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Subject:Re: Jobs in Chicago area? From:Rise Keller <rkeller -at- SYBASE -dot- COM> Date:Thu, 13 Aug 1998 13:29:12 -0600
Here are a few ideas to help you with your job search:
Don't let ads listing a requirement two years of experience stop
you from applying. The difference between one and two years is
really not much -- what that says to me is they're screening for
junior writers with *some* experience instead of writers who require
training in every aspect of the job. If you can convince people
that you learn quickly (one of the reasons you're looking for a
new job after only one year, right? ;-) ), they'll know you're worth
hiring, and the ad text ultimately won't matter.
It's also important to have experience with and knowledge of the
industry-standard tools of the trade. Have you worked with
FrameMaker? If not, I recommend taking a class or getting
some training -- you'll get past more HR screeners if you list
FrameMaker experience.
Join a local chapter of STC or other technical writers' group to
keep abreast of job opportunities, new developments in the
field, training resources, and local workshops (sometimes
conducted by the group) that you can attend to develop your
skills. You'll meet other people at other companies this way, too,
which can help with your desire to be around writer peers --
plus, the more people you meet and impress with your technical
abilities and other good qualities, the better your odds of finding
a position.
Remember, too, to include information in your resume/cover letters
that indicates technical experience, not just tech writing experience.
Did you get a degree that involved technical study? Or if you're
starting out after years in a different field, are there any aspects of
your earlier career that contribute to your abilities to grasp and
communicate technical subject matter?
This may sound obvious, but read the local business
news to keep up with new products being developed,
new companies moving into the area, and other potential
opportunities. If you know that XYZ Software is relocating to your
area and is planning to hire 200 people, you can bet there
will be opportunities in most areas of the company.
