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Subject:Re: Resume Design Principles From:Barb Miller <millerb -at- TCPLINK -dot- NREL -dot- GOV> Date:Fri, 20 Jan 1995 07:59:29 MST
Mike Uhl asked:
"From the TECHWR-L subscribers, I would like suggestions
for a set of DOs and DON'Ts for technical communicators'
resumes. Let's brainstorm online."
One of the principles of resume writing that I think many technical
communicators forget is "know your audience." I work for a research
laboratory--we don't do computer documentation. You'd be surprised how many
resumes we get describing the computer software and hardware systems writers
have documented with appropriate acronyms (not spelled out) thrown in. My
manager won't consider them because she can't immediately see the relevance to
what we do.
I recommend providing a list of skills at the beginning that highlights generic
skills such as writing, editing, proofreading, project management, and ability
to work with subject matter experts.
As others have mentioned, a "one-size-fits-all" doesn't work.
Barb Miller
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
millerb -at- tcplink -dot- nrel -dot- gov