Résumé tips and opinions about social media filled the bulk of our conversation at April’s Tech Comm Café. In attendance were several human resources veterans, and we kicked things off when one student asked about résumés for new writers. Which is more important: recent or relevant work experience? We agreed on relevance.
One hiring manager emphasized that a résumé should cover only as far back in history as makes sense. He explained that a résumé is a brochure that shows that you can do the job. Don’t include irrelevant work experience from five years ago, but do include relevant work experience from ten years ago if you need to. He recalled his own experience of writing for a newspaper as an invaluable portfolio piece when he was first applying for a technical writing position.
For new writers wanting to add skills, many technical writing tools offer free trials. Using these to learn the basics by yourself can show initiative, motivation, intelligence, and the ability to learn quickly.
We reviewed a successful résumé together, noting the things it did well:
- Uses mainly bullet points, because hiring managers are too busy to read paragraphs.
- Lists education first, because the applicant is a fresh graduate.
- States accomplishments for each entry under the work experience section.
- Describes the current work responsibilities in the present tense.
Although we disliked the idea of employers asking applicants for a salary range, we agreed that, if pressed, you should never suggest a salary that you would not be happy with; employers will almost always pay you your lowest estimate. Lowballing yourself does not help you or other technical writers. Shooting for the stars (around 25% above your highest expectations) might just start you off with a pay raise. Several writers recounted their success with this tactic.
The topic shifted to social media, with one person asking which were the most useful for career purposes. The group included fervent social media users and avoidants alike; we debated privacy concerns and security risks, and shared tips on how to better use these tools.
The seasoned technical writers advised that you should try working in as many industries as possible when starting out, to find the areas you especially enjoy working in. They also emphasized that if you have even 75% of what a job listing “requires,” you already have a good chance of getting hired.
The Tech Comm Café provides networking opportunities, job leads, answers to work-related dilemmas, and a burst of professional energy to keep you motivated. We discuss technical writing tools and techniques, career planning, portfolios, and anything else related to working as a technical communicator.
We welcome anyone who’s interested in technical communication — contractor, in-house, student, long-time tech writer, STC member, non-member, career-changer, or recruiter. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Next Meeting: ONLINE on Wednesday, May 18, 2022
- Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
- If you plan to attend, RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, May 18
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
- Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
- Announcements and job leads. If you know of an interesting event or a job opening, or you’re looking for work, share it with the group.
- Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
- Speed networking. Make new contacts and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
Jason Wu is a technical writer who volunteers for the chapter in his spare time.