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Reader questions and feedback on technical writing. Also refer to communications, STC, FrameMaker, RoboHelp, indexing, style, procedures, user manuals, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Answers to Readers' Questions on Technical Writing:
Skills Needed
The following 15 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Excellent article
- Is RoboHelp like the Oracle User Productivity Kit?
- Inserting back links with RoboHelp
- What tools are needed by a writer?
- Want more information on skills needed
- Medical proofreader interested in technical writing
- Want to make my career in technical writing
- What is they require experience?
- Not sure about all the tools needed
- Wants to get hired in the U.S.
Excellent article
Question
July 5, 2009
Excellent article.
Paolo - Italy
17981
Answer
Thanks for the feedback.
Is RoboHelp like the Oracle User Productivity Kit?
Question
January 29, 2009
Is RoboHelp like the Oracle User Productivity Kit?
Minnie - USA
17179
Answer
RoboHelp is a program that uses Microsoft Word to build online help programs. A similar product is Doc-to-Help. They also can make HTML Help applications.
Oracle User Productivity Kit is an overall documentation and training system, primarily for companies using the Oracle database and other applications. There is a special class of companies that use Oracle products.
In general, the technical writer not only must write the documentation but must also learn to use the Help and other documentation tools that her company uses.
Inserting back links with RoboHelp
Question
April 1, 2008
I've started my professional career as a technical writer. i'm using robohelp to compile an online help(html). I need to know how can I insert Next(>) and Back(<) links in htnl pages of the Document in Robohelp.
Please guide me. I'll b very thankful.
Rising - USA
15640
Answer
I don't have the answer offhand. Perhaps check: http://www.uah.edu/editing/Robohelp/robohelp_tutorial.htm or http://www.adobe.com/support/documentation/en/robohelp/
I hope that helps out.
What tools are needed by a writer?
Question
January 17, 2008
Hi,
I want to know about various tools that are required to be used by a technical writer. Please also tell me how important is Glossary.
Amitabh Kishore
Amitabh - India
15157
Answer
Many companies require FrameMaker for large documents, but others use Word. The best way to find what tools are required is to look at the newspaper or online want ads, where jobs for technical writers are listed. They usually tell what tools the writer needs to know. But note that it varies with companies.
Some technical manuals have a glossary of terms to clarify terms in the document. It can be important if there are many terms that people may not know.
Want more information on skills needed
Question
January 8, 2008
I want to know more about the technical writing skills ? In what way the questionaire solved earlier will be of great help to me?
RAHUL - India
15062
Answer
You need good writing, spelling and grammar skills in the language and field that you are doing your writing. You should have skills in the software applications that the company uses for their documentation. Companies will tell you what software you need to know.
Medical proofreader interested in technical writing
Question
August 17, 2007
I am a BCOM graduate with good knowledge of English and have been working as an executive proofreader in the field of medical transcription. I have not had a flair for writing but am interested to know if I can be a technical writer.
Thanks.
Sudha - India
14210
Answer
Medical and drug companies that create documentation for using their products, as well as documentation for physicians and medical personnel, are often looking for technical writers with a knowledge of medical terminology. See if there is a Medical Writers Association or something similar in India.
An interesting article on the subject is at:
http://www.chillibreeze.com/articles/Outsourcingmedicalwritingservices.asp
With your background, you should be able to get a position in medical technical writing.
Want to make my career in technical writing
Question
January 24, 2007
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am new to this Tech Writing field. I want to make my career in it. Guide in this regard like to how to improve / update skills related to this field.
Awaiting for your reply.
Ashwini - India
12954
Answer
You can read through our lessons to get some tips about improving your career and technical writing.
Also visit the website: http://www.stc-india.org/ for information on technical writing in India.
What is they require experience?
Question
August 1, 2005
Hi
i wanna add if they require the experience
then what to do
and how to prepare for the interview
maria - Pakistan
7680
Answer
If you do not have work experience, you can provide samples of work you have done, such as papers written in school. If they see your writing skills, they may hire you without experience. But note that using slang such as "wanna" will not get you a writing job. Everything you write, whether it is samples of your work or a simple email must have correct spelling and grammar.
Not sure about all the tools needed
Question
June 14, 2005
hm... i it is clear all to me but what is the use of the technical anyway?
what do they do to us?is that the corel draw... , the adobe photoshop,the MS Word and the other softwares mentioned a while ago was the tools needed in technical writing?
mike - Philippines
7259
Answer
Technical writing is writing manuals to explain how to use a product or software, as well as manuals for training. Often illustrations are needed. Companies may want to use specific software that they own.
So a number of skills are needed to produce these manuals. If they are to be distributed over the Internet, web design skills are also needed.
Wants to get hired in the U.S.
Question
May 5, 2005
Hi,
I came US on H4 and presently in the US to accompany my husband. I am a post grad in Computer science and with Microsoft certification with .NET(MCSD) and expe or 5 in this field.Since I am here on an H4 visa, I am not permitted to work in the US. So I would require the company that hires me on H4 and give tempararily work and to sponsor an H1 visa for me.
I would appreciate any helpful suggestions / advice from your side.
Thanks,
Kirti - USA
6881
Answer
I assume your husband has a job here. You might check to see if there is any work you could do with the company for which he works.
Another possibility is to find a company that has an office in your native country. They may be interested in helping you.
You may be able to get temporary work with some small consulting firms.
It is not easy, so you will have to try as much as you can. Best wishes in your efforts.
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