe -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> or visit http://lists.techwr-l.com/mailman/options/techwr-l/melmis36%40hotmail.com> > > To subscribe, send a blank email to techwr-l-join -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> > Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit> http://www.techwr-l.com/ for more resources and info.>
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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