Tools and practices that help you in your job search (in addition to the resume):
- Establish LinkedIn profile—and continue to update it regularly.
- Put in place necessary communication tools—cell phone with voice mail, e-mail (also mobile email), all stated clearly on the resume.
- Build an effective portfolio (hard-copy and on-line).
- View your resume as a “work-in-progress”—always continue to review, update, and modify as necessary (and when submitting resumes to job postings, be sure to attach a letter of introduction.).
- File samples (digital)—via your on-line portfolio hosting site, or on a flash drive.
- Memberships in professional organizations (i.e., STC, AMWA, etc.).
- Attend networking events.
- Watch on-line job posting sites.
- More importantly—do good old-fashioned networking (it still matters who you know)
- Consider well-established agencies (locally-based), and make sure they are those who have a good reputation with the tech. comm. community. Especially consider those firms who specialize in recruiting and hiring professional communicators.
- Consider temp-to-hire or temp. as options.
- Be pro-active (but don’t overly communicate).
- Be accessible.
- Be responsive.
- Be methodical.
Skills, strengths, and/or experiences that make you “market ready” (the more of these you implement, the better your chances):
- Knowledge and/or working experience with: basic authoring tools—such as Adobe Suite, content management systems, global translations, user-experience, user-interface design, usability testing, etc.
- Internship (paid or non-paid).
- Relevant paying jobs while in school (i.e., school newspaper or other publications).
- Volunteer projects (non-paying)—such as for local church, community, professional organizations.
- Experiences that demonstrate: a) good written and verbal skills, b) problem-solving abilities, c) successful management of projects, d) good people skills and team involvement, e) adaptability, flexibility, and quick-study