Technical Writer

I was reading old posts on one of the tech writer forums and one of the members asked how to get a job as a technical writer. They were reluctant to go through one of the recruitment agencies.

I found that attitude interesting, because here in Australia recruitment agencies are the main source of jobs for technical writers.  I won’t go so far as to say the only source, but short of having an extensive network of friends who will recommend you, if you refuse to touch the agencies then your job prospects are severely limited.  Likewise your pay.

Which agencies should you go through?

Pick the agencies that deal with IT. You may believe that you are not an IT person but that’s irrelevant. Tech writing jobs generally go through IT.  Seek is probably the largest in Australia. 

Otherwise, choose a boutique agency that deals specifically with technical writers, such as Tech Writer.

Each agency web site will give you hints and tips about what you can do to prepare your resume, and in Tech Writer’s case, they even mention the portfolio briefly.  (More about portfolios in another blog.)

Most agencies accept resumes even when they don’t have work. They keep them on file and will contact you if a job becomes available. It pays to keep these resumes up-to-date. Keep a list of who you have sent your resume to, along with your work availability. For example, if you are contracted for the next six months, say so.

Some agencies also send you an automatic email when jobs that suit your criteria become available. For example, I get all the job alerts for tech writers for jobs in my state from Seek.

Just don’t ignore the agencies altogether. Here in Australia, at least, you are cutting yourself off from the major source of work.

Last Modified : January 16th, 2007
Filed under : Tech Writer
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