Re: perspective on rates

[pro -dot- techwriter -at- gmail -dot- com]

On Oct 17, 2008 10:48am, Kevin McGowan <thatguy_80 -at- hotmail -dot- com> wrote:
>
> I got a cold-call about a contract opportunity from an agency. They are  
looking for someone with many years of experience, someone who can lead a  
team......<snip> However, when I gave them my rate, they balked and said  
that they could only pay about a third of that.

>

I see this every so often, and from companies that I *think* should know  
better. I used to point recruiters to the STC Salary Survey, but since that  
no longer exists, well, can't do that. But I will still tell the recruiter,  
nicely, that rate would be better suited to a new graduate or someone with  
a year or two of experience in technical writing. And I leave it at that.

There are always people who will give a low-ball offer and see if they can  
get it. If you have tried to sell a house lately, you know what I mean.

My experience tells me that a company that offers a really low rate for  
technical writers (1) does not value the skill, and (2) equates technical  
writers with "administrative" and "secretarial" help. Usually, that's how  
HR has the job classified, not as a professional position. Those companies  
are better avoided, unless a person is so desparate for a job that any rate  
at all will do. Then, by all means, take it, if it's that, or losing your  
house.

PT
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