Getting an Entry-Level Tech Writing Job

[Butler, Darren J Ctr 584 CBSS/GBHAC]

Scott quipped: They usually want someone who has worked at that job, or
in that company for the last 10 years and is willing to work for the
same wages as an Alabama field hand during the Civil War.

 

Sir, as a proud descendant of Civil War-era field hands, I take great
umbrage to your comment in reference to an entry-level TW's wage; said
field hands were much better compensated and had superior working
conditions  ;~D

 

I would add that many employers are looking for:

1.	A demonstrated ability to grasp complex technical concepts
quickly.
2.	A willingness to learn and master new software and processes --
on you own time/dime if necessary.
3.	The diligence/perseverance to get answers in spite of
work-related obstacles (e.g. obtuse engineers).
4.	An ability and willingness to empathize with both the SMEs and
the target audience without favoring one over the other (IMHO - The holy
grail of TW'ing). This may not come into play for an entry-level job,
but you might as well get started on this now.
5.	Confidence in your abilities and experience yet enough humility
to be "teachable"; otherwise you might remain an entry-level TW for a
long while. There's plenty of time to be a know-it-all when you reach
the Sr TW level.   ;~)

 

Blessings,

Darren

****************************************

Darren J. Butler

Sr. Technical Writer-Editor, Template Wrangler, Mil-Spec Pharisee

Integrated Data for Maintenance

NG Corp

-----Original Message-----

From:
techwr-l-bounces+darren.butler.ctr=robins.af.mil at lists.techwr-l.com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+darren.butler.ctr=robins.af.mil at lists.techwr-l.
com] On Behalf Of quills at airmail.net

Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 9:28 PM

To: Emily Sirois; techwr-l at lists.techwr-l.com

Subject: Re: Getting an Entry-Level Tech Writing Job

 

At 3:33 PM -0400 10/22/07, Emily Sirois wrote:

>Hi everyone,

> 

>I was just wondering what some of the qualifications are or what 

>employers look for when hiring entry level tech writers.

> 

>Thanks!

>Emily

 

They usually want someone who has worked at that job, or in that 

company for the last 10 years and is willing to work for the same 

wages as an Alabama field hand during the Civil War.

 

Failing that, the ability to read, synthesize information, organize 

information, ask questions, write without embarrassing yourself, know 

how to get along with difficult and obtuse engineers or management, 

engage little ego in your writing product, be an advocate for clear, 

concise, accurate writing, and deliver your product at or before 

deadline. It's also nice to be goal oriented, and be able to manage 

yourself with little to no supervision.

 

Scott

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

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