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.
Felice Albala provided additional information: <<The only fuzzy part of
the job description is this: "Knowledge of .NET/Java technologies a
plus Bachelors degree in computer science" and the inclusion of HTML in
the skills list. During the interview I openly stated my Bachelors in
Linguistics, my lack of .NET/Java experience and my beginner status
with HTML. The other skills/requirements were fine. It was the client's
choice to offer me the contract... the day will come when they will
regret their decision of not hiring a TW with coding experience and
database skills.>>
This changes things a bit. Given that this is the case, don't worry
about your vendor. Politely remind the client that as you emphasized
during the interview, you really don't have the database and
programming experience they're looking for. Since this was made very
clear during the hiring process, it's unfair of them to expect you to
miraculously develop these skills overnight. But don't stop there:
Let them know that you're happy to work with the other staff who have
this expertise to learn what's necessary to do the full job they want
you to do. Also let them know that you're happy to learn more of these
skills if they will provide time and money for training. (In short,
demonstrate that you're willing to make an effort to learn and to meet
their needs.) But also make it quite clear that they can't expect
miracles, and that they're going to have to meet you halfway on this.
(In short, stick up for your rights without being arrogant about it.)
--Geoff Hart ghart -at- videotron -dot- ca
(try geoffhart -at- mac -dot- com if you don't get a reply)
SEE THE ALL NEW ROBOHELP X5 IN ACTION: RoboHelp X5 is a giant leap forward
in Help authoring technology, featuring Word 2003 support, Content
Management, Multi-Author support, PDF and XML support and much more! http://www.macromedia.com/go/techwrldemo
From a single set of Word documents, create online Help and printed
documentation with ComponentOne Doc-To-Help 7 Professional, a new yearly
subscription service offering free updates and upgrades, support, and more. http://www.doctohelp.com
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
