Written by a senior technical writer to a technical writing student.
1. What kind of role do you play in your field as a technical writer?
My many roles as a tech writer over the last thirty-some years have been
mostly in manufacturing and banking where I write and edit user guides
(both software and hardware), standard operating procedures, policies and
procedures, technical specifications, quality assurance test
documentation, Web design, eLearning, and graphics. Oddly enough I've
never worked in marketing but I'm certain one would need to be very strong
in advertising and graphics.
2. What technologies are pertinent to the marketing field?
I'd say one would have to be an expert with graphic design applications
such as Adobe PhotoShop or CorelDRAW (my personal favorite). Text
processing goes without saying.
3. When being interviewed what type of documents should be brought along?
It's important to bring to your interview a professionally prepared
portfolio of your best work whether done as a student, intern, or
volunteer (such as church/neighborhood newsletters or flyers/posters). You
may be asked to leave a copy of this portfolio during your interview so
don't give away your only copy. Just like any audition, you hope for a
callback. This is a good sign.
4. What is the best way to get an interview?
Most companies have a Web site listing their job opportunities. There's
usually a place to drop your resume too. Check local newspapers as well as
Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. There are others.
5. Have you used a lot of networking to get interviews?
Networking is probably the best way to get your foot in the door of
prospective employers. Technical writing isn't a huge field but we are a
tight-knit group. I probably know 50% of the writers in my city. More than
half of them are free lance writers which means they move around a lot and
know who is looking for tech writers. Get to know these folks.
6. What are some of the best ways to begin networking?
Join professional societies and attend their meetings. I'm a member of
ASTD (American Society for Training and Development) and STC (Society for
Technical Communication). Student memberships are available. I'm sure
there are similar groups for marketing/advertising.
7. What would you recommend a recent graduate do to sell themselves in a
interview? Especially if they don't have much experience?
Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Dress professionally. Do your
homework and learn as much as you can about the company with whom you're
interviewing before you get there (the Internet is a great tool and
companies love to brag about who and what they are).
8. What type of jobs are out there for technical writers in the marketing
and advertising realm?
Sorry, I can't answer that not having worked in advertising.
9. Do you have any tips for potential interviewees?
See question 7 above.
10. What kind of technical skills do you use on a daily basis?
I use CorelDRAW, RoboHelp, all of the Microsoft Office tools, Captivate,
and Articulate. I use a digital camera with its associated software and do
all of my own illustrating. (We had a graphics department at my last
company but we also had 30 tech writers vying for their services.) I make
daily use of project management skills. Most of this would benefit for
whatever industry you are applying.
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