TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
I would make no bones about the fact that you are returning to writing. Any
hint of concealment is bad. Spin it as returning to your roots or your
first love, if you must. Relate the recent repair work as time spent in the
trenches that emphasizes just how important good tech is, and mention tasks
that related to documentation as "hands on, real-world experience" that
gives you additional perspective and insight.
As tech writers, I think we are cut a lot of slack in the age department.
They assume we know what we're doing, how to use the language, and how to
manage documents. They hire us, so they don't have to worry about it. This
differs from those who want to hire recent grads, or (pardon the
expression) kids, who are immersed in the latest technical fads. Let's
face it: nobody wants to be the tech writer, except all of us on this list.
:-)
As a 60-year-old who has had various staffing agency jobs over the past ~3
years (and now a full-time regular job) I shared your concern about the age
thing, but what can you do? So, I just plunged ahead like always. A
friendly attitude, and being relaxed and friendly during interviews seem to
work just as well as ever. Somehow, with a little age and grey hair, they
seem to believe me now when I say "I can do that for you".
Best of luck!
Bob
On Thu, Apr 20, 2017 at 1:45 PM, Dave C <davec2468 -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
> Hi fellow Tech-WrLâers,
> Iâm re-entering the writing market after a decade doing repair workâwhat I
> used to write about (service manuals) prior to this hiatus.
>
> Iâm 50-plus years and all writing work is well back in history, as are my
> writing samples: googling the products mentioned in the samples will give
> away the era I worked in.
>
> Iâm concerned about age bias, at least in the resume-submission phase.
> Simply eliminating dates from the previous work experience is the first
> thought that came to mind. Also, creating some modern writing samples is
> another idea.
>
> Anyone here been through this dance before?
>
> Any and all suggestions will be gratefully received.
>
> Thanks,
> Dave Carpenter
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> Visit TechWhirl for the latest on content technology, content strategy and
> content development | http://techwhirl.com
>
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>
> You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as emoto1 -at- gmail -dot- com -dot-
>
> To unsubscribe send a blank email to
> techwr-l-leave -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
>
>
> Send administrative questions to admin -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit
>http://www.techwhirl.com/email-discussion-groups/ for more resources and
> info.
>
> Looking for articles on Technical Communications? Head over to our online
> magazine at http://techwhirl.com
>
> Looking for the archived Techwr-l email discussions? Search our public
> email archives @ http://techwr-l.com/archives
>
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Visit TechWhirl for the latest on content technology, content strategy and content development | http://techwhirl.com
