Re: format for technical writing portfolios

[Kathryn Marshall <kmarshall -at- MODACAD -dot- COM>]

I do just about the same thing as far as what to include (TOC, resume,
different categories of writing); except I use a leather-bound book.
Each page is in a protective sheet. I put extra copies behind the actual
sample -- that way the interviewer can take what they want. My portfolio
isn't quite as long either (maybe 30 pages).

Chuck's method works for him and seems like a neat idea. Mine works for
me. Btw, you'd be surprised how many people are impressed by the fancy
leather binding. :-) Plus, I like it because interviewers are forced to
look at your work and can ask you questions directly about specific
projects. --Gives you added time to toot your own horn.

$0.02,
-Kathy

> ----------
> From:         Chuck Martin[SMTP:cmartin -at- SEEKERSOFT -dot- COM]
> Reply To:     Chuck Martin
> Sent:         Friday, September 12, 1997 11:10 AM
> To:   TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject:      Re: format for technical writing portfolios
>
> While there are no stricgt conventions, I developed an idea that has
> been
> very successful for me. I think it is very user-oriented.
>
> I take several work samples: book chapters, printouts from Help
> screens,
> journal articles, and make copies. Always doubl;e-sided; no need to
> waste
> paper. I create a cover. I include a table of contents, followed by a
> resume. I have all of this copied at a local copy shop, with the cover
> on
> color card stock. I have a blank back cover added, then have it tape
> bound.
>
> The result: when I go to an interview, instead of having a fancy
> leather-bound book that an interviewer has just a few minutes to
> glance
> through, I simply hand them the portfolio, tell them to keep it and
> review
> it at their leisure. They can then see in detail the quality of my
> work
> without feeling rushed.
>
> My most recent portfolio runs about 60-70 sheets of peper total, with
> three
> substantial samples of printed documentation, plus a half dozen
> printouts
> of Help screens, as well as other assorted material. While each of
> these
> costs several dollars each to produce, I think it's an excellent
> investment, as well as an example of how important I view the end user
> under any circumstance.
>
> At 05:19 PM 9/11/97 PDT, you wrote:
> >forwarded for a friend:
> >
> >>I'm putting together a portfolio of my technical writing, and I had
> a
> >>few questions about portfolio conventions:
> >>
> >>- How large should a portfolio be?  Mine is ten pages double sided,
> >>and includes three different styles of work.
> >>
> >>- Should the portfolio be double-sided or single-sided?  I am
> >>assuming that it should be printed up the way it would actually be
> >>used (i.e., double-sided)
> >>
> >>- Should I precede each piece with a paragraph or two discussing
> >>target audience, deadline constraints, style constraints, and so on?
> >>I haven't done so yet, but it seems like a good idea.
> >>
> >>- Should I only include complete pieces, or are fragments okay?  So
> >>far I have been able to find examples of my work that are only a few
> >>pages long, but in the future I may have longer pieces I want to
> >>include.
> >
> >-- Kate O'Neill    <kaethe -at- geocities -dot- com> or
>
> --
> "You don't look American"
> "Everyone looks American, because Americans are from everywhere"
>                                             - Doonesbury
> Chuck Martin
> Technical Writer, Seeker Software, Inc      | Personal
> cmartin -at- seekersoft -dot- com                      | writer -at- grin -dot- net
> www.seekersoft.com                          | www.grin.net/~writer
>
> ~~
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