I sent my resume today to an agency in response to job posting, only to have my application bounce back. Fortunately, I was able to locate the relevant phone number, and when I called, the pertinent recruiter was available. It's not everyday that you luck out like that, let me tell you.
Anyhow, we spent a good half hour chatting about the given position (it turned out I had already been submitted to the client), my background, and potential positions in other parts of the United States. To be honest, it was the first time in recent memory that I spent so much time speaking to a new recruiter, and the change was a very pleasant one.
I really enjoyed speaking with her because not only was she truly a people person, but her philosophy was that she wanted to make you part of her roster. In short, it was nice to feel like we were starting a work relationship, not just going through the motions so that she could submit me to this one client. While beggars can't be choosers, I certainly prefer dealing with a recruiter who values my experience and wants to help me find work. Unfortunately, nowadays, such recruiters seem to be in the minority.
One interesting tidbit from our conversation. Due to my recovering from a virus over the weekend, I was a bit stuffed up when I rang her. She consequently misheard my name, and kept calling me "Edna" throughout the first half of our conversation. It was only after I resent her my application and she read my name on my resume that she realised her "error". And she determined that I was easy-going because I didn't bother to correct her. So her recruiting model definitely has an HR focus, which I can thoroughly appreciate.
The phone call wound up being the highlight of my day. I can only hope that I hit the recruiter jackpot again soon. Helen, you're a winner, and here's hoping we work together in the immediate future.
Happy job hunting!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
The Meaning of Colour
As someone who grew up in a city where people wear a lot of black, it never entered my mind until recently that sometimes it is more appropriate to wear colour. After all, don't we see all the designers and fashionistas decked out in black, irregardless of whatever is the "hot" colour of the season? Black is timeless and practical, it would seem.
Yet lately I've noticed that wearing black can feel constrictive. In fact, lately I've wanted to start wearing colour because I've noticed that not only does it make me look better but feel better. Because while wearing a dark suit for an interview is championed as always appropriate, I've been finding that when dressed in that standard attire, I've acted less like myself. Something about wearing black causes me to show only part of my personality. And when interviewing, don't I want to showcase my personality and look my best while remaining respectful of the given work environment? So I thought a trip to an image consultant might be in order.
My goal was to learn how to wear colour effectively, and the colour analysis season proved to be a real eye-opener. While I had learned about colour throughout the years, both in my formal training and on the job, the consultation proved to be highly educational. First, the analyst performed a colour draping to determine whether my unique colouring was 1. warm or cool, and 2. high-contrast or low-contrast. From this high-level test she determined that I was warm and low-contrast, aka a Spring. Next, she performed a detailed analysis to determine which of the four types of Spring I am. That netted me my individualized palette of colours. She then finished off by showing me various colour combinations and giving me guidelines for tailoring my use of colour for given environments. For example, lighter colours are better suited for informal environments/events, such as a software company or family get-together. However, a bank or more conservative environment would warrant a darker colour from my palette, as would a gala evening.
The end result is that I gained a better understanding of what colour communicates. And I now feel prepared to project who I am while remaining appropriately dressed for the given situation. So if you're looking to always look your best, a visit to an image consultant may prove worth your while. You can contact the AICI for help in locating a certified image consultant in your home area.
Happy job hunting!
Yet lately I've noticed that wearing black can feel constrictive. In fact, lately I've wanted to start wearing colour because I've noticed that not only does it make me look better but feel better. Because while wearing a dark suit for an interview is championed as always appropriate, I've been finding that when dressed in that standard attire, I've acted less like myself. Something about wearing black causes me to show only part of my personality. And when interviewing, don't I want to showcase my personality and look my best while remaining respectful of the given work environment? So I thought a trip to an image consultant might be in order.
My goal was to learn how to wear colour effectively, and the colour analysis season proved to be a real eye-opener. While I had learned about colour throughout the years, both in my formal training and on the job, the consultation proved to be highly educational. First, the analyst performed a colour draping to determine whether my unique colouring was 1. warm or cool, and 2. high-contrast or low-contrast. From this high-level test she determined that I was warm and low-contrast, aka a Spring. Next, she performed a detailed analysis to determine which of the four types of Spring I am. That netted me my individualized palette of colours. She then finished off by showing me various colour combinations and giving me guidelines for tailoring my use of colour for given environments. For example, lighter colours are better suited for informal environments/events, such as a software company or family get-together. However, a bank or more conservative environment would warrant a darker colour from my palette, as would a gala evening.
The end result is that I gained a better understanding of what colour communicates. And I now feel prepared to project who I am while remaining appropriately dressed for the given situation. So if you're looking to always look your best, a visit to an image consultant may prove worth your while. You can contact the AICI for help in locating a certified image consultant in your home area.
Happy job hunting!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Stuck in the Middle
This week, I kept busy with applying to new jobs (or recycled ones) and fielding questions for a I was contacted about late last week. One thing I learned long ago: in tech, you can't consider a job truly in the bag until you arrive at work on Day 1. That said, I've been wondering where I stand with regards to those two jobs for which I recently interviewed.
First, there was the face-to-face interview I had last week for a local company. I have been excited over that opportunity, perhaps more so than any in recent memory. Yet the phone screen that I was told would occur either last Friday or yesterday never materialized. As for the email I sent late yesterday asking whether or not the screen was still pending- no response. While I recognize that most probably the two principals are busy hammering out the final terms of the company's latest project, the silence is hard to decipher.
Then there is the company I interviewed with back in Canada. While the interviewer showed definite interest in me for the position, she was supposed to have crafted her shortlist by the end of last week. I have yet to hear from her and given my lack of response from scenario #1 above, I'm leery to enquire as to my status.
It's always a tough call how to proceed when you're this far along in the interviewing process. That is, truth be told, one major benefit of dealing with a recruiting company: they take the guesswork out of the equation. But when you're interviewing without that benefit, deciding whether or not to contact the company will instead depend on how your enquiry will be received. On the one hand, if contacting the company will brand you as overly aggressive or desperate, then it's pretty much a no-brainer that you should just sit tight and wait for them to contact you. On the other hand, if by showing your continued interest and availability you'll be judged favourably, then that you might consider that route more closely. In the end, it will have to be your call, based on what you have learned of the company and interviewer during the interview process.
For now, I'm going to follow the latter route. While the waiting game is no fun, the prospect of losing out on an opportunity due to an interviewing misstep is no fun either. Because, as I try to remind myself, it's not just what you do but what you don't do throughout the entire candidacy process that will net you either the job or the royal "Thanks but no thanks".
Happy job hunting!
First, there was the face-to-face interview I had last week for a local company. I have been excited over that opportunity, perhaps more so than any in recent memory. Yet the phone screen that I was told would occur either last Friday or yesterday never materialized. As for the email I sent late yesterday asking whether or not the screen was still pending- no response. While I recognize that most probably the two principals are busy hammering out the final terms of the company's latest project, the silence is hard to decipher.
Then there is the company I interviewed with back in Canada. While the interviewer showed definite interest in me for the position, she was supposed to have crafted her shortlist by the end of last week. I have yet to hear from her and given my lack of response from scenario #1 above, I'm leery to enquire as to my status.
It's always a tough call how to proceed when you're this far along in the interviewing process. That is, truth be told, one major benefit of dealing with a recruiting company: they take the guesswork out of the equation. But when you're interviewing without that benefit, deciding whether or not to contact the company will instead depend on how your enquiry will be received. On the one hand, if contacting the company will brand you as overly aggressive or desperate, then it's pretty much a no-brainer that you should just sit tight and wait for them to contact you. On the other hand, if by showing your continued interest and availability you'll be judged favourably, then that you might consider that route more closely. In the end, it will have to be your call, based on what you have learned of the company and interviewer during the interview process.
For now, I'm going to follow the latter route. While the waiting game is no fun, the prospect of losing out on an opportunity due to an interviewing misstep is no fun either. Because, as I try to remind myself, it's not just what you do but what you don't do throughout the entire candidacy process that will net you either the job or the royal "Thanks but no thanks".
Happy job hunting!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
September's Almost Here
Tech writing jobs tend to peak during the months of January and September. Perhaps that is why I spent most of this week fielding responses to my applications and interviewing.
The one notable exception to my otherwise productive week was an automated rejection letter I received within an hour of submitting a given application. Then again, I found that incident rather hilarious. I could just imagine the system automatically searching my data for the programmed buzz words, then whirring and shooting off an email informing me that my application is being rejected. Anyhow, I had never received such a letter before, so now at least I know for the future.
Since I fielded two enquiries today alone from applying to agencies after their job posting expired, it would seem that spending some time making contact with companies and expanding your network now could prove fruitful in the coming month.
In any event, here's hoping that this post helps at least one reader get their dream job. Happy job hunting everyone!
The one notable exception to my otherwise productive week was an automated rejection letter I received within an hour of submitting a given application. Then again, I found that incident rather hilarious. I could just imagine the system automatically searching my data for the programmed buzz words, then whirring and shooting off an email informing me that my application is being rejected. Anyhow, I had never received such a letter before, so now at least I know for the future.
Since I fielded two enquiries today alone from applying to agencies after their job posting expired, it would seem that spending some time making contact with companies and expanding your network now could prove fruitful in the coming month.
In any event, here's hoping that this post helps at least one reader get their dream job. Happy job hunting everyone!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Good Karma Week
I was very happy to hear from both companies that I interviewed with back in Canada that they felt confident I can operate in a francophone environment. As someone who has been out of the country going on a decade, it's nice to know that my language skills remain adequate to "get the job done".
Then again, as the saying goes, make a plan and G-d laughs. Within hours of my getting through my phone screens with Canada, I got an email from HR with a company right here in New York. Two months after submitting my application, they've decided that they would like to speak with me; what's my availability for the coming week?
In short, while relocation is always an option, don't forget that, with a little patience and perseverance, you can find a job in your current location. The question for me at present is not where should I be in terms of geography? Rather, the question I keep asking myself is where do I see myself in terms of the type of company/environment that works best for my career? Because going forward, I would like to maximize the probability of my finding work in a company where I can simultaneously advance my career while garner job satisfaction.
Truth be told, I am curious to see where such a company winds up being located. I guess only time will tell, eh?
Then again, as the saying goes, make a plan and G-d laughs. Within hours of my getting through my phone screens with Canada, I got an email from HR with a company right here in New York. Two months after submitting my application, they've decided that they would like to speak with me; what's my availability for the coming week?
In short, while relocation is always an option, don't forget that, with a little patience and perseverance, you can find a job in your current location. The question for me at present is not where should I be in terms of geography? Rather, the question I keep asking myself is where do I see myself in terms of the type of company/environment that works best for my career? Because going forward, I would like to maximize the probability of my finding work in a company where I can simultaneously advance my career while garner job satisfaction.
Truth be told, I am curious to see where such a company winds up being located. I guess only time will tell, eh?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Making Progress
As we all know, sometimes simply interviewing, irregardless of the outcome, provides pertinent information for one's job search. In the last 48 hours, I was grateful to have two interviews, both with different outcomes, but very telling nonetheless.
My first interview was with the Documentation Manager, and the experience felt more like a coffee klatch than a grilling session. I liked what she said about the direction the team was taking both in the short-term and long-term, not to mention the company's focus. The only downside was that she was a bit unhappy at first with the time frame I gave for relocating (I said within a month). However, when I explained to her about the forms I would need to complete and additional bureaucracy, she was more amenable. Definitely the vibe I got was that she was a manager who was willing to wait for the right person for the position, because she want to obtain someone long-term. I certainly appreciated her mindset, and was pleased when she asked for me to send samples. So I seem to still be in the running there.
Then there was my interview with a second company. That screening entailed a conference call with the CTO and a woman whose position in the company was left unidentified. Our conversation was going fine, until the question of relocation popped up again. Because the CTO's focus is more geared to addressing the company's immediate concerns, the question was consequently phrased differently: "If I was to offer you the job today, how soon could you start?". When I gave an answer of within a few weeks, I was placed on mute as they conferred with each other for a few minutes. The result was that due to my inability to commence working within 2 weeks, they were passing on my application. I said "Great, thank you", and the call ended. (Since I figured that the CTO would probably ream out HR (aka Why didn't you ask her the question at the get-go?), I made sure to send an email thanking them for their assistance to date and conveying that despite the current outcome, if they should ever require a technical writer in the future, I hoped I might be considered once again.)
I did learn a few points of note from the two interview:
My first interview was with the Documentation Manager, and the experience felt more like a coffee klatch than a grilling session. I liked what she said about the direction the team was taking both in the short-term and long-term, not to mention the company's focus. The only downside was that she was a bit unhappy at first with the time frame I gave for relocating (I said within a month). However, when I explained to her about the forms I would need to complete and additional bureaucracy, she was more amenable. Definitely the vibe I got was that she was a manager who was willing to wait for the right person for the position, because she want to obtain someone long-term. I certainly appreciated her mindset, and was pleased when she asked for me to send samples. So I seem to still be in the running there.
Then there was my interview with a second company. That screening entailed a conference call with the CTO and a woman whose position in the company was left unidentified. Our conversation was going fine, until the question of relocation popped up again. Because the CTO's focus is more geared to addressing the company's immediate concerns, the question was consequently phrased differently: "If I was to offer you the job today, how soon could you start?". When I gave an answer of within a few weeks, I was placed on mute as they conferred with each other for a few minutes. The result was that due to my inability to commence working within 2 weeks, they were passing on my application. I said "Great, thank you", and the call ended. (Since I figured that the CTO would probably ream out HR (aka Why didn't you ask her the question at the get-go?), I made sure to send an email thanking them for their assistance to date and conveying that despite the current outcome, if they should ever require a technical writer in the future, I hoped I might be considered once again.)
I did learn a few points of note from the two interview:
- Consider who you are speaking with at a given company. While it may seem obvious, it's useful to remember that the interviewer's role colours their questions and interpretation of your responses.
- Keep alert for clues of what working at the company will be like. I saw that whereas the first company was accommodating of its workers and in turn more relaxed, the second company was results-driven versus employees. To put it differently, company 2 would work me to the bone, but company 1 might cut me some slack if circumstances should merit my requiring an extension to perform my work well. I was happy that company 2 said "No Thanks", because I am quite certain I would have been miserable working for them.
- See how your skills factor into your candidacy, then fill the gap. In both my interviews, the interviewer indicated what they saw as my strengths, as well as the skills/projects I possessed that made me a good fit for their company. Use this information to prepare both to play up those strengths, but also address any "weaknesses" in your candidacy.
- Put this knowledge to work for you elsewhere. What makes you a good candidate for one company often makes you a good candidate elsewhere. Apply this information when looking at other companies down the line. Also, if an interviewer expressed concern about a given skill or tool that is either only lightly represented in or absent from your resume, contemplate a "workaround" so you have an answer prepared if the topic should come up again.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Francophone Environment
Yesterday I received an email from the HR rep at another company in my home town, requesting that I resend my resume. (My Gmail account has been losing attachments. What's with my tech karma these days?) I suppose she liked what she read, because this afternoon we had an impromptu call.
What was interesting about the call was that whereas her email had been in English, she purposely threw me for a loop by conducting the call in French. I barely had time to switch gears, which I admittedly need to do after my going-on 10 years in the States. Anyway, it turns out that while the ad was for a Technical Writer to document in English, 90% of my work would be conducted in French. So she was gauging whether my French skills were up to snuff and if I was comfortable with operating in a Francophone environment.
I was truthful that my comprehension of technical subjects in French is minimal, given that my career has been conducted solely in English. I subsequently haven't expanded my French tech vocabulary beyond the level of a computer catalogue. But I figured that by working in such an environment, my vocabulary would certainly increase quickly. In any event, she was pleased with our call I suppose, as she scheduled a phone interview with the head enchilada of tech and some other minion for later this week. Her emails subsequent to our call, both to communicate the interview schedule and to request samples, were (of course!) in French.
Better get used to it, eh? And I'm beginning to think that maybe it really is in the cards for me to return to Canada after all!
What was interesting about the call was that whereas her email had been in English, she purposely threw me for a loop by conducting the call in French. I barely had time to switch gears, which I admittedly need to do after my going-on 10 years in the States. Anyway, it turns out that while the ad was for a Technical Writer to document in English, 90% of my work would be conducted in French. So she was gauging whether my French skills were up to snuff and if I was comfortable with operating in a Francophone environment.
I was truthful that my comprehension of technical subjects in French is minimal, given that my career has been conducted solely in English. I subsequently haven't expanded my French tech vocabulary beyond the level of a computer catalogue. But I figured that by working in such an environment, my vocabulary would certainly increase quickly. In any event, she was pleased with our call I suppose, as she scheduled a phone interview with the head enchilada of tech and some other minion for later this week. Her emails subsequent to our call, both to communicate the interview schedule and to request samples, were (of course!) in French.
Better get used to it, eh? And I'm beginning to think that maybe it really is in the cards for me to return to Canada after all!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Market Tips from Someone "In the Know"
Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking with my favourite Technical Recruiter. The reason for my call was two-fold. First, I simply enjoy checking in with Mark, because despite our having last worked together in 2007, I would welcome an opportunity to do so again. Secondly, not only is Mark a gentleman AND personable- which makes him a rarity in his field- but he always has his pulse on what's coming down the pipe. And since I'm currently determining how to proceed in my career, why not tap him for his typically excellent, dead-on advice? So I rang him, and he graciously took time out of his day to catch up.
As expected, he provided great insight into not only the state of the US tech market in general, but also where tech writing is headed. Here are the highlights from our conversation, in case anyone needs a refresher in how tech trends are affecting tech writing:
The Good News
Across the country, tech companies are demonstrating increased confidence by starting to open positions.
The Bad News
Or good news, depending on your willingness to adapt to changes in technology. As anyone involved in tech writing has already witnessed, the trend is to move documentation online and render it interactive. To remain marketable, ensure you keep up with web/UI prototyping, content management systems, and reusable objects. In the very near future, documentation will be available exclusively online and in a format that provides users with a means to manipulate data themselves.
A General Reminder
Ah, the 5-Year Rule. I happen to loathe this one, as much of my experience involving visuals/multimedia dates back to the '90s. But as Mark reminded me, recruiters only care about what you have done recently, aka within the last 5 years. If you haven't demonstrated your applicable skills in recent memory, find a way to do so. Common methods for procuring relevant experience include volunteering/interning or initiating a personal project.
That's the round-up. Now the hard part- putting that useful information to work for me (and you). Thankfully, I love a challenge, and if you chose tech writing, I'm sure you do as well.
Happy job searching!
As expected, he provided great insight into not only the state of the US tech market in general, but also where tech writing is headed. Here are the highlights from our conversation, in case anyone needs a refresher in how tech trends are affecting tech writing:
The Good News
Across the country, tech companies are demonstrating increased confidence by starting to open positions.
The Bad News
Or good news, depending on your willingness to adapt to changes in technology. As anyone involved in tech writing has already witnessed, the trend is to move documentation online and render it interactive. To remain marketable, ensure you keep up with web/UI prototyping, content management systems, and reusable objects. In the very near future, documentation will be available exclusively online and in a format that provides users with a means to manipulate data themselves.
A General Reminder
Ah, the 5-Year Rule. I happen to loathe this one, as much of my experience involving visuals/multimedia dates back to the '90s. But as Mark reminded me, recruiters only care about what you have done recently, aka within the last 5 years. If you haven't demonstrated your applicable skills in recent memory, find a way to do so. Common methods for procuring relevant experience include volunteering/interning or initiating a personal project.
That's the round-up. Now the hard part- putting that useful information to work for me (and you). Thankfully, I love a challenge, and if you chose tech writing, I'm sure you do as well.
Happy job searching!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bump in the Road
The phone situation here in New York is funny: it can be perfect weather outside and you'll be making calls, no problem. Then sometime in the evening, your buddy will call you complaining that your number was unavailable all day. You even get situations like that of my girlfriend's neighbour, who only has home phone service every other day. And everyone just says "That's New York", and tolerates it. Bizarre.
This afternoon I was sitting here patiently waiting for my phone screen. Half an hour past the scheduled time, I figured I had better shoot the HR person an email to see if this was an anticipated delay. I got a terse response a full hour after our appointment, complaining that the interviewer had tried me phoning three times. Needless to say, I felt like a total dolt, and was none too pleased that they were thinking I had been unavailable on purpose.
I decided a brief response with appropriate apology was in order, and they agreed to one more try at a phone screen. So now the big day will be Monday next week. Hopefully by then they will be calm enough to look past the temporary glitch. In the end though, I'm actually glad that the glitch happened; it gave me a glimpse into how the company "tolerates" errors. And, in turn, I'll be on the look out for other such signs during the phone screen, so that I can get a real look into what working there is like. I'm remaining optimistic that despite today's episode, I'll still like what I see.
This afternoon I was sitting here patiently waiting for my phone screen. Half an hour past the scheduled time, I figured I had better shoot the HR person an email to see if this was an anticipated delay. I got a terse response a full hour after our appointment, complaining that the interviewer had tried me phoning three times. Needless to say, I felt like a total dolt, and was none too pleased that they were thinking I had been unavailable on purpose.
I decided a brief response with appropriate apology was in order, and they agreed to one more try at a phone screen. So now the big day will be Monday next week. Hopefully by then they will be calm enough to look past the temporary glitch. In the end though, I'm actually glad that the glitch happened; it gave me a glimpse into how the company "tolerates" errors. And, in turn, I'll be on the look out for other such signs during the phone screen, so that I can get a real look into what working there is like. I'm remaining optimistic that despite today's episode, I'll still like what I see.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Is Relocation Necessary?
Growing up, I always knew that I would have to leave my home town if I wanted to be a writer. That was simply the reality for my generation, and most of my secondary school class did indeed move out-of-province. Since I have moved extensively throughout my adult life for work, I began wondering this week: is relocation even an issue any more?
With company tolerance growing in recent years for telecommuting by other tech workers, telecommuting by tech writers has increasingly become accepted. Granted, most companies draw the line at working part-time off-site; It's still uncommon to find long-term work conducted exclusively off-site. But the trend in off-shoring in the IT/manufacturing sectors may hold a silver lining for tech workers after all, namely that companies with off-shore offices tend to be most tolerant of telecommuting. Perhaps a shift towards long-term telecommuting for tech writers is on the horizon?
Is relocation as we know it dead then? I think not. But with the increasing acceptance of telecommuting to access and work with proprietary, sensitive information, tech writers could soon bid farewell to moving to North Carolina, Texas, etc. to locate work. As the ascent of the "bathrobe warrior" continues, tech writers may soon enjoy the same freedom from Cubeville enjoyed by writers in the "creative" sector.
With company tolerance growing in recent years for telecommuting by other tech workers, telecommuting by tech writers has increasingly become accepted. Granted, most companies draw the line at working part-time off-site; It's still uncommon to find long-term work conducted exclusively off-site. But the trend in off-shoring in the IT/manufacturing sectors may hold a silver lining for tech workers after all, namely that companies with off-shore offices tend to be most tolerant of telecommuting. Perhaps a shift towards long-term telecommuting for tech writers is on the horizon?
Is relocation as we know it dead then? I think not. But with the increasing acceptance of telecommuting to access and work with proprietary, sensitive information, tech writers could soon bid farewell to moving to North Carolina, Texas, etc. to locate work. As the ascent of the "bathrobe warrior" continues, tech writers may soon enjoy the same freedom from Cubeville enjoyed by writers in the "creative" sector.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Dream Me a Dream, Catch Me a Catch...
When I was young, I had my whole life planned out until the big 4-0. I'm embarrassed to admit that my youthful enthusiasm even included a Pulitzer in the mix! While I certainly planned on being a writer, I never fathomed I would become a technical writer. Heck, I had been working for quite a few years before even hearing of technical writing.
Yet each of my pre-technical writing careers led me to where I am today. Since I came to technical writing with backgrounds in both media production and training, my long-term goal when I started out was to eventually hold a dual role as a technical writer/trainer. And while many of my roles have tangentially involved training materials, training has unfortunately remained an as-of-yet unfulfilled dream.
During this recent job search of mine, I started contemplating the path my tech writing career has taken, and I've been wondering where to go from here. Would I like to segue into instructional design full-time? Yes! How about developing online content? Yes to that too! In fact, I would love to get more involved in multimedia, if I could convince a documentation department that producing podcasts can lower customer support calls. Ok, so I prefer variety. Irregardless, what's the problem, beyond my needing to choose concretely which path to follow next?
As we all know, shifting needs equals shifting priorities. It used to be that technical writers fell into one of two categories: 1) Writers that developed technical materials, and 2) Techies- usually engineers- that documented. In turn, companies tended to prefer hiring one category over the other. Perhaps my view is biased, as I fall into the former category, but in my experience, companies that employ writers do so because they see how good documentation enhances the company's bottom line long-term. Conversely, companies that have techies document are typically concerned with the short-term costs. Both approaches are valid depending on the company's vision and approach to their personal economic climate.
But when an economy "contracts", as in the current North American scenario, many companies do away with technical writers all together. To quote my favourite recruiter of all time, Mark F, tech writers are the first fired and last rehired during an economic downturn. That's strike number one if you're a writer versus techie. But couple strike number one with preferred strategy of seeking highly specialized candidates during a recession, and you face a double whammy when seeking employment. One of the most frustrating hurdles I have faced in the past several weeks is outcome of these trends, namely companies seeking candidates with 5+ years experience in X technology/technical environment. And companies are willing to repost the same ad repeatedly, ad nauseum, until they find a candidate who boasts the appropriate years/skill combination.
As for how to respond to the current employment scenario, let's return to those original categories of technical writing. One thing my mentor Beth always used to stress was staying relevant. And by staying relevant, she meant staying on top of the curve, not simply following tech writing trends. One exciting shift in the past few years has been the blurring of the line between tech writing and content development. While companies may be holding out for ideal candidates, if you have developed copy for an employer's website, assisted the PR department with their latest video, or designed CBT due to feedback from Customer Support, you may just find yourself in good shape in the current market. To rephrase, tech writing is no longer simply about tech writing. Sure, as a tech writer, it was always your job to sell the product in addition to documenting it, but now solid experience in doing both in a variety of formats is essential.
Where does all this leave yours truly? I'm trying to figure out whether I want to start branching out more towards multimedia or instructional design. To be honest, given that the latter includes elements of multimedia, I'm currently learning towards instructional design. As always in my life though, only time will tell.
Happy job hunting everyone!
Yet each of my pre-technical writing careers led me to where I am today. Since I came to technical writing with backgrounds in both media production and training, my long-term goal when I started out was to eventually hold a dual role as a technical writer/trainer. And while many of my roles have tangentially involved training materials, training has unfortunately remained an as-of-yet unfulfilled dream.
During this recent job search of mine, I started contemplating the path my tech writing career has taken, and I've been wondering where to go from here. Would I like to segue into instructional design full-time? Yes! How about developing online content? Yes to that too! In fact, I would love to get more involved in multimedia, if I could convince a documentation department that producing podcasts can lower customer support calls. Ok, so I prefer variety. Irregardless, what's the problem, beyond my needing to choose concretely which path to follow next?
As we all know, shifting needs equals shifting priorities. It used to be that technical writers fell into one of two categories: 1) Writers that developed technical materials, and 2) Techies- usually engineers- that documented. In turn, companies tended to prefer hiring one category over the other. Perhaps my view is biased, as I fall into the former category, but in my experience, companies that employ writers do so because they see how good documentation enhances the company's bottom line long-term. Conversely, companies that have techies document are typically concerned with the short-term costs. Both approaches are valid depending on the company's vision and approach to their personal economic climate.
But when an economy "contracts", as in the current North American scenario, many companies do away with technical writers all together. To quote my favourite recruiter of all time, Mark F, tech writers are the first fired and last rehired during an economic downturn. That's strike number one if you're a writer versus techie. But couple strike number one with preferred strategy of seeking highly specialized candidates during a recession, and you face a double whammy when seeking employment. One of the most frustrating hurdles I have faced in the past several weeks is outcome of these trends, namely companies seeking candidates with 5+ years experience in X technology/technical environment. And companies are willing to repost the same ad repeatedly, ad nauseum, until they find a candidate who boasts the appropriate years/skill combination.
As for how to respond to the current employment scenario, let's return to those original categories of technical writing. One thing my mentor Beth always used to stress was staying relevant. And by staying relevant, she meant staying on top of the curve, not simply following tech writing trends. One exciting shift in the past few years has been the blurring of the line between tech writing and content development. While companies may be holding out for ideal candidates, if you have developed copy for an employer's website, assisted the PR department with their latest video, or designed CBT due to feedback from Customer Support, you may just find yourself in good shape in the current market. To rephrase, tech writing is no longer simply about tech writing. Sure, as a tech writer, it was always your job to sell the product in addition to documenting it, but now solid experience in doing both in a variety of formats is essential.
Where does all this leave yours truly? I'm trying to figure out whether I want to start branching out more towards multimedia or instructional design. To be honest, given that the latter includes elements of multimedia, I'm currently learning towards instructional design. As always in my life though, only time will tell.
Happy job hunting everyone!
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