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"...are there any companies out there who will take a chance on fresh new
talent? any general suggestions on how to go about the fun and excitement
that is looking for a job?"
Beth, there are a hundred different bits of advice to give, but if I gave
them all I`d be writing a book. I have a database of about 2,000 names of
agencies and recruiters for technical writers. Like data, many of the names
keep as well as dead fish. Now I just got my computer out of customs but
will be traveling soon back to the states. IF I CAN, I will e-mail this list
to you sometime soon.
Another thing. Pick up the large yellow book, `The Best 100 Damn Resumes.`
It has a proven functional resume format, with scads of examples that have
won others positions. I use it, too; it works.
Next, remember to promote yourself by applying the old sales and advertising
principle of "features, benefits and advantages". You will often get the
position you wish by suggesting or telling the prospective employer the
"advantage" they acquire in hiring you.
Attack your search by knowing what is termed in Human Resources "KSAA", or
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Attitude. Remember, contrary to popular
opinion, research shows that the Attitude factor usually gets the position
and makes up for knowledge or skill deficiencies.
When looking at a position consider the following: do I want the job, can I
do the job, and will I fit in? The potential employer will be interviewing
with the same questions in mind. And be sure to respectively interview them
with these questions in mind. You're too good, no matter what level your
professional experience, to waste it on an employer, manager, or team, that
is going nowhere or produces poor deliverables. Your resume is as good as
the product of your last labor. This is called "portfolio building."
Well, to keep peace at home, I must go.
Inkhorn
RESOURCES:
Try Dejanews at http://www.dejanews.com. Navigate to the employment section
and search for "technical writer" and "documentation specialist." You should
not be disappointed with the results. And respond to positions that you
don't meet the employer's or recruiter's criteria for...they just may
contact you anyway.
Yes CNET Personal Search Agent and CareerBuilder Personal Search Agent! are
doing the same job. But no one has figured out why, after setting up
identical serach criteria, they sometimes give slightly different results!
So sign up for both of them
Here`s a claim: "GUARANTEED Job Search Success. Expose your resume in the
hidden job market." http://www.joblynx.com
