Re: Breaking into the tech writing job market

["Henry J. Wicko II" <henry -dot- wicko -at- gmail -dot- com>]

One way to get around a lac of experience is volunteering your time to
write for your church, the Elks club, do a newsletter, anything to show you
can, and have researched information and can convey this information in a
clear, concise and grammatically correct manner.

Showing work examples without actual job related skills might just take the
edge away from them looking into your eye and thinking to themselves "this
guy has no work experience".  Additionally, writing samples from your
Masters classes might help.

Also, take a look at a user manual from a product you still have one for.
Documenting a process on how to install or operate something is always good
to do.  If nothing else, read a book, learn some writing formats, and write
how to assemble a bike.  That was my first assignment in a Business and
Technical Writing class when I was a co-ed.

Maybe take a technical writing course at your local university or Community
Colleg???  STC (www.stc.org) has an education link and there are many
programs there which to choose from.  Google turns up a few clases on TW as
well.   Not saying you need to get another degree or certificate, but a
class which you could put some writing experience and principles atop your
resume could be a partial answer.

Without reading too much of the earlier responses, but skimming through
them, they did touch on some good points.  If you show initiative and a
competency for figuring something out, then you show more than some people
can in an interview.  Maybe even referencing some self-published works might
help you out?

Remember, your resume gets you in the door and you get to sell yourself once
you get in there.

And harupmh for the Masters not making up for work experience

HTH and good luck.
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