Job Search¶

## Search Terms

### Core Titles
- Technical Writer
- Technical Content Writer
- Documentation Specialist
- Information Developer
- Documentation Engineer

### Senior/Lead Titles
- Senior Technical Writer
- Lead Technical Writer
- Staff Technical Writer
- Principal Technical Writer

### Specialized Titles
- API Writer
- Developer Documentation Writer
- UX Writer
- Content Designer
- Documentation Manager

### Adjacent Titles
- Content Strategist
- Knowledge Manager
- Training Developer
- Technical Communicator

## Resume Structure

### Header
Name, contact, LinkedIn, portfolio link

### Summary (3-4 lines)
Role sought + years experience + key skills + value proposition

### Skills Section
Technical: Tools, languages, platforms
Writing: Types of documentation, methodologies

### Experience
Company, Title, Dates
- Achievement with metric/impact
- Documentation types created
- Tools and technologies used
- Collaboration and process

### Education
Degree, certifications, relevant courses

### Portfolio Link (prominent)

## Cover Letter Template

Dear [Hiring Manager],

[Paragraph 1: Hook]
Why you're interested in this specific role and company.
Show you've researched them.

[Paragraph 2: Relevant Experience]
Your most relevant experience and how it applies.
Specific examples with outcomes.

[Paragraph 3: Technical Fit]
Technical skills that match requirements.
Tools and methodologies you know.

[Paragraph 4: Close]
Reiterate interest, call to action.

Best regards,
[Name]

## Interview Question Categories

### Experience
- Walk me through your background
- Describe a challenging documentation project
- How do you handle tight deadlines?
- How do you work with engineers who don't have time?

### Process
- Describe your documentation process
- How do you prioritize what to document?
- How do you ensure accuracy?
- How do you maintain documentation?

### Technical
- How do you approach API documentation?
- What tools have you used?
- Explain your experience with [specific tool]
- How technical are you comfortable getting?

### Scenario
- How would you document [hypothetical feature]?
- What would you do if SME is unresponsive?
- How would you improve our current docs?
- Describe how you'd approach [specific situation]

### You Should Ask
- What does success look like in this role?
- How does the documentation team work with engineering?
- What are the biggest documentation challenges?
- What tools and processes are in place?
- How is documentation prioritized?

## Writing Test Tips

### Before
- Ask about time limit and expectations
- Clarify the audience
- Understand evaluation criteria

### During
- Read instructions carefully
- Plan before writing
- Leave time for review
- Follow any style guidance
- Show your process if asked

### Quality Checklist
- [ ] Addresses the prompt
- [ ] Clear and well-organized
- [ ] Error-free
- [ ] Appropriate scope
- [ ] Demonstrates skills

## Offer Evaluation Criteria

### Compensation
- Base salary
- Bonus potential
- Equity/stock options
- Total compensation

### Benefits
- Health insurance
- Retirement (401k match)
- PTO policy
- Other perks

### Role Factors
- Scope and responsibility
- Growth potential
- Team structure
- Manager quality

### Company Factors
- Financial stability
- Culture fit
- Remote policy
- Industry/product interest

### Red Flags
- Pressure to decide quickly
- Unwillingness to negotiate
- Vague expectations
- Concerning interview experience

## Negotiation Approach

### Research
- Know market rates for role/location
- Understand company compensation practices
- Identify your priorities

### Strategy
- Wait for offer before discussing salary
- Ask for time to consider
- Counter thoughtfully
- Be prepared to walk away

### What's Negotiable
- Base salary
- Signing bonus
- Start date
- Remote work
- Title
- PTO
- Equipment

### Sample Script
"Thank you for the offer. I'm excited about the opportunity.
Based on my research and experience, I was hoping for
[amount]. Is there flexibility on the base salary?"