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> May I question the underlying premise that the techwriter should
> learn a programming language?
Hi, Alan...I thought I'd respond to this question. Understand that my
answer is not going to make some of you happy and is quite
egotistical, but being a pragmatist, thought you'd like my reasoning.
I happen to be a very good technical writer...better than most. What
makes me better? Not knowledge of 57 tools , not ability to diagram a
sentence written in Middle-English (I cannot), and I'm a poor
speller. My strengths are in areas that are difficult to document on
a resume. These include my ability to focus on getting the job done,
no matter what is thrown in the way with no supervision; politics,
emotions, or personality. My single-minded obsession with meeting a
commitment or schedule no matter what I need to do. The drive to
always add an additional dimension to a deliverable above and beyond
required. The ability to NEVER say "I don't know how." The ability to
always invoke the comment (in some form) from a supv that I'm better
than they thought I was. I also happen to love what I do and always
want to do more than is "spec'd"
How do these get put on a resume in a way that the reader of the
resume doesn't think that I'm full of sh**? I also don't lie on my
resume, so I cannot put skills that I don't have.
Now...someone looking at a resume sees that included with ALL the
major tools and some minor ones and having a string of completed
projects at Fortune 100 companies, I can understand one or more
language. All of a sudden, I rise a little closer to the top. Does it
matter that prior to knowing a language, I could still converse with
a programmer on his/her level? I'm finding more and more, no. Most
think that to speak to development, and to get the higher rates, you
must know development.
So...I will learn what the developers know. Let's faced it...your
resume is to get you the appointment. Your mouth/brain will get you
the job. Therefore...yes...I'm want to learn the language so I can
say I know it...not because I want to be a programmer and use it.
Pretty cynical...huh?
=====
John Posada, Senior Technical Writer
"How to be happy in life: Never impose your beliefs
on anyone else and never fry bacon in the nude."
-- Anon mailto:john -at- tdandw -dot- com, 732-259-2874
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