atw: Re: Australian source of citation advice
- From: "Jasmine Andrews" <jasminethetrainer@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 11:15:08 +1000
MHT
No test, I didn't even make it that far. The glaring absence of any mention
of HTML on the CV was enough to take me out of the running. I also spotted a
couple of things last night that I missed in proofreading my CV so I'm not
suprised... I wouldn't hire me either.
I was initially a bit miffed and thought that if I was a web design guru
already, then I wouldn't be pursuing tech writing roles. I got over myself
and picked up the copy of Visual Quickstart HTML, XHTML & CSS that I bought
a few months ago but had been too busy to dive into. I already had a basic
conceptual understanding of HTML, and like you say if given a project to
complete and some reference material, I could probably have cobbled together
something quite workable by applying problem solving skills. But now I can
feel the "urge to master" building up inside and I spent all day yesterday
brainstorming suitable projects to build skills.
Funnily enough, I figured an online CV/portfolio would be the obvious
choice, very similar to your e-folio below (which is really neat, by the
way). I might ask you off-list how you did some of the features, if that's
OK. I've also started a blog <http://jasmineandrews.blogspot.com/> to have
somewhere to reflect on my skills development, and to encourage others in my
position. I have a short course coming up and once I've got a modest
skill-base behind me, I'll be finding a community organisation to offer my
services to.
Thanks for the advice and encouragement
Jasmine
2008/9/6 MHT <runfox@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Hi Jasmine,
> Did they give you an HTML "test" in addition to the writing test, or did
> they just go by what you had produced using HTML?
>
> I would think that for a tech writer, testing your memorized knowledge of
> HTML would not be an accurate reflection of capability. Unlike the "code
> guys", we don't live, breath and eat the stuff, but often know enough to get
> decent web pages constructed.
>
> In my own instance, I've taken some basic HTML classess and also put
> together a number of web sites. I also had to quick learn various templates
> and then get HTML to work with them. But if I were to take an on the spot
> HTML test and try to do any coding from memory, I'd fail miserably. I
> would think a basic understanding combined with knowing what to look for,
> where to look and most importantly, adaptability and problem solving would
> score higher than memorization.
>
> Might I suggest, also, that a good place to get both valuable practice as
> well as impressive samples is to do volunteer work for a cause of your
> choice. It also has the added bonus that prospective employers like to see
> that an individual gets involved in the community. Most community
> organizations would relish a web site designer / writer / computer literate
> person who would work for free. A nicely done e-folio also shows off your
> web site skills, as well as giving you a nice platform for samples that the
> employer can browse at their leisure.
>
> A few examples:
> http://marytaft.efoliomn1.com
> http://www.sherburnecountydfl.org
> http://www.winternet.com/~runfox/kiki.html
> http://iamtheostrich.blogspot.com/
>
> Good luck, Jasmine!
> mht
>
>
>
> On 9/4/2008 10:51:45 PM, austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> > Thanks Warren. Very reassuring. Unfortunately, I
> > didn't make the grade on HTML and CSS skills, so I'm out of the running.
> > At least
> > I've now got an up to date CV and the beginnings of a good portfolio.
> >
> > Thanks again
> > Jasmine
> >
> > 2008/9/2 Warren Lewington <wjlewington@xxxxxxxxxxx [link: mailto:
> wjlewington@xxxxxxxxxxx]>
> >
> > Congratulations on getting to the process...
> > Portfolios are wonderful interview tools. Make up a selection of work
> from the last few years you are very proud of, pleased with or means
> something to you. Seek emailed (written in other words) permission to allow
> prospective employers to "view portions only" of this work
>
Other related posts:
