The STC Canada West Coast chapter’s Tech Comm Café held its first meeting of 2015 on January 14. We started with announcements:

— The chapter will present a day-long set of eight presentations, four for students and new technical communicators and four for more seasoned writers, on January 31. More info at https://stcwestcoast.ca/career/january-31-making-tracks.

— The application deadline for student membership awards is January 15. If you’re a student, check https://stcwestcoast.ca/chapter/stc-student-membership-award to find out how you can win a free student membership for 2015!

— NEW LOCATION: We generally meet at the same place for a few months and then choose a different one so the (in)convenience is shared. Consensus was to meet next time at Whole Foods, 510 West 8^th Avenue at Cambie, Vancouver; details below.

During the brainstorming session, we discussed the local job market. Some people have noticed an increase in full-time, in-house positions and a decrease in contract work, the opposite to the market a few years ago.

We also had a lively conversation about pay rates. What’s a reasonable starting rate for someone new to the field? What do you do when a potential client wants to know your rate before they tell you what the job is? How wide a range should you quote? Should you charge the same rate for every job, or vary your rates depending on project complexity, length, commuting distance, and/or how easy the client will be to work with?

What are the consequences of accepting a very low rate? Does it lower the bar for others in the field and make employers think our skills aren’t worth much, or should you take the low rate because you need the experience and it’s better than not working at all? Someone suggested working for a lower “training rate” for a few months while you get up to speed on a new subject area or tool. In that case, be sure your contract specifies the timing and amount of the increase to your normal rate so you’re not stuck with the low rate after you’ve learned the ropes.

This led into a discussion of contracts. Some people start work with only a verbal agreement, and some employers (thankfully, a very small number) take unfair advantage by changing the arrangement partway through the job — cutting hours, moving deadlines, or finding an excuse to refuse a promised raise. Always have a signed contract before you start work! You can find free samples online, revise them to suit your own needs, and then adapt your contract to fit each project. Be sure to have a lawyer check your contract before you use it.

Are you interested in discussing the business of technical communication? Come to the next meeting — details below.

Next Tech Comm Café: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015

The TCC 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!

 Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Time: 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific Time

Location: Whole Foods Market, 510 West 8^th Avenue at Cambie, in the restaurant on the main level (not the smaller coffee counter on the mezzanine). Broadway-City Hall Skytrain; pay parking on the street or underground.

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. Spend 2 minutes with a new contact, exchange business cards, and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals. When the timer chimes, move on to a new contact and keep expanding your network.

Heather Sommerville

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.