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.
The thread on 'portfolios' caught my attention and I would like to know
how one compiles a portfolio and what should be its contents?
One hears of writing samples. Are these short pieces extracted from a
previously done work (manual, help, etc.) or does one specifically write
them?
During my short career I have worked on quite a few projects, some big
and some small, in various capacities from writing to supervising to
usability consulting/testing.
Now the question: How do I compile a portfolio?
Someone else had a good answer for this a while back: Create a portfolio
of original pieces as an artist would (color tear sheets from books or
magazines or reports, etc.) that you can show to prospective employers;
but send or bring photocopied examples to leave off, which you probably
wouldn't get back. I have gotten back some of my work samples. I don't
know if that means the employer is conscientious of the expense of
making copies, or that the employer knows I'll never work at that
company! ;-)
TECHWR-L List Information
To send a message about technical communication to 2500+ list readers,
E-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send administrative commands
ALL other questions or problems concerning the list
should go to the listowner, Eric Ray, at ejray -at- ionet -dot- net -dot-
