atw: Re: First Gig Coming Up [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

I have found that after my first interview as a tech writing contractor,
that I have been invited to join projects, or have had my contract renewed.

I have had 'interviews' over a cup of coffee, usually just to arrange the
paperwork as much as anything else.This job required an interview, I
started last week.  The team leader came looking for me, so the interview
was partly an introduction to the other team members.

A few years back I got a call late one evening that went something like
this
"Hi Bob.  We had a team meeting today and Steve suggested that we get some
one in to tidy up and publish the doco and so on.  He said 'like what Bob
used to do on the XXX project'.  I told him that you may just be available.
Are you?"
"Yes"
"Today's Wednesday, so it will take a few days to arrange.  I'll phone back
on Monday.  Probably start by next Wednesday, does that suit you?"
"Yes"
I guess that working with some of those chaps for about three or fours
years previously did help.

My next contract (over two years) resulted from a brainstorming session,
that apparently went like this.
"That's a great idea, if it works.  And who would be crazy enough to do
this work, and has that bizarre set of skills?"
"Hmmmm ..... I'll ask Bob T."
I did a presentation on that project at the 2003 (?) ASTC conference.

But then, you can get caught out sometimes.

_____________
Bob Trussler
CMAL, DIMIA
phones 02 6256 8148
              0418 661 462



                                                                           
             "Hallett,                                                     
             Michelle"                                                     
             <Michelle.Hallett                                          To 
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             31/01/2006 12:24                                              
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Warren,

You don't think that a contracting resource is valued? Probably not as much
as a permanent but I found that if I do a good job (and make sure I'm seen
to be doing a good job and make them believe in my value), the company will
find other work for me.

I'm curious what others think.

Michelle

      -----Original Message-----
      From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
      [mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
      warren.lewington@xxxxxxxxx
      Sent: Tuesday, 31 January 2006 12:16 PM
      To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
      Subject: atw: Re: First Gig Coming Up


      Ultimately with contracting the delineation is clear, they don't
      value the resource long term, so take what you can while you are
      there.
      Start high and stay as high as you can.
      You also have to realise that as a MS guru, there will be NO-ONE else
      there that can do what you do.
      You are not clerical you are a technical communicator.
      Charge like one.

      Not less than $45-$50.00 per hour, otherwise you are devaluing us
      all...

      Warren Lewington
      Technical Writer
      Metso Minerals
      Arndell Park, Sydney.
      NSW, Australia.


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