Improving your portfolio: Review periodically to determine if it needs updating; remove and/or replace outdated or irrelevant samples. Exclude samples that are of poor quality viewing (on-line or print); for paper samples: avoid photocopies, low-res, & third-generation scans. When researching a company prior to the interview, try customizing to best match the job description. When [...]
As a professional communicator, it is recommended that you subscribe online to (or purchase a hard copy) of at least one style guide that you can refer to during project development. Suggested reference publications include: Chicago Manual of Style, UPI or AP Style Books, and Microsoft Manual of Style.
New Year's Resolution for the Professional Technical Communicator: Review the current skills and experiences of your career to-date and compare them to the new emerging trends, methodologies, tools, etc. Then ask yourself: What courses, webinars, seminars, or certificate programs should I enroll in to strengthen my professional and personal brand as a professional technical communicator? [...]
Working from a home office can be good for some workers, but not so good for others. Before you seriously consider doing so on a regular basis, it is advisable to ask yourself these questions: 1) Do I have all the necessary amenities of an office set up?--i.e., high-speed internet, dedicated phone, fax/copier, comfortable desk/work [...]
There is usually a segment of new tech. comm. graduates who find it difficult succeeding sooner rather than later in landing interviews and offers from potential employers. This often results in the candidate becoming discouraged and subsequently settling for jobs outside of their original career goal. However, it is important to stay focused, keep trying, [...]
Four reasons companies should hire a professional technical communicator: 1) the quality of the product documentation & training will result in more satisfied customers, fewer service calls, and improved brand awareness, 2) engineers, programmers, and other technology employees prefer not to be involved in the documentation process, 3) dedicated writers are more removed from the [...]
The role of project manager is more important than ever. In most tech. comm. roles today, project management consumes greater (>) than 50% of effort. Therefore, it is important that you not be complacent in assuming that others in the organization--content reviewers, SMEs, etc.--who are called upon to participate with you during your project development [...]
Five tips on how to work successfully from home: 1) set aside a dedicated space where you can separate yourself from domestic distractions (and where "work-in-progress" can remain untouched), 2) maintain a disciplined schedule, where you get up and stretch, take breaks--but try to do so in a different area of the home, 3) train [...]
The future looks very bright for the technical communication profession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: "Employment of technical writers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the continuing expansion of scientific and technical products and by growth [...]
The advantages of temp. versus direct-hire: 1) If you are a new grad, or you are already working in another profession & crossing over into tech. comm., then temp. (contracting) is a convenient & effective way to break into the tech. comm. profession, 2) Provides you the independence to select projects that interest you, as [...]