Why Technical Writers Should Create a Portfolio

(Created by Nelson Education)

What you will find in this Section

The Career Center: Creating a Portfolio Why Technical Writers Should Create a Portfolio section provides a rationale for why a portfolio can be an important component of the job search process.

Why Technical Writers Should Create a Portfolio

Your projected graduation date is coming up. You are preparing your resume, including on-line, paper, and ASCII versions. You have been practicing your interview questions. What are you missing? You are missing your portfolio.

Why do you need a portfolio?

It isn't required, but it is a good idea to bring a portfolio to your interviews. There are several advantages to having a portfolio:

• Instead of merely telling the interviewer about the work you have done and the skills you have, you can actually show evidence of those skills.

  For example, let's assume you are a technical writer who has experience in software applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You have created graphics for both print and online projects. Why not show them off? Why not say, "I can use these software applications, and here is sample of what I can do." Showing is always more effective than merely telling.

• When you have a well-organized portfolio that contains sample of your best work, you can show your wide range of talents. It is important to have only your best work in your portfolio. You show clear evidence of your skills and talents when you can show a portfolio that serves as visual support for your resume.

• You can use your resume to help focus on your desired area of expertise.

  For instance, all technical writers know that the field is very diverse. There are technical writers who are editors, and there are technical writers who are Webmasters and Web designers, focusing on graphic arts instead of editing content. With such a broad definition of the field, a portfolio can help define your niche in the field.

• When you have a portfolio, suddenly, you can guide the direction of the interview, controlling the meeting.

  For instance, when you are asked about your skills, you can show your portfolio - your best work. This often is intriguing to interviewers, and they want to see more. It's a wonderful feeling to have the opportunity to discuss all of your best work, your skills, and your talents, while showing the interviewer what you can do. Now, you guide the direction of the interview with your portfolio.

• When you have a portfolio, and you have sample "giveaways" to leave with the interviewer, you have left a visual reminder of who you are and what you can do. That is very powerful.