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.
One of the employers was IBM. They don't budge on anything. The other was for a petroleum engineering firm that is designing software that is in its infancy. The software will run about $25K a seat so I understand their concerns. They have let me show marketing materials, but not the help system and manuals.
John Posada <jposada99 -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote: Karen...I'm sure you are addressing this as best you can. However, I've always been puzzled by those who claim that they cannot show anything from a gig.
Until the current gig where I'm an employee, I've been a contractor for 20 years and have had over 12 gigs. Not one in the 12 have ever had a problem with me showing samples when I've assured them I would follow the guidelines I listed below, and I've asked...and I've worked in some pretty restricted.environments.
How is it that you've had two gigs and both of them refuse. Is it possible that you've assumed the restriction and are being more restrictive than they would be if asked?
On 4/23/08, Karen <ekarenski-techwrl -at- yahoo -dot- com> wrote: Thanks for the correction--I really shouldn't be writing when I'm this stressed out.
Everything has been proprietary, confidential, internal use documentation except for some marketing brochures and content on web sites. That's why I feel like I have to severely sanitize documents or start over from scratch on my own mini-application.
John Posada <jposada99 -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
Karen...I've never done anything in 20 years that I didn't consider proprietary. There is a difference between proprietary and confidential. It also doesn't mean I cannot show it during an interview. The point is how you control the material you show.
- Do not let it out of your sight. Having it in binders in clear pockets helps you control the pieces
- Do not let the viewer take notes of the contents..about your effort to create the content fine.
- Do not let them make photocopies of any pieces. If they say they are doing it to show someone who isn't at the meeting, tell them you'd be happy to come back. You want the oportunity to explain what you did with each piece anyway.
- Do not send your portfolio or samples by mail.
On 4/23/08, Karen <ekarenski-techwrl -at- yahoo -dot- com> wrote: I'm back on the techwr-l archives reading about portfolios and a lot of the associated issues (i.e. copyright, leaving them for review, etc.).
I've basically had 2 positions over 12 years where almost all of the information is proprietary. I'm trying to get over that hurdle by writing my own documentation about a software application I wrote for organizing a silent auction.
My head's spinning a bit (I think I've been reading the archives and job postings too long today.)
I've seen a few job posts where they request samples with your resume. I would prefer to show them at an interview; however, we all have to play the game sometimes.
Sometimes people ask for samples or a portfolio for interviews.
I know that presentation is important, especially when creating a portfolio. However, is there anything you would do differently when asked to provide samples vs. a portfolio?
--
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
NYMetro STC President
- Said the Zen master to the hot dog vendor "Make me one with everything."
--
John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
NYMetro STC President
- Said the Zen master to the hot dog vendor "Make me one with everything."
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