First post:  September 04, 2008  time 11.38 pm 

Hello friends,

I am Balaji K R, student of FCP Batch 53, TWB.

I would like to share with all of you a software named ‘Examine32? which is available on google for download.  This software enables you to find the words that are used in a document in different ways.  For example, the word ‘File’ is mistyped as ‘file’ at certain portions of the document can be found easily by entering the parameters on Examine32 and rectified.  Also, Examine32 helps you scan through old documents with a keyword, retrieve a paragraph, or even retrieve a document as a whole.

There is also an option to use ‘and’ / ‘or’.  For example find ‘File and file’ or ‘File or file’.

Please feel free to write to me for any clarifications on usage.  Visit www.examine32.com

Regards,

Balaji K R

balajic2402@yahoo.com

Add this to

Google Chrome is news.. but have you had looked at the documentation?

This is serious stuff because:

1. Some of us have been talking about humor in technical documentation, what is more humorous than a cartoon strip
2. It walks a tight rope - it is obviously laid out for not simply a lay user (words like fragmentation, de-allocation of memory etc). In effect the reader is ’somewhat’ ( ) technically savvy - but yet the documentation neither talks up to him, nor does it talk down to the lay user -  it seeks to differentiate the product - and brings it to your doorstep.

What do all the good technical writers from TWB Alumni, and beyond, have to say on this remarkable move?

Add this to

What is API documentation?

Add this to

Molly Joss suggests in her article Choose your words carefully when crafting a resume, that the following words are to be avoided in your resumes.

1.      Assist
2.      assisted
3.      Experiment
4.      Skillfully
5.      Effectively
6.      Carefully
7.      Quickly
8.      Expert
9.      mastered
10.  Cutting-edge
11.  detail-oriented
12.  coordinate
13.  facilitate
14.  transform
15.  proven ability
16.  synergy
17.  liaison
18.  Responsible.

Add this to

This is an extract from a post by Carolyn Kelley Klinger on Finding telecommuting tech writing job(s).  She explains how she got the job and telecommutes while working on customer deliveries.

• Importantly that she works with other independent consultants/telecommuters for the same client - i.e. has created and/or is part of an ecosystem
• That this makes a great network and often they suggest each other when work comes along that they cannot do themselve - Thanks to this Carolyn has a handful of other clients.
• A few companies have contacted her through LinkedIn - so online professonal network work well too.
• Telecommuting however does not mean that work can not be done from home all the time.

She says that that you can reach out to potential employers and clients through social networking. However customers like to only work with people someone can vouch for.

Add this to

Telephonic interviews are increasingly common, especially for the first few rounds of interviews.  However these need to be managed well for you to have the right impact with the interviewer and to have a shot at the job that you want. This is a post from the blog: CAREER SUCCESS 101, TIPS & TRICKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB SEARCH FROM DAVID GRABSTALD. Do follow the link and watch the video at the bottom of the page.

————————-A phone interview is a great way for companies to speak with someone about a particular position in order to narrow down the number of candidates they’ll bring in for in-person interviews. While you’re not meeting someone in person, it’s just as important to be prepared well in advance of your phone interview to ensure you’re ready for anything.

A couple of years ago, while employed as a freelance copywriter at Banana Republic’s world headquarters in San Francisco, I decided to find something more challenging to do for work. While it was an interesting place to work, it was only a matter of time before I knew writing page after page of copy about men’s and women’s clothing was going to become dull and boring.

Luckily, I’d recently finished my certificate in technical and professional writing, and my friend Victoria, whom I went to school with, worked for a biotech company I’d been interested in working at. With some encouragement, Victoria helped me update my resume to include my technical writing abilities, and once complete, I applied for a technical writer with the company.

It helps when you know someone who already works for the company, as they can often get your resume into the hands of a hiring manager. As it turned out, that’s exactly what happened to me.

About a week after I submitted my resume, a person who turned out to be the manager I’d later work for called me to say she’d received my resume and wanted to conduct a phone interview. After scheduling the phone interview, I researched the company’s website, as well as spoke with Victoria, to get the inside scoop on company culture.

On the appointed day and time, the hiring manager called me and we discussed:

• My Background
• Resume facts
• What I was looking for in a position
• Other questions I had regarding the position.

Tips for the Phone Interview

• Prepare! Have an updated copy of your resume in front of you during your phone interview
• Listen carefully to the questions you’re being asked
• Avoid distractions! No gum chewing, loud music, friends in the room, playing with your pet, or taking a shower, please! Your focus needs to be with the person you’re on the phone with at all times.
• Be polite and listen intently. When you’re done, ask politely what are the next steps regarding the interview process.
• Have a list of any questions you might have for the interviewer
• Follow up with a thank you letter and/or email
• If at any point you feel the position isn’t a good match for you, simply tell the hiring manager. Honesty really is the best policy!

Add this to

What is the difference between since and for?

Use since when you are mentioning the starting point of an action.
For example, I have been working in this company since 1998. (You are mentioning only the starting point.)

Use for when you are mentioning the total amount of time (from the starting point till now).
For example, I have been working in this company for ten years. (You are mentioning the total number of years, not the starting point of the action.)

Add this to