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I'm pretty sure we've talked a bit about this topic before, so you might
want to check the archives. I just had a quick look, and there's a
thread in 2001 called "Smashing Portfolios" that seems apropos.
Regardless, I'm a big advocate of an online portfolio. I don't care what
industry you write for, a professional and well-organized site seems to
impress people. It's particularly useful if you're applying for jobs in
other cities or countries, and I imagine it's more or less a must for
the contractor or freelance writer (I'm sympathetic to those who can't
publicize their documentation, as it's obviously a barrier to this sort
of thing).
Two caveats on making your resume/portfolio site:
* Make sure it's a decent looking, well-organized site. If it looks like
it was authored in 1996 using FrontPage, it probably isn't going to do
you much good. Just like the "how to dress for an interview" thread,
first impressions count. So, make sure your site is well-presented.
* I think you should always create and manage the site yourself. With
all the tools and examples around today, you don't need a PhD in Web
Design to complete a simple site like this. As someone who hires people
from time to time, I'm always going to ask if you designed and built the
site yourself. If you didn't (unless you're a big-time contractor who
wouldn't have time to complete that sort of thing), I'm going to wonder
why you didn't.
All of that said, I've been a part of maybe 20 tech writer interviews in
the past 2 years, and no one has had an online portfolio. So perhaps I'm
over-emphasizing their importance. Thanks. DB.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: bounce-techwr-l-65243 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
> [mailto:bounce-techwr-l-65243 -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com] On Behalf Of
> G. Runnings
> Sent: 14 January 2002 22:51
> To: TECHWR-L
> Subject: Online Portfolio(from:job interview question...)
>
>
>
> My question is, does anyone put their portfolio online? Do you think
> this is a good/bad idea? Coming from a web background and looking for
> work in the web industry, it seemed to me like a natural thing to do.
> However, perhaps there are issues that in my inexperience I have not
> considered (although I have long been a technical communicator, this
> is my first "tech writing" job search).
>
> TIA
>
> Gwyneth
>
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