FWD: RE: Entry-level requirements and Career Changes

["Eric J. Ray" <ejray -at- RAYCOMM -dot- COM>]

And the flurry of anonymity continues with...
Forwarded on request. Eric

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>> >I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who has decided to make a career of
>tech
>> >writing a bit later than the college years. Is there some way I get
>around
>> >being penalized for not having been able to know the future?
>       I think we can all agree that if you want a job as a tech writer (or are
>thinking of switching jobs) there are two things you need to do:
>1. Have writing samples.  Have something, anything that shows how well you
>write--and is truly your original writing.
>    For example, my first writing sample included: one of my chemistry
>papers from college; some of my original cooking recipes--from some of my
>original culinary explorations; the writing-course materials I wrote for my
>students when I worked as a writing tutor; and a paper on the development
>of Zen Buddhism.  The point of all that?  I wanted to show I could write,
>write, write about anything, and it worked!
>2. Apply, apply, apply.  The shotgun method usually is best.  If your basic
>writing skills are solid, you're bound to find an employer who wants you,
>whatever your background/experience may be.
>       So, wherever you come from, just go get 'em!
>
>
>
>

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Eric J. Ray                      ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com
TECHWR-L Listowner         http://www.raycomm.com/

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