The monthly Tech Comm Café met on June 10 at a café in Metrotown, Burnaby. Three job leads were shared. An open question-and-answer session followed, with discussions on finding new work, learning new tools, dealing with sensitive interview questions, turning down work, and tax collection.
It can be hard to search for a new job while busy working a full-time contract. Setting automatic alerts on job websites and asking contacts for any leads are easy ways to start. Is extension of the current contract a possibility? Consider reminding your client of the benefits of the work you’ve already completed or suggesting new projects you could start.
Job seekers may wish to learn new software without paying for courses. The Vancouver Public Library offers free access to the online courses and training materials at lynda.com. Software demo videos can also be found on YouTube. Applying new software skills to make a sample document may yield a worthy portfolio addition.
During the interview process, employers may ask about salary expectations. It’s useful to research typical salaries, which are listed on webpages such as WorkBC’s career profiles, so you can be ready to back up your pay range with industry data. If you don’t want to quote a rate before finding out more about the job, the employer may already have a salary range in mind that they will share if asked.
One freelance writer was receiving a variety of work, but wanted to specialize in a certain area. This interest can be mentioned to existing and potential clients. Unwanted projects could be declined graciously by offering to connect clients with more suitable writers or job boards.
Are business owners and self-employed professionals charging GST to clients? We discussed legal requirements, client perceptions, arrangements between contractors and subcontractors, as well as different calculation methods. Canada Revenue Agency provides information on its website and a telephone enquiry service for businesses.
Thanks to Barry Shanko for chairing the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for July 8. Hope to see you then!
Next Tech Comm Café: Wednesday, July 8, 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, July 8, 2015
Time: 6:30–8:00 pm Pacific Time
Location: BG Urban Café, 4575 Central Blvd, Burnaby. Close to the Metrotown Skytrain and bus loop. On the outside of the mall, north side of Central Blvd., east of the mall entrance between the mall and Bonsor Park. Free parking in the mall.
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. Spend a few minutes with a new contact, exchange business cards, and discuss your professional backgrounds and goals.
