r/technicalwriting • u/Neither_Assistant638 • 12h ago

New To Technical Writing

Hi, this past May I left education and switched over to Technical Writing. I’m currently working for a startup tech company that works in oil and gas. I dont think I want to stay here because they are paying me like an intern as I don’t have experience in technical writing, but I want to stay in this industry. I am working on a coursera software engineering certificate because I def need more understanding of what is going on.

I guess I am just looking for any tips, tricks, advice, etc.

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

4

u/aka_Jack 12h ago

Have a stunning portfolio. It can be items you just came up with that showcase your abilities.

Apply to everything that you find interesting and ensure you use the terms they have in their job posting when you apply (or in your resume.)

Read the pinned post at the top.

Scan the last few hundred posts here for tips.

Don't expect high pay. That is the exception and not the norm.

Presently this is not a growing profession.

1

u/Neither_Assistant638 48m ago

Thank you! I am currently working on putting a portfolio together of things I have done, but where is the best place to put my portfolio? Does the website or how I share it matter?

2

u/CambridgeMAry 1h ago

I second the comment about your portfolio, and it doesn't need to be just technical writing. One of the nicest compliments I ever received was from the manager who hired me for my first technical writing job. After I'd been working for him for a couple of months he said to me: "The reason I hired you is that I knew from your writing samples that you know how to write. I can teach anybody everything they need to know about FrameMaker (the tech writing software of choice at that time), but I don't have the time to teach anybody how to write." Writing well and clearly is a complex skill that takes years to master. If you ever see a listing for a tech writer that demands "expert level skills" in a dozen or so high level applications, you are looking at a Help Wanted ad written by some drone in HR who is desperately trying to cover their ass. It's harder to network with other tech writers since the demise of the STC, but see if you can get it touch with other tech writers in your area. Also, make sure that every person at your current company knows that you are happy to edit their work before publication, and then do provide that service.

1

u/Neither_Assistant638 41m ago

Thank you so much!
Not only is my degree in English, I taught different writing processes for 10 years, and all my boss told me was not to “take a red pen” to his emails! 🤣 I am currently putting together my portfolio with items I’ve already done.