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Dave: Send a T-letter instead of a resume. Have your resume handy if they call you in for an interview.
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From: techwr-l-bounces+deboraames=hotmail -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com <techwr-l-bounces+deboraames=hotmail -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> on behalf of Emoto <emoto1 -at- gmail -dot- com>
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2017 11:04 AM
Cc: Tech Writing
Subject: Re: Resume recommendations for older writers?
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-WrL’ers,
> I’m re-entering the writing market after a decade doing repair work—what I
> used to write about (service manuals) prior to this hiatus.
>
> I’m 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.
>
> I’m 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
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