For the Technical Writing Newbie

In response to a request for information from a newly-graduated English major seeking work as a technical writer, I provided the following suggestions:

For the newbie tech writer, the game is all about giving yourself as many stand-out selling points as possible.

As many have mentioned, tech writer tool knowledge (Robohelp, Flare, etc.) can be a significant selling point.  For many positions, tool knowledge is the primary issue for many hiring managers.  If you are not an expert in Word or if you cannot demonstrate linking topics in FrameMaker, you are out the door.

Closely related to tool knowledge is knowledge of single-sourcing systems. Admittedly, single-sourcing systems are generally employed only at large and forward-thinking companies (thereby excluding most employers of tech writers).  Nonetheless, if you can get your mind wrapped around the idea of writing self-contained topics, procedures, and concepts; mapping the links between these packets of data; and using the XML usually involved in single-sourcing, you will have an advantage.

In addition to learing the tools, consider familiarizing yourself with concepts of intercultural communication.  Since most products are shipped from America's high-context communication setting (where we expect to be told everything) to low-context cultures (where the reader expects the writer to correctly address a number of culturally-controlled topics -- or they stop reading), a little knowledge on this might help you deliver an outstanding product for your employer.

One other stand-out selling point that a newbie might develop involves interviewing and researching.  If you can demonstrate an ability to gather information and then interview the experts at your employer, it will be to your advantage.

Finally, if you are on LinkedIn, you are obviously oriented toward networking.  However, the one resource that landed me a job at Johnson Space Center and then in the oil industry when NASA was laying off was my networking through the local chapter of the Society for Technical Communication.