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A presentation about what it's like to enter that workforce as an entry-level technical writer.
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Becoming a Tech WriterA special presentation about what it is like to be
a Technical Writer in today’s job market.
By John Paz
Graduated from UCF in 2008 with a B.A. in English, with a focus in Technical Writing
7+ years as a professional Technical Writer
Specialization in understanding complex technical systems and a passion for explaining the complex
About me
Take a look at my original resume.
Industries I’ve worked in to date:
Energy
Video games
Defense
Software
About me – Professional Experience
Companies I’ve worked for:
About me – Professional Experience
MS Word – Templates, styles, automation Other Microsoft tools:
PowerPoint Excel Visio
Programming familiarity - HTML, XML Graphic design – GIMP, Photoshop Wiki development and Information architecture Database design and data warehousing concepts Emerging technology
About me – Technical Skills
Being in the workforce is not like college.
Social dynamic is much different; working with
colleagues of different generations is a
challenge, but worth the effort.
Make friends and be social, but put work first.
What is like to be a Tech Writer?
The skills you learn in college are very valuable, but perhaps not in the way you suspect: Organization is vital. Familiarity with technology will get you far. Communication is crucial. Your writing skills will be your most marketable
asset to start with. Learning to learn.
Your ability to do thorough, scholarly research is a valuable asset.
What is like to be a Tech Writer?
The skills you learn in college are very valuable, but perhaps not in the way you suspect:
You are already far more prepared than you know.
But…
You know nothing.
Admit this now and you will save yourself a lot of
trouble.
What is like to be a Tech Writer?
The skills you learn in college are very valuable, but perhaps not in the way you suspect:
You know nothing.
Wait, what?
It is impossible to know everything about a job before
you start, even once you attain experience, as soon as
you start a new job you start over. But that’s ok.
What is like to be a Tech Writer?
A day in the life of a professional Tech Writer:1. Start every day by checking email.
Don’t like email? Then you’re in the wrong profession.
2. Check yesterday’s To-Do list, create today’s.3. Go talk to some really smart, really busy people.4. Do some work.
1. Write.2. Tinker – Templates, wikis, websites, code (yes code!).
What is like to be a Tech Writer?
A day in the life of a professional Tech Writer:
5. More meetings.
6. Review/edit your work (or someone else’s).
7. More email.
What is like to be a Tech Writer?
Are you ready to be a Technical Writer?
Do you have a resume?
WHY NOT?
Do you feel you are a strong writer? Or…
Do you feel you have some technical expertise?
Are you prepared to work full-time?
If you answered “yes” to these questions…
You’re Ready!
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Your first Tech Writing position:
Could be an internship.
Make sure you’re being paid, or that it’s with a great
company, or in an industry you really want to work in.
Will most likely be a temporary contract.
Get used to talking to recruiters, they are your best
resource to find jobs.
Might come by way of someone you know, so network!
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Your first Tech Writing position:
Will likely come from someone finding your resume
online.
So don’t just post anything, make it good, and keep it
updated.
Will likely come from you applying to a job you found
online.
Get comfortable submitting online applications.
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Your first Tech Writing position: The Interview
Your first interview will be terrifying. Embrace that.
Be honest.
But be confident. You’re college educated, a solid
writer, and you like technology. That makes you unique,
and there are employers who will pay you for your
skills.
Get comfortable submitting online applications.
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Some general advice:
Recruiters are your friends.
Embrace your interests, especially any that are related
to tech.
Go to a conference. They’re great for learning, and for
networking.
Be nice to your professors, because you’ll need them
one day.
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Some general advice:
Be industrious with your job search.
But be mindful of tailoring your resume and
giving each application the attention it deserves.
Do not get discouraged. Look at each interview as
a learning opportunity, especially if you don’t get
the job.
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Some general advice:
Don’t be afraid to take the job you want, even if
that means leaving the job you have.
Be grateful, and humble, lest you be labeled a
“stereotypical Millennial.”
Mind your social media, because employers
care.
Landing a Tech Writer Position
Some general advice:
Not ready for a job? That’s ok. Just write, a lot.
Blogs, product reviews, discussion boards, and other forms of light
writing work very well as writing samples.
It’s ok to land a job that isn’t necessarily a Tech Writing
position, so long as you’re happy and have room for growth.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going, to other
cities.
Learn to code. Seriously. You’ll thank me later.
Landing a Tech Writer Position
John Paz [email protected] @techwriterninja @spiegro www.linkedin.com/in/johnapaz/ http://techwhirl.com/author/johnpaz/ www.spiegro.com
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