career tips
about the career tips
We are asked a lot of questions about technical writing by fellow writers either beginning a new career or giving their career a boost. Pamela has given a number of presentations through the Society for Technical Communication (STC) to new and experienced writers alike.
Some of these presentations are provided in this section, as are the answers to frequently asked questions.
Should you have other questions, feel free to contact us and we will post the answer to this section on a periodic basis.
resume tips and presentations
The most important document you will ever write in your writing career is your resume. It is quandary to us that the resume is very often the document that writers spend the least amount of time on.
For several years, Pamela has been a volunteer resume and career coach for writers and non-writers alike. Through these sessions and seminars, she has had the pleasure of seeing people turn their career situations around:
Situation »»» Turnaround Success
New immigrant:
Not a native English speaker and trying to find his first job »»» Writing job within a month
Secretary:
New technical writing graduate and looking for her first writing job »»» Writing job within weeks
Writer:
Unemployed facing ageism »»» Several immediate hits on job sites and a writing job within a month
New writer:
Former help desk agent who experienced sporadic, low-paying employment »»» Writing job within a month with a decent salary
Writer:
Unemployed for 8 months and visually impaired »»» Writing job within a week
What did they do? These job seekers learned to look at their issues a different way and address them from an employer's perspective. They capitalized on their strengths and presented their entire package in a way that the employers could see the job seekers differently as well.
If you would like Pamela to provide a free presentation of these resume strategies, then contact her.
frequently asked questions
What recognized sources are available for standard rates and estimates?
The STC publications and Website are one resource for both estimates and rates. For hourly rates, review the current job ads, talk to recruiters, and compare notes with other technical writers in your area. In terms of estimating a project, it depends on the types of project that you are working on: Are you required to do research? Edit? Create graphics? Start with your task list and a clear list of roles and responsibilities. Then, examine each item and assign a time.
My current manager does not see the value of technical writing, and since I am almost done my certificate, I would like to start applying what I have learned in my courses. What is a good way to sell the value of technical writing to my manager?
Showing the value of good technical writing is one of the hardest things to do in companies. Unless there are ISO or SOX certification requirements that the company needs to meet, it can be a tough sell. The technical writing department is often overshadowed by the other departments such as sales and marketing. Understandably, documentation is viewed as a necessary even if sometimes cumbersome add-on to the product. In most companies, documentation does not generate any sales.
Sell the value of technical writing in terms of your employer's values as opposed to your peers. For example, employers care about productivity, costs, and quality. Through your own research, demonstrate that documentation results in decreased support and service calls. Or, present how you have improved upon an existing document written by a subject matter expert. Be sure to illustrate how the issues affect their customers. Sell your ability to know what their users (their customers) want. Focus on concrete statistics and case studies that are going to add value to the business. Know your manager's concerns and be able to address his or her concerns.
I was thinking about looking for a part-time contract outside of work once I receive my certificate. Is that feasible? And if so, are there a lot of opportunities for part-time writers who are new to the industry?
Part-time contract work is difficult to find if you are looking in the wrong places; for example, on popular job sites. You will have more success by becoming involved in the technical writing community, attending evening business and association events, and joining other associations you are interested in.
about the photo
This photo was taken in Edinburgh on a crowded sidewalk. It demonstrates the effects of perspective. The people not looking at the ground have a completely different perspective of the same environment. This is really a key challenge for many writers, to look at information and how they present it with the most appropriate lens.
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