Re: Enrty, Entry Level Tech Writer Position Sought

[George Beinhorn <trail -at- BEST -dot- COM>]

Mike (and other job seekers),

This is a <primo> job search site with tons of tech writer listings.
Follow the link to "Other Metro Search Pages," then choose "All Canadian
Cities."

If you don't find many tech writer jobs listed for Canada, check Silicon
Valley to get a general idea of the requirements. My thought is that
with a degree in computer science and moderate writing abilities, you'll
have a hard time preventing them from tearing you apart as they try to
drag you through the door.

Here's the link:

http://www.dice.com/areasearches/silicon.html


Judyth Mermelstein wrote:
>
> Mike Reid <miker -at- OIL -dot- CA> wrote:
>
> >I am looking for an Entry, Entry Level position in technical writing.
> >Unfortunately, I do not have the required 2 years experience that is
> >demanded of Entry Level positions.
>
> Dear Mike:
>
> Your message puzzles me a bit. "Entry-level" in Canada usually means
> just that: a position in which a beginner in that job learns the ropes
> and earns (a lot) less than a person who already has good working
> experience in it. Since you have a B.A., Computer Science diploma
> and work experience, you should be a suitable candidate for one of
> these jobs.
>
> In my opinion, there is no good reason for you to have to move
> around the world or work for free to get a beginner's job.
>
> There may be good reason to revise your resume, with some help from
> an experienced TWr or a resume specialist, to make sure you are
> presenting your skills well.
>
> There is probably very good reason to sit down and think hard about
> exactly what kind of tech writing you would like to do, then prepare a
> set of good samples of what you can do. If you haven't got them from
> previous jobs, there is nothing to stop you from preparing some
> "third-party" documentation for an existing product or contacting
> a shareware author who has lousy docs and offering to write better
> ones free in return for permission to use them in your portfolio
> and a decent recommendation.
>
> If your resume and samples are already in good shape for a
> junior tech writer, it may be necessary to look at other reasons
> why other candidates beat you out for the entry-level jobs.
> - Are you expecting too much? (Entry level in Canada is often $18k or
> less, depending on the firm.)
> - Are you familiar with the type of business you are applying to and
> what they need? (If you can demonstrate a knowledge of the specific field,
> and ideally the specific company's activities, you'll have a much better
> chance.)
> - Are you comfortable and confident at interviews? (Many people
> don't show their competence due to nervousness, and it might be
> worthwhile practicing your interview skills.)
> - Are your references from previous employers hurting you?
> (Sometimes the reference will come from an ex-colleague who
> didn't like you, or from somebody who has no idea who you are and
> can only confirm the dates and job title. If so, perhaps a couple of
> short-term contracts with local employers are all you need to
> establish your qualifications as an experienced worker.)
>
> Obviously, any company will gravitate towards the best qualified,
> most experienced candidate who is willing to work for the least
> money and benefits. That's natural these days, but I'm not
> convinced it's good for that individual's career (or self-esteem)
> or for technical writing as a profession. The people who seem to
> do best are those who know who they are and what they can do,
> and are able to demonstrate that to employers or clients without
> coming across as doormats or arrogant SOBs; they ask for a
> decent wage and are worth it, so decent employers are willing
> to pay them accordingly. Believe me, however much you want to
> work, you will only be miserable and chronically underpaid if
> you undervalue your abilities or can't convince others that you
> have them.
>
> HTH,
>
> Judyth
> <judyth_mermelstein -at- babylon -dot- montreal -dot- qc -dot- ca>
>
> From ??? -at- ??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000==

--
George Beinhorn

"HOW TO RUN YOUR FIRST 50-MILER"
http://www.oceansofenergy.com

Ultrarunning o Yoga o Fitness
Drug Recovery o Weight Loss o Photography
"God on the Job" (Business and Spirituality)

 From ??? -at- ??? Sun Jan 00 00:00:00 0000=