Question:
I am a recent graduate in technical communication (B.S.). I have been
working as a web designer / technical writer at a non-profit for two years
as a co-op, but now it's time for a "real job." I graduated at the top of
my class, have some experience, think my resume and cover letters are
good, but haven't had any luck finding a job. I've probably sent out more
than 200 resumes and cover letters between Feb-present and I have only
gotten three calls back, all for temp. jobs that don't pay very much that
are out of the area.
I'm just wondering if anyone could get me some suggestions as to what
technical communication hiring managers want to see in a resume and cover
letter. Should they be plain? Should any graphical elements be included?
Should cover letters be persuasive or just present the facts?
I feel as if I'm being looked over, but I know I have what it takes to be
a successful technical writer and/or web designer! I just wish the people
looking at my resume and cover letters would see that too. Please someone
help!!
Answer:
-The hiring managers want to see the relevant skill sets that the job
requires. So customize your resume for a position giving prominence to
the skills and achievements relevant for that position. It is a good idea
to write your resume and cover letter in 'plain' language. You can use
some simple designs to make it attractive. But don't use graphics
excessively and make your resume long and bulky. As you are a fresher, it
would look good if you limit the number of pages to two or three.
Yes. The cover letter should communicate your key skills to become a
technical communicator. You can make it creative and persuasive, but you
should support your claims with facts. If you have some specific skills
or knowledge that the employer wants, mention them in your cover letter.
Edit your cover letter and resume to make them consistent, clear, and
coherent.
Design skills will definitely help you in your job hunt. Technical
writers do some amount of design work as part of their work. There are
some companies where technical writers take care of some amount of the
web design and graphics design work. While competing for positions in
such companies, people like you will definitely have an edge over others.
-1. Whether or not you use the "T-letter" (I don't, but many do and swear by
it), I think your resume should put work experience before education.
Personally, I believe in a one-page resume, but if you have to have two
pages, your work experience goes on the first. I know that this section is a
little thin this year, but hiding it won't help. I would also try to get
about fifty people's opinions about your resume.
2. Not to get too Jakob Nielsen on you, but I would redo your Web site to
use black (or at least dark) text on a white background.
3. Also on the site: I would leave out the digital photography samples
altogether, but if you feel strongly about showing them, then the PDF format
just slows it down. Digital photographs are best displayed on the Web as
straight JPGs.
