We had a bigger turnout than usual at the March meeting, and the normally quick round of introductions went on so many interesting tangents that it took up almost half the meeting!
A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, people are adapting to the pros and cons of remote work, unpaid work, or unsatisfying work. One person who switched reluctantly to working from home last spring now loves having a personalized home workspace and flexible hours. Staying connected to colleagues is easy via on-screen meetings.
Another felt lonely working from home as a new writer. Being new can be difficult; not only are you expected to get quickly up to speed on a new subject, you’re trying to fit smoothly into the company culture and working relationships that already exist. Technical writing classes don’t always prepare you for the reality of colleagues who are too busy to explain things, set expectations, or give feedback. “Imposter syndrome,” the feeling that you’re not competent to do the job you were hired for, can be a problem. Several people confirmed that they’d experienced this themselves, even after years in the workforce. Remember:
- Your employer hired you because they believe you’re the best person for the job.
- Technical writers bring valuable skills that subject matter experts (SMEs) don’t have. Your strength is knowing how to find, organize, and clarify information.
- No-one knows everything. If you don’t understand something, ask! It shows that you’re committed to doing a good job.
- Schedule short weekly meetings with SMEs, your manager, and colleagues to discuss progress and ask questions.
- If your manager isn’t skilled at providing feedback, ask specific questions: Do you have any concerns about my work? Am I meeting — or exceeding — expectations? What new skills would be useful?
One recent graduate was volunteering as a writer for a non-profit but finding it frustrating because the main contact wasn’t clear on what they wanted, ignored emails, and was often too busy to meet. Suggestions:
- If SMEs are elusive, email them a few short questions using bullet points or multiple choice so they can reply quickly without writing a long explanation.
- Phone. It’s often easier to reply verbally than by email.
- Send a short draft of a troublesome section and ask them to comment or correct it.
- Set a deadline so they’ll respond quickly.
- If nothing works, it might be time to move on. Other non-profits would enthusiastically welcome a volunteer writer and you might find a better fit elsewhere.
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, April 21, 2021
• Subscribe to receive email announcements of future meetings.
• If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, April 21
Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Location: Online via Zoom
Agenda
1. Introductions. Take 60 seconds to introduce yourself, your background, current activities. A good chance to try out that new elevator speech.
2. 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.
3. Brainstorming Q&A. Ask about a work-related problem and discuss potential solutions.
4. Speed networking. Make new contacts and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
Heather Sommerville is a senior technical writer and editor with over 20 years of experience delivering clear, concise writing for business and technical audiences. She is an STC Associate Fellow and has served in many volunteer positions with the STC Canada West Coast chapter.