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The discussion has been both interesting and boring.
I went from training to technical writing and used the small amount of
procedure writing that was part of my training job to good effect in my
resume. It got me my first tech writing job and that got me my second (just
got laid off from that one). Nine years later, I have senior level
experience and was earning good pay.
My advice is to set up your resume to showcase your writing experience.
Quantification is good. Phrase it ways that will resonate in the tech
writing world (words like procedures and processes and other stuff that we
document). If in doubt, get yourself to a good resume consultant or go
online and find a lot of tech writer resumes to review.
You already got the advice to find technical contract agencies - that's
where I started. The good ones will give you good advice along with trying
to place you. I started at $18 an hour, which is pretty low, but it got me
going.
Good luck,
-Karen
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+kmurri=comcast -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+kmurri=comcast -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of
Vincent Marianiello
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 4:16 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Internships (was: Breaking into the tech writing job market)
There seems to be this idea that technical writing is completely different
from others modes of composition. But, in fact, technical writing uses a
special style. It is, after all, based on common English usage. One who
takes a course in technical writing learns how to style prose and documents
the way a technical writer would. It's not akin to learning another
language, as some of you are suggesting. All writing is the same, whether it
be fiction, poetry, or technical prose. The difference is on style and
presentation, which, of course, depends on your audience and rhetorical
situation. Technical writing tends be more concise, full of concepts and
lacking muddy prepositional phrases. A skilled writer can write on any
subject (given they do the research) and in any style (given they have the
skill.)
So the question about my "experience" seems (to me) to be a bit irrelevant.
Obviously I'm not an engineer or scientist (if I were I wouldn't be looking
for a job writing). My experience is in writing.
But if you must know: I have done some web production, taught composition
and specialized in teaching with technology, had editorial positions for
print anthologies and was a chef for 13 years. I've also been a musician
since I was seven years old (that's thirty years) but I don't consider
myself an expert in any of that. What I am an expert in is writing. Which,
in my mind, would qualify me for an entry level tech writing job. But some
of you are saying "No," that's not how it works. From the majority of the
responses (which I have greatly enjoyed, by the way; I might use this for my
PhD dissertation) it seems to be either luck or good timing that lands
someone that first tech writing job. Which is interesting, in itself.
I must apologize for opening several cans of worms with this topic, it was
not my intention. But this is excellent reading and in interesting topic.
Maybe a novel...
V.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+vincent -dot- marianiello=gmail -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+vincent -dot- marianiello=gmail -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Bonnie Granat
Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 2:07 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: RE: Internships (was: Breaking into the tech writing job market)
True, and in the absense of that information at the time I wrote that post
you now refer to, I drew a conclusion.
However, in my initial post to him this morning, I asked him specifically
about it because I had not seen that anyone had yet asked the question,
which I think is fundamental.
> -----Original Message-----
> From:
> techwr-l-bounces+bgranat=granatedit -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+bgranat=granatedit -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l
> .com] On Behalf Of Gene Kim-Eng
> Sent: Wednesday, August 09, 2006 3:47 PM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: Re: Internships (was: Breaking into the tech writing job
> market)
>
> I don't think we know that about Vince from his post. He tells us he
> has a master's degree in English but no technical or scientific degree
> and no OTJ experience as a tech writer, but he doesn't mention whether
> he's had any tech writing courses or training.
>
> Gene Kim-Eng
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bonnie Granat" <bgranat -at- granatedit -dot- com>
>
> > Perhaps I should have clarified that I was referring
> specifically to
> > someone
> > who has not only no experience but no coursework or
> training in technical
> > writing, which was what I understood was Vince's circumstance.
>
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