RoboHelp?? Programs? etc.

[Al Geist]

Karen,

You have a point.  One of the things I also learned during my days in 
the Last Frontier was marketing.  You can be the best writer in the 
world with an exceptional tool background, but if you don't market 
yourself correctly, the hiring authorities will never know that and you 
will never get the interview.

If you have the skills and experience, but the phone isn't ringing, then 
you might look at how you are presenting those skills and experience on 
your resume and in your cover letters.  I started out as an electronic 
technician (when tubes were still the rage) and added a computer science 
minor during my college years, which happened after seven years of 
technical writing and after I left the field and moved to Alaska.  Yet, 
when I returned to America, effective marketing of my combined 
hardware/software background and all my other experiences helped get me 
in the door at Tivoli Systems.

What resources do you offer beyond technical writing that will set you 
apart and get you that interview?  I never documented microelectronics 
or storage area networks, yet I was able to get work in both areas after 
I returned from Alaska, where there are few technical writing jobs to 
begin with, because I related what I had done during my time in Alaska 
to what the hiring authority needed.  (I write a damn good cover 
letter.)  For example, my work as field producer for network coverage of 
a 1,000 mile sled dog race through the wilderness required project 
management skills, attention to detail, flexibility, excellent 
communication skills, and clear writing ability.  My work as a volunteer 
road commissioner showed skills in negotiating, public relations, 
community service and public speaking.  Other work highlighted my 
technical skills. 

So, look at how you are marketing yourself, and don't forget non-paid 
volunteer work.

Al

kmurri at comcast.net wrote:

> I have to disagree - at least somewhat. I've been looking hard for 
> about 6 months. I have all the qualities Al describes. Despite that, 
> I'm not getting many calls. Why? Because I don't have industry 
> experience. I've a ton of good experience, but most of the jobs around 
> here are either in software documentation or medical devices and I 
> haven't done either.
>  
> Granted, the tools issue hasn't really come up, but it seems "just" 
> being a really good tech writer isn't enough.
>  
> YMMV
> -Karen
>  
>  
>  
>
>     -------------- Original message --------------
>     From: Al Geist <al.geist at geistassociates.com>
>
>     >
>     > So, regardless of how long you have been out of the field, if
>     you have a
>     > good understanding of how to develop technical documentation, good
>     > writing/editing skills, and a lust for learning, you'll have no
>     problem.
>     >
>

-- 

Al Geist
Technical Writing, Online Help, Marketing Collateral, Web Design, Award 
Winning Videos, Professional Photography
Voice/Msg: 802-658-3140

Cell: 802-578-3964
E-mail: al.geist at geistassociates.com <mailto:al.geist at geistassociates.com>
URL: www.geistassociates.com <http://www.geistassociates.com> (online 
portfolio/resume)

See also:
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for home for office, and note cards for all occasions)

"When they call the roll in the Senate, the Senators do not know whether 
to answer "Present" or "Not guilty.""
                         Theodore Roosevelt