TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:RE: What qualifies a Senior Technical Writer? From:"Le Vie, DonaldX S" <donaldx -dot- s -dot- le -dot- vie -at- intel -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Thu, 14 Dec 2000 09:14:10 -0800
Hmmm...the answers to your questions are going to vary because there's no
"right" answer. Each company will have different criteria for what
constitutes a "Sr." level writer. There are many factors that go into what
determines a Sr. Technical Writer, so I'm going to give you my take on it
(having written job descriptions for all levels of tech writers).
In my book, A senior-level writer attains that level with years of
experience, not just knowledge alone. You can come out of school being the
best whiz at Frame, RoboHelp, XML, Visio, strategic planning, etc...but you
ain't been battle-scarred yet. You haven't "earned" your stipes by
demonstrating the knowledge and skills you picked up in a controlled
environment (like a classroom)in a real-world environment, complete with all
the meetings, problems, and other factors that constantly fight your best
efforts to complete a project on time and on budget.
A senior-level technical writer should have experience in more than one
industry and/or product line. Within certain limits, the wider the
experience, the better able this individual should be able to cope with any
kind of project constraint and risk.
My criteria for a senior-level technical writer is someone with at least 5
to 7 years experience (leaning more to the 7 years preferably).
Donn Le Vie
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Develop HTML-based Help with Macromedia Dreamweaver! (STC Discount.)
**NEW DATE/LOCATION!** January 16-17, 2001, New York, NY. http://www.weisner.com/training/dreamweaver_help.htm or 800-646-9989.
Take XML and Tech Writing courses online! Our instructor-led courses
(4-6 hrs/wk) give you "hands on" experience at your convenience. STC members
get 20% off! http://www.online-learning.com/index.html.
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
