The simplest, most efficient way to begin the search process is to send details of the position you'd like filled by email.
I'll get in touch as soon as I receive your message. Also, if I don't already have a recruiting agreement in place with your company, I'll email you mine or review yours.
In your job description, please include as much as possible of the following information:
Staff or Contract? |
If staff/perm/salaried, list unusual benefits (eg, stock options, sabbaticals). If contract, how long will the project last, and are (1099-based) independent contractors welcome? |
Title or Role |
Eg, Senior Technical Writer, Tech Comm Director, Editor, Technical Trainer, Information Architect, or Courseware Developer. Will the person work solo or join a team with similar skills? |
Audience |
Who will use the deliverables? Eg, software developers, system or network administrators, untechnical end users, salesfolk, specialists such as lawyers or pharmaceutical researchers, C-level execs. |
Location |
Where will the person work? If telecommuting is possible, how many days/week? Also, is relocation assistance available? |
Tasks |
What deliverable(s) will this person create? Eg, API/SDK references, system administrator guides, online help (which format?), and coursenotes. Will the material need to be researched, written, rewritten, updated, edited, formatted, converted for online distribution (to which formats?), and/or project-managed? How much original writing (as opposed to rewriting/editing of existing content) will be required? |
Required |
How many years of relevant experience do you need this person to have? Which tools and subject matter is it vital that this person know? Must they be proficient or merely familiar with each? Also, what kinds of deliverables must this person have created? What other skills must this person have? |
Desired |
Which tools and subject matter would you prefer this person to know? What kinds of deliverables would it be helpful if they'd created? What skills would you like to see? |
Intangibles |
Which unquantifiable qualities do you seek in the ideal candidate? Typical adjectives might include: resourceful, flexible, versatile, focused, tenacious, tireless, fearless, energetic, reliable, eager, independent, innovative, thick-skinned, creative, collaborative, self-motivated, prolific, seasoned, low-maintenance, persistent, and poised. |
Compensation |
For staff positions, a confidential top annual salary and approximate potential bonus. For contracts, a comfortable hourly rate or total not-to-exceed amount. I'm happy to advise you here, should you wish. |
Contact |
The name, email address, and phone number of the hiring manager. |
To save you time, I can typically glean all the details I need during a five-minute phone conversation, or I can email you a questionnaire customized for contract or staff opportunities. Feel free to contact me any time; I'm usually in the office from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM weekdays.
I look forward to helping you bring aboard the best technical communicators available.
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