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Who's Who in Technical
Communication: It’s always fascinating to learn about the different jobs that fall under the umbrella of technical communication. Not everyone in our field is responsible for developing online help or mastering XML. Some technical communicators don’t directly engage in overtly technical work, but they regularly interact with individuals who do. While technical recruiters don’t necessarily need to know the ins and outs of document planning, it’s essential that they possess many of the same skills as a practicing technical writer/documentation specialist: a solid awareness of today’s ever-changing technology, job coaching know-how, and excellent communication skills. Although he’s only been with PDS Technology Group for a few months, technical recruiter Brian Goodin is no stranger to technical communication. Before moving to PDS he worked at STL Technologies, first as a technical communicator and then as a recruiter. He also has extensive proposal writing and editing experience. Being able to work in a few different areas of technical communication has helped Goodin understand just how diverse the profession really is; he routinely uses this insight to execute his recruiting task efficiently and effectively. Goodin relies on the Internet as a source for locating consultants for his clients. If a resume—often posted on database sites such as CareerBuilder.com, HotJobs.com, and Monster.com—boasts specific skills required by a client, Goodin will contact the resume poster for an interview. This interview is preliminary to the one the actual company conducts, and he serves as mediator between prospective employee and potential employer. Goodin explains the process: “First, I assess their (the potential consultants’) skill level and determine if they will match the client’s required skills. I then assist in writing a presentable resume…once their resume is revised I submit it to our client through my manager. If the applicant is chosen for an interview, I will coach him on how to interview and present himself.” The job of a recruiter offers a unique glimpse into the technical communication field. Acting as a liaison between employer and employee allows for an inside look at both sides of the workforce. So how does it look, this future of technical communication? “I think too little emphasis is placed on technical communication,” Goodin says. “I say this because I have seen the bill rates for technical writer positions drop, which leads to lower salaries for our consultants. It seems that companies want technical writers who can step into an organization and gather requirements and create a document in a short amount of time. I believe that corporate expectations are too high to be met in such a short time frame.” Technical communicators looking to change jobs or recent graduates seeking work in the field might take note of Goodin’s tip to increase their chances of securing a position: diversify skills by learning about web design, programming, and/or training. Even Goodin, ever conscious of the expectations of technical communicators seeking work, plans to take his own advice. The principles of web design pique his interest, and he feels that the communicative and often persuasive effects that web-based layout has on consumers is fascinating. Does this mean Goodin is planning to make the jump from technical recruiter to web designer? Not necessarily, he says, but in the fast-paced world of technology it never hurts to have additional skills. Goodin knows this first-hand, which gives him an edge no matter where his career takes him next. In the meantime, he’s happy to share his knowledge with technical communicators presently seeking work. |
Heartline
In addition to writing articles for Heartline, I served as editor for the newsletter for 2 years.
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