Re: SOS

[Mike <mdmaclean -at- home -dot- com>]

I wouldn't worry too much about not having an English degree (or TC degree for
that matter). I came to technical writing after doing a degree in Business. I
hadn't even had the published writing experience you have. However, I had
written countless case studies, essays, reports, business letters and business
plans, to name but a few. You mention you have a technical education. I'm sure
at some point you must have written lab reports, papers, written analysis of
some kind. These are all transferable skills. As you already seem to have the
technical knowledge, your writing skills simply need to be adapted to a new
style. Make sure to emphasize all of your previous writing, not just your
published column.

In any case, many companies already have a style guide in place which will
eliminate some of the guesswork from writing.

Finally, as you pointed out, sometimes having potential (and a passion for the
job) can be as important as having experience.

Good luck with your 2nd interview.

Cheers,
Mike

edwardroxannewood wrote:

The only writing experience I have is that I research
> different aspects of technology and furnish an on-line newspaper with a
> weekly column. They understand that I am not a skilled writer but I am
> aspiring to become on. I was told that they were going to focus on my
> potential and not my skill level. I feel the interview went very well,
> however they have asked me to return for a second interview with the
> head of their editorial dept. I don't know if they were kidding or not
> but I was told that he would grill me. "Now I am very concerned." I do
> not have an English degree. Can anyone tell me what I might expect. Any
> pointers would be greatly appreciated.