We welcomed people from different time zones, backgrounds, and levels of experience, including one who had worked as a flight attendant and teacher and is currently studying for a technical writing certificate.
Many people have found their niche in technical writing by building on skills from other fields: journalism, teaching, engineering, retail, construction, and many more. Even without the “Technical Writer” job title on your résumé, it’s possible to find work if you can convince employers that you have the skills they need.
For example, teachers might find that instructional design is a good fit. Their experiences with lesson plans, subject-matter research, explaining unfamiliar subjects clearly, speaking comfortably in front of a group, are all useful to a technical writer. A flight attendant knows how to work under pressure, learn complex technical procedures, and deal with unexpected situations and difficult people.
To deal with the “No experience, no interview” reaction from employers, build a portfolio of samples that prove you can write, including school assignments and volunteer writing. Some organizations, such as an STC chapter or a non-profit or charity, welcome volunteer writers and might also provide feedback to help you develop your skills.
Someone pointed out that employers often ask for more qualifications than they expect to find in one applicant. If you have 70% of what they’re asking for, go ahead and apply. Even if you don’t get the job, an interview can help build your confidence and interpersonal skills, and provide contacts that might be useful later. You can also send résumés to hiring managers who aren’t advertising. Be sure your résumé includes relevant keywords so their applicant tracking system can easily find you.
We also discussed the pros and cons of remote work. All agreed that working face to face has advantages. It’s easier to keep up with work-related news (often through casual chats, less likely to happen in online meetings) and provides valuable social interactions. However, working from home allows greater freedom from distractions as well as flexibility in scheduling — and wardrobe.
Finally, someone who’s been working for many years, and now enjoys working shorter contracts between longer stretches of leisure time, is resisting the label “semi-retired,” which could imply that one is unwilling or unavailable to work. Another responded “if you’re working, you’re working,” and “I work part-time” would be better. Problem solved!
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, November 16, 2022
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- If you plan to attend, RSVP by 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 16, to receive login instructions.
Date: Wednesday, November 16
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.
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.