Members' Online Mentor

Leaving the Minors:

The Basics of Breaking Into Technical Communication

I've heard from quite a few of you who are frustrated because even with good writing skills and some professional writing experience, you still can't find a job as a technical writer. You wonder what it takes to break into this field. Tech writing is similar to the computing or Information Technology (IT) field. They have lots of openings, they have a hard time filling openings, and they only want experienced people. You know how I feel about that situation if you read my last column. But if that's the way the game is played, how can you get on the field? Let's take a look at the rules.

Rule number one: you must have a player card. Companies want you to come to them ready to go to work, to know how the publication world works, and to be excellent at your craft. So if you don't know certain software, learn it (many have 30-day free use trial periods). If you don't know how the publication world works, find out. Read technical communication journals, ask people on the Seattle Writergrrls e-mail list or read books written about the subject. And very importantly, make sure you have all the basics of writing and editing under your belt. Then demonstrate your skills and knowledge through your writing samples and other portfolio pieces.

Rule number two: you have to know the rules of the game. The technical writing world isn't going to change to accommodate anyone. If you're new to writing, expect to do some dull and dirty work before you'll get the glamorous gigs. Expect that every time you change specialty, you will probably have to start down a rung or two until you gain some experience in the new area. This includes moving from proofreader to copy editor, or procedure writer to developing training. These transitions will take less and less time the more experience you have in the profession. I allow myself from six months to a year to learn something completely new. I had not written training materials before my present job. So after a year of writing objectives, audience analysis, and assessments, I now call myself a training developer.

Rule number three: to stay on the playing field, you have to demonstrate your value to the team. Life-long learning is a valuable and prized pursuit in most fields. But in the rapidly changing world of technical communication, it's an absolute requirement. Software tools changes on us every year or less. New software is introduced that we must master on the fly. New methodologies for communication come along. Those who stay current and conversant in these things are the ones who will be called in first for the interviews.

These things will help you, like the latest hotshot pitcher for the Mariners, rise to the top of the playlist. What else can you do to improve your chances of getting that call or letter extending an offer of employment? You could set up an informational interview with a technical publications manager. Call around to companies with publications departments and find a manager willing to talk to a newbie writer. There are managers in this area who are happy to lend a helping hand to newcomers to their field. If you wonder who they might be, try starting with members of Society for Technical Communication (STC), or the faculty at schools who teach technical communication subjects. Ask if they have suggestions. Be a detective, research, dig, and be persistent. Even if you only find one manager who'll talk to you, you'll have a gold mine of useful information, and a potential first peg in that all-important network you need.

Finally, the best advice I can give anyone is to network with anyone and everyone who works in the technical communication field. Stay in touch with former supervisors, writers, or agency recruiters. When you start looking for work, let everyone on your list know you'd like to hear of any opportunities that they might know about. Some writers stay in touch with former Technical Communication class mates. They get together via e-mail or monthly dinners to share news and information. These writers and editors never seem to have problems finding work. Networking is the most powerful job-hunting aid available to you.

I'd like to hear from others out there who have wriggled their way into technical writing from another field. How did you do it? What worked for you? What didn't? What do you think you should have done differently? Let me know and I'll share your story in a future column.

Next month I'll talk about portfolios. Until then, good luck and good hunting!

By Geri Frick.
Geri Frick has worked as a technical communicator for over 15 years. Join her here next month for the next installment of Member's Online Mentor. Send Geri your ideas or questions at gerifrick@yahoo.com