There were several first-timers at this meeting, new to technical communication, excited by it and eager to glean nuggets of the latest industry intel. So, after the initial introductions, the conversation was a Q&A with the attendees who brought decades of experience and skill.
Students commented on the challenges of developing a plain-language writing style, and their emerging talents for getting to the point.
We discussed the first rule of technical writing: know your audience. Technical writers are responsible for translating complex information into plain language that users can understand. Subject matter experts (SMEs) don’t always consider the end user, and writers must be tenacious and adept in getting the information they need, often under time pressure, always keeping the user’s needs in mind.
Students were encouraged to join Toastmasters to develop the confidence to interview SMEs effectively. Where technical content appears lacking, it’s often because the writer didn’t push hard enough to obtain key information. Making best use of those five minutes an SME can spare is a critical communication skill.
There was a shared awareness that, whatever training and experience we have, “we don’t know what we don’t know.” Keeping a curious mind is important in a field with so much technological change and so many diverse specialties. Recommended resources: The Content Wrangler online magazine, and BC technical writer Beth Haggerty’s humorous podcast, justSayIT.
People shared helpful tips about applying for jobs:
- Don’t let a lack of experience deter you. Mention how adept you are at learning to use new tools.
- Include related keywords from the job posting in your résumé.
- Develop basic video production skills — you might do more of this than writing manuals.
- Remember that specified years of experience might be a ballpark or idealized number. If you want the job, go for it.
- Do some detective work: check out the company’s website for information on new projects or acquisitions that might need someone with your skills, then tell the company how you can help them.
- Find one of the company’s own manuals or data sheets and improve it for them!
- Prioritize web development as a critical skill.
The promised “burst of professional energy” of the Tech Comm Café was certainly out in force for this meeting, and will return in the new year, on January 19.
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, January 19, 2022
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• If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, January 19
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.
Hannah Lind is a post degree diploma student in professional communication at Douglas College. With over 15 years of experience in education and non-profit management, she is exploring her passion for making information accessible and clear. She is particularly interested in applied ethics and empathy in communication.