Lately, a new type of job posting seems to be emerging: the open call for resumes. Today I responded to one such posting, which asked for resume by technical writers, documentation specialists and medical writers possessing financial, biotechnology and/or pharmaceutical experience.
While my most recent positions have been in the financial sector, I have previously dabbled in biotechnology. Since none of my 8 or so existing cover letters mentioned my biotech work, I created a customized cover to go with my resume.
After sending off my application, I realised that when they emailed me a copy of my application, I could save the new cover letter for future use. I am pleased to announce that I am now prepped to apply for Scientific Writer positions.
I wound up being doubly thankful for the posting as a result. Not only did I get to apply to a position, but I also managed to identify a gap in my arsenal of job search tools. There's nothing like a little job search bonus, eh?
Happy job hunting everyone!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Winding Down
Most years, September is the month when companies crunch their numbers to determine whether they can hire a tech writer to do some quick and dirty short-term work. The resulting companies with a few spare dollars translates into job postings in October/November.
Come December 1 though, the job market takes a real nose-dive. There's no winding down slowly. Instead, you see a sudden drop in postings. Sure enough, this morning the job boards featured only re-postings of now-defunct positions.
Given this annual cycle, what's an unemployed tech writer to do? While you may find it near impossible to net a job in December, there are steps you can take to greatly increase your chances of being employed come January.
Happy job hunting everyone!
Come December 1 though, the job market takes a real nose-dive. There's no winding down slowly. Instead, you see a sudden drop in postings. Sure enough, this morning the job boards featured only re-postings of now-defunct positions.
Given this annual cycle, what's an unemployed tech writer to do? While you may find it near impossible to net a job in December, there are steps you can take to greatly increase your chances of being employed come January.
- Devote your time to building/solidifying your network. Touch base with recruiters, tweet/blog away, and keep in constant communication with contacts on social networking sites.
- Use this "down-time" to polish up your cover letter(s)/resume(s).
- Learn that new skill/software that you've been meaning to pick up.
- Avoid overlooking jobs based on their job title. Many positions feature funky titles slapped onto industry-standard descriptions.
Happy job hunting everyone!
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