Saturday, March 30, 2013

Calling All Entry Level-Junior Technical Writers…Your Time Is Now!

For quite some time now, the majority of Technical Writer roles available have been mid-senior level. But no longer!

I’m always keeping my eye on the market. And since last November, I’ve seen a slew of Junior Technical Writer positions available online. This link includes some Junior Technical Writer roles available as of this writing: http://www.simplyhired.com/a/jobs/list/q-jr+technical+writer/l-san+diego,+ca

NOTE: These listings are available as of this article’s published date. Link may be outdated, but search for Junior Technical Writer roles on Indeed and SimplyHired.

And that’s just through job boards and LinkedIn. I’ve heard from colleagues that recruiters are approaching Junior Technical Writers for unadvertised Technical Writer roles! So I strongly urge you to post your resume on major job search sites so recruiters can find you.

Tips from a once upon a time entry level Technical Writer


Let me share some tips when applying for these roles.

Sell your accomplishments in your resume
Whether it’s what you’ve done in school, in your volunteer work, or in a short gig, have something tangible to show and tell. This is what will make you stand out. Try to tie it in to the requirements of the job ad. When all resumes are created equal, it’s your accomplishments that will help you to stand out.

Be flexible with the rate or salary
One of the reasons that a company may be hiring a Junior Technical Writer is because of budget. Right now it’s an employers’ market. All you should be concerned about is getting this position. Once you prove yourself and performance review comes up, then you’ll have some leverage. The important thing here is to get experience and prove yourself.

Set your sights on working long term for the company
In your cover letter and at the interview, tell the manager that you’re looking to put in some time at the company to learn as much as you can. Hiring managers don’t want someone who will just get in and get out: they’re looking for long term investments so they don’t waste their resources. By staying long term, you can also develop rapport with colleagues who you will see up and down San Diego.

Have an open minded attitude
This is the most important. Some professionals may have little patience with dealing with a fresh Technical Writer: nothing irks them more than one with an attitude. Your goal is to absorb as much as you can from everyone. These people are well experienced and can teach you all you need to learn. But only if you let them.

Best of luck and always put your best foot forward!
Mike Ronquillo

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Job Market Outlook 2013

Greetings my fellow TCers and happy belated new year!

2013 marks a promising year for us TCers. Many positions have opened up and it's only getting better. Trust me, I've been watching the market since early 2012.

A word of advice: from my experience, finding a recruiter is the way to find a job. Recruiters have access to the hidden job market, especially in San Diego County. Get in touch with local recruiters such as Paradigm Information Services, and say Mike Ronquillo sent you. There are many open positions looking for the right talent.

Industries hiring TCers include health, defense, biotechnology, software, just to name a few.

I've met many TCers in San Diego, many of whom aren't originally from San Diego. The market is emerging here and nobody seems to want to live here because of the false perception that pay isn't as great as The Bay area. Not necessarily true! Great weather all year round, lively beaches, and a great community make San Diego a great place for any TCer.

Stay tuned, as next post I will share what skills are hot going into 2013.

Wishing you a prosperous 2013,
Mike Ronquillo


Sunday, November 25, 2012

Holiday Greetings

Hello Fellow San Diego STCers!


Well, 2012 is almost over...most of us are finishing off turkey leftovers and some of us have braved the shopping madness of the Thanksgiving Weekend sales. If you're like me, you're moving into the Holiday mood with a little trepidation and a lot of angst! Well, there's nothing we can do but embrace it. It comes, whether we're ready or not!

This year I am again hosting the STC-SD Holiday Party at my home. I hope all of you can make it. It's usually a low-key affair with good food, good conversation, and a lot of gratitude for the year almost over and a chapter that's thriving among the tough economics of our current times.  It's a good thing to share smiles and stories with others who share our profession and having this opportunity at the close of the calendar year is an opportunity that we have all learned to treasure.

This year, unlike two years ago (the last time I hosted), I know of more folks getting jobs than losing them and my own outlook on the profession of technical communication is at a comfortable place. The picture you see above is the little tree I had in my home last year...and although I know that not everyone celebrates Christmas, we do all celebrate the Holiday Season and the end of the year and the beginning of a new one...along with all the joys and challenges each year brings to us.

I look forward to sharing my home, my thoughts, and my big goofy dog with all of you on 15 December 2012. Please make time to drop by for some Holiday Cheer and let's bring in the New Year with one another. We have the luxury of being in a profession that helps others understand complex messages...let's celebrate how great we are at doing that with others who truly understand the passion we have.

It's great to be a technical communication professional. It has been good for me and I bet it's been good for you! Let's enter the new year with hope, joy, conversation, and one another!

I hope to see you here!  Check out www.stc-sd.org for details of the party!

Many blessings,
Linda Oestreich
STC Fellow
STC-SD Member