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Newsletter of the East Bay Chapter of STC
September/October 2002

Employment News:
Capital Networking Tips
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Melody and her sonby Melody Brumis
EBSTC President

 

 


Melody compiled a list of networking tips generated by an STC panel discussion last year at the Sacramento Chapter. She encourages everyone to attend other chapter's meetings as a way to network.

Sell Yourself

Sell Yourself!
  • Prepare a brief synopsis of yourself (30–60 seconds). Practice it and be prepared to recite it whenever you get a chance to tell anybody.
  • Carry business cards with you with your name and contact information.
  • Do your job well.
  • Do not smile too much at interviews; look intelligent.
  • Hang onto your “befores” for your portfolio.

Keep in Touch

Keep in Touch!
  • Keep in contact with people you like in previous jobs. You’ll create friendships, as well as maintain good contacts for when you are looking.
  • Be friendly and listen well. Talk to everyone! Someone will know somebody else who can help you. Referrals are best.
  • Stay in contact with agents. Start looking for a job or contract early (before you really, really need it).
  • When working for a company, keep in touch with vendors you meet.
  • Just call people and see what they are up to. Keep it on a personal level.
  • Maintain contact with your university.
  • Ask each friend for two contacts you can meet. When you meet with them, ask each of them for two more contacts.
  • Make lunch dates with friends in the business.
  • Keep in touch with people you meet in STC and technical communication classes.
  • Keep your email database current and send occasional notes.
  • Share URLs with co-workers. This will encourage them to share new web sites with you.
  • Keep in contact via email with contacts from previous jobs (especially during holidays).

Be Friendly

Be friendly!
  • Listen to the other person’s passion; get them to talk about it.
  • Don’t burn any bridges.
  • Get to know people over time (versus superficial relationships).
  • Introduce yourself. Talk about the HOT weather, sports, your kids.
  • Don’t monopolize a conversation. Try to learn about others and what they do.
  • Be genuinely interested in people.
  • Get to know your neighbors—someone may be CEO of a company that needs a writer.
  • Call back people who call you.

Be Active

Be active!
  • Join STC.
  • Don’t just join an association—get actively involved.
  • Every meeting or social event is a networking opportunity.
  • Visit different trade group meetings—there are different writing opportunities in all industries.
  • Go to Chamber of Commerce mixers and any party you can!
  • Attend product user group meetings. Email other users of the product.
  • Take a class, read journals, and email authors.
  • Donate your technical writing services (this person did for her children’s preschool and playgroup).
  • Look for opportunities to write, and volunteer.
  • Critique web sites of companies where you want to work.
  • Contact companies that are advertising for developers on the Internet.
  • Send a cover letter about yourself. Describe how you can help them. If they are interested, have them request your resume. Once they get your resume, their interest is piqued.
  • Attend STC meetings (chapter hop!).
  • Don’t keep the fact that you’re looking a secret. Tell everyone you can.Top of page

 

 

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