Question:
I am a new Tech Writer and in need of some advice.
I am in the process of looking for experienced TW's for advice and
information.
For instance: What "type" of writing samples are potential employers
looking for?
I need someone that can advise me on what to put in a sample book. Since I
am still a rookie, I don't have any elaborate TW samples that other TW's
have. I am loosing a lot of job opportunities because I don't have a Killer
writing sample book.
Can anyone send me via MS Word attachment resume samples and writing
samples that do not contain any confidential information?
Answer:
- I would suggest that you go through newspaper ads (e.g., the Sunday "New
York Times", or something comparable for your area of the country) and look
at ads for the types of positions in which you're interested.
List all the qualities/experience/skills they're seeking. Give lots of
thought about this, and add any qualities/skills/experience that would also
prove very helpful or useful for that type of position.
If you have any writing samples that demonstrate those skills/qualities,
use them. If not, write them ... You could do a volunteer project for your
church, temple, or community association, write an article for a magazine
or newsletter (even your local Pennysaver) ... Just think about what
people in your area might want to learn, and write the best article of
which you're capable).
In other words, if you don't already have a portfolio, build one.
- I am new tech writer as well, and ran into a lot of same problems. To get a
good tech writing sample, I took advantage of an opportunity to document a
software product for my University. It counted as my internship. Which
reminds, did you do an internship? You can usually get some good samples
that way. If you didn't do one, you might be able to break in by doing an
internship this summer and then looking for a permanent position in the
Fall. It isn't an easy field to break in to but if you have good writing
skills, someone will notice it and give you a chance.
- Tech writing type samples. If you are a tech writer (even a new one, not just
a wannabe) you know what "type" of samples.
What good would someone else's samples be? They would not represent your
writing abilities. They would only help you if you were going to try and pass
them off as your work, which would be unethical.
Here's my advice .... need samples??? Write something!
