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Emerging Professionals
Dear Insider,
I graduated with a B.S. in Technical Communications in the fall of 2003. I am currently employed in technical support and I haven’t been able to obtain a technical writing position. I haven’t seen a posting for a technical writing position that requires less than three years of experience and it is very frustrating. I think the only good news is that I am no longer seeing positions requiring 8-10 years experience, but they are far from entry level.
Longing to write
Dear Longing to write,
Yes, it is true that breaking into a field and getting your first job is difficult. This has been the case for many years and many professions.
Here is what I recommend:
- If you are not already a member of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), plan to join and become involved. This is an excellent place to network and learn about the vast array of jobs available in this ever-expanding field. It goes without saying that networking is critical to finding a job in today’s market. Also, STC has the best job line for technical communicators in the region. Check out their job site at http://stcrmc.org/jobs_freelance/jobline.htm.
- Have you done a critical review of your resume? Does it summarize the skill set that you possess followed by a work history, education, and other professional skills that may interest an employer in this field? Or is your resume dull and lifeless and read more like an obituary? Does it truly reflect your personal style and skill set?
- Do you have a writing portfolio that showcases samples of your writing or other types of technical communication? As an emerging professional, you probably don’t have many professional samples. But what about writing articles in a local newsletter for an organization to which you are a member? Or how about including class projects that were well planned and well executed? These could be great substitutes to professional samples.
- Can you in any way differentiate yourself from other candidates? In other words, do you have job experience in a particular field that would make you a viable candidate as a technical communicator in that field? Can you apply as a technical communicator within your own company?
- Are your interviewing skills up to par? Do you know what employers are looking for in the interview for the type of job you are seeking? If not, have you contacted companies and other professionals to conduct informational interviews to gain that insight? I am sure that you can find such individuals through the STC.
- Does your professional life allow for some flexibility, such as relocating for a first job, or traveling as a consultant? I am aware of two such companies in the Denver area that hire and train new professionals but do require travel as a part of the job.
- Are your writing and technical skills up to par or could they stand some refreshing and improvement? Most companies today require that applicants pass a writing test and a technical interview to land the job as a technical communicator. Are you able to do both of these tasks?
If you are new to the profession, transitioning from another profession, or finishing up coursework in the field of technical communications, feel free to submit your questions to Insider at news@stcrmc.org. We will do our best to provide you will valuable insights and information to help you get a start.
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