atw: Re: Australian source of citation advice [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
- From: "Warren Lewington" <wjlewington@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 22:40:13 +1000
No worries, stay in touch. Where are you based?
Regards;
Warren.
From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jasmine Andrews
Sent: Friday, 5 September 2008 13:52
To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: atw: Re: Australian source of citation advice [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
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>
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 - especially if any of it is
sensitive. Take extracts from some parts of this range of
documents/communication that demonstrate strengths or illustrate your
skills, and that you are really happy to talk about. It makes engagement
with interviewers easier if you have something that means something to you,
the enthusiasm comes through that way - and reduces nervousness if you go
back to something familiar.
If the work is web-based, attempt to turn it into a presentation that stands
alone if possible, and make sure it works! Take your own computer and show
case it that way if you can, or don't take it at all.
Writing tests are no problem if you are a good writer, and simply DON'T
panic. In my extensive experience, panic kills people. Concentrate on the
task and you'll do just fine.
My portfolio is varied, I do a lot of illustration and have done some
fascinating engineering work, and all of it I have had permission to show to
prospective clients - not to leave any behind, just to show. That has been a
big help - some of it is a bit spectacular so I am lucky. It is simply
displayed; in a plastic A4 page sleeve binder, bought from a stationary
place - or Woollies more likely. Cheap sod that I am. Don't make it too
elaborate, it needs to be flexible to grow with you and change over time. Do
your best to save trees.
Enjoy it.
HTH
Regards;
Warren
From: austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:austechwriter-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jasmine Andrews
Sent: Tuesday, 2 September 2008 19:24
To: austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: atw: Re: Australian source of citation advice [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Austechies,
I am applying for a position that has a three-part recruitment process
including a writing test and submission of a portfolio. It's the first time
I've gone for a permanent job with the title of Technical Writer as I've had
some contract TW roles in the past but have mostly had mostly training roles
with a heavy writing component.
Does anyone have any advice for:
1. putting together a successful portfolio
2. what to expect from a writing test and how best to prepare for one
I've read some great posts on Tom Johnson's blog (I'd rather be writing),
Scott Abel's site (The Content Wrangler) and Craig Haiss' Helpscribe, but
I'm looking for insights into local practices.
Thanks in advance
Jasmine Andrews
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