By Jerry Grohovsky Copyright 2016. JPG & Associates, Inc. A freelancer (or independent technical communicator) today will find that it is more likely that opportunities will come from companies who have the following characteristics: Are either startups, or are small to mid-size. Product volume is not sufficient enough to support a fulltime writer or department [...]
Typical obstacles to your career development as a technical communicator include: Time Procrastination Money Lack of awareness of new trends, tools, and methodologies Lack of awareness of continuing education opportunities In-decision: deciding what to do next Not asking questions of colleagues in the profession Avoidance of inquiring with experts Not doing career advancement steps in [...]
By Jerry Grohovsky Copyright 2016. JPG & Associates, Inc. Often times a candidate does well verbally at an interview, but then falters when it comes time to presenting a portfolio of sample projects. The portfolio portion of the interview (paper and/or laptop) can be viewed as a two-step process: building/maintaining a portfolio, then presenting it [...]
By Jerry Grohovsky Copyright 2016. JPG & Associates, Inc. Often one of the biggest misconceptions about having a resume is that it is adequate “as is.” Resume ownership might be viewed at as a continual process of review and improvement. Some of the more important reasons for doing so include: Change of employment status. Change [...]
By Jerry Grohovsky Copyright 2016. JPG & Associates, Inc. Probably one of the most interesting aspects of this business has been the opportunity to personally interview hundreds of candidates over the years. From this experience, I have developed my own list of recommended tips when it comes to interviewing the right way: Prepare for the [...]
Hardware documentation Software documentation Operator’s guides Troubleshooting guides Maintenance manuals Installation manuals Paper-based On-line Web-based On-line help (local) Web-based help Remove-and-replace procedures End-user (external) documentation Internal documentation Field service notes Installation notes Parts lists Test plans Test procedures Proposals Newsletters Reports Manufacturing procedures Process documentation White papers Trade journal articles Quick reference cards or [...]