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.
As is often the way her, it depends... :-)
As others have said certification for TW is bit of a cyclical topic here
but, for what it's worth, here's my take on it.
- Generally speaking, experience carries more weight but certification
doesn't hurt.
- It seems to be (re TWing) more important outside the US, or at least
carry a bit more weight. Experience still important.
- If you decide to do it then do it because YOU will get something out
of it (learn something new etc)
- CAN be important depending on who's advertising. If it's TW managers
then it may help them decide/get you an interview etc but experience and
how you perform at interview is what matters. If it's HR who's
advertising then, knowing nothing about TW, it may be how they filter
applicants (hopefully not)
- Specific certifications CAN be very useful - somebody mentioned CE as
an example. It all depends on the industry and the employer
As somebody suggested, check out the job listing in your area and field
of expertise and see what people are asking for and go from there. If
you decide (e.g. in TWing) you want to learn more and do some courses
then it won't hurt to pick (relevant) courses that have certification.
Bit like flattery, might not help but it won't hurt :-)
Damien
Damien Braniff
Sr. Technical Writer
damienb -at- asg -dot- com
Waterfront Plaza
8, Lagan Bank Road
Belfast, N. Ireland BT1 3LR
Tel: +44 (0) 28.9072.3124
Fax: +44 (0) 28.9072.3324
WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word features support for every major Help
format plus PDF, HTML and more. Flexible, precise, and efficient content
delivery. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
Easily create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to any popular Help file format or printed documentation. Learn more at http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- infoinfocus -dot- com -dot-