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>At a former company, we expected:
>
> - an applicable degree (at that time, English, journalism,
> instructional technology, or tech comm) or equivalent
> experience
>
> - a minimum of one year writing experience in a technical
> arena
>
> - skill with at least one of the "major" word processors
> (MS Word, Word Perfect) or DTP packages (Frame,
> Interleaf)
>
>In addition, we required the candidate to provide a portfolio
>at the time of interview [.....}
>
>IMO, this was a reasonable expectation set for an entry-level
>position.
Anne:
With all respect, I suggest that these requirements are for a junior
position.
"Entry level," surely, means a position for someone with no experience.
Since the applicant is expected to have one year's experience and a
portfolio. then surely the position is not entry level.
If this comment sounds like a quibble over words, I assure you that it's
not. While the fact that employers want someone with at least limited
experience is understandable, one of the most common questions I'm asked
by beginners is how to break into the field. More than one has pointed
out that even so-called entry level positions require some experience.
The definition of "entry level" is a real frustration to students.
"Did you see him on the corner
& his lip would reach the pavement,
He's been hiding from his razor,
Is he not an awful sight?
In love he was the purest,
Now he's frightening our tourists
If he went and asked his father,
I'm sure he'd put him right."
- Andy M. Stewart, Take Her In Your Arms"
