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.
Roy Aney wrote: <I've been lurking about the list for a while and though I
see a lot of posts concerning employment I've not seen anything that would
pass as advice or guidance to the aspiring tw seeking work for the first.
How do I overcome the "Only those with experience need apply" mentality and
find that rarest of commodities - a first job/assignment?>
Deb Hardy Dore' replies: Here's how I got my first TW job. I was coming out
of a Tech. Writer's Certification program, with 3 years of experience as a
non-technical editor, and I sent out about 100 resumes, in hopes of getting
someone to at least talk to me and give me some advice on how to get a good
job. I got a call from a small start-up software company, and they called
me in for an interview. It turns out that they wanted to offer me an
internship, rather than a job. I liked the people who interviewed me, and
it looked like this company could really take off, so when they offered me
the internship position, I took it. Turns out it was the best move I could
have made. It was a bit strange to be a 32-year-old intern, but I tried not
to think of it that way. By the time the three-month internship was
finished, I knew that I wanted to stay with this company. And, as luck
would have it, they offered me a sweet job! So, here I am, still working
for the same company, and doing well. And I absolutely love my job and the
company I work for.
So, for me, accepting an internship rather than holding out for the big
bucks paid off in the end. I didn't think it was beneath me to accept an
internship. Rather, I was grateful that this company took a chance on an
older career-changer, and that they were willing to teach me so many skills
during those three months. And it was a great way to check out the company
before I made that big commitment. By the time they offered me the
permanent job, I knew with no hesitation that I wanted to work here.
That approach might not work for everyone, but I think sometimes it pays to
be humble and take the "tortoise" route.
