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.
Beat every deadline youâre given, if at all humanly possible.
If your company doesnât have a documentation archive or library, start one.
If you hear of a documentation task you know you can handle, volunteer for it.
Visit in person the VPs and department heads, with your bossâs approval, and offer to help solve their writing problems.
If your company doesnât have a style manual yet, volunteer to spearhead that project.
If marketing is open to your helping them, see if they need help writing anything.
If you see something thatâs badly written, re-write it and send it back to the person. This requires finesse and political skills. Donât attempt if youâre not comfortable doing this.
Make sure your boss SOLIDLY supports you. If for whatever reason your boss doesnât see the need for someone with your skills, start looking around. You may be among the first to be laid off if job cuts are made.
Do what your boss says when your boss says it. Your boss works for the company. You work for your boss. After all, your boss is the one who is in charge of your raises, bonuses, and projects. If she doesnât like you, your goose is cooked.
I was in your shoes about 8 years ago. No one knew who I was or what I did. They do now. It just takes awhile.
Cordially,
Craig
From: Karl Norman [mailto:kylesimmons0164 -at- gmail -dot- com]
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2014 10:22 AM
To: Cardimon, Craig
Cc: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Yet another title I found: "Content Designer"
Craig, I'm also the sole technical writer at my company. This is my first job (straight out of college). I get the feeling my company knows they need a tech writer, but they aren't too sure why. As a result, I get some surprised faces when I explain what I can do, but the leadership doesn't seem to have figured out how to leverage my skills. Any advice for a lone newbie?
--
Kyle Simmons
Technical Writer
Aloe Vera of America, Inc.
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