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: new title: Information Developer From:Mark Magennis <markmagennis -at- YAHOO -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 7 Jan 1999 01:08:53 -0800
---Caroline Briggs wrote:
>
> I interview and hire a fair number of technical writers
> and editors. I'm always a little sceptical when a resume
> with a title like Information Developer or Content Specialist
> crosses my desk.
I'm surprised to hear that people put titles on their resumes. Is this
common practice? It seems to pigeonhole the applicant straight away. I
would have thought that applicants should highlight all their skills
and experience that fit the particular needs of the job, rather than
the narrow skillset implied by a single title. I'm also surprised to
hear that someone in charge of vetting applications should place any
emphasis at all on the applicant's or previous job titles or their own
preferred title.
For example, in my current job I write user manuals, develop and test
online help, create interactive simulations for training courses, and
much more (just like the original poster). What am I to call myself on
my resume if I apply for another similar post? I'd rather not call
myself anything, forcing the recipient to actually read about my
experiences and achievements.
Having said that, you can see from my signature that I call myself an
Information Developer :-)
Mark
==
_________________________________________________________
Mark Magennis | Information Developer
FM Systems Ltd. |
Leopardstown Office Park | Tel: +353 (0)1 295 2549
Foxrock, Dublin 18 | Fax: +353 (0)1 295 2554
Ireland | markmagennis -at- yahoo -dot- com
_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com