Synergistech connects great Technical Writers, and similar technology transfer professionals, with discerning hiring managers at the best technology companies. For proof, click the 'Looking?' link.

Beginning the Search Process

The simplest, most efficient way to benefit from Synergistech's expertise is to email us complete details of the position(s) you'd like filled. We can't exaggerate the importance of including key facts — such as the pay rate/salary and the rest of the information outlined here — because our candidates rely on them to discern which opportunities to take seriously. If you 'decline to specify,' you'll likely lose the interest of candidates who can afford to be picky. In other words, your initial effort to provide comprehensive information will yield lasting rewards.

We'll get in touch as soon as we receive your message. Also, if we don't already have a recruiting agreement in place with your company, we'll email you ours or review yours.

What to include in your Job Description

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, more than two weeks' vacation, gym membership, sabbaticals). If contract, how long will the project last, is the term renewable, and would you prefer to work with (1099-based) independent contractors or W2-based temporary employees?
Title or Role
Eg, Senior Technical Writer, UX Specialist, Tech Comm Director, Editor, Technical Trainer, Information Architect, Courseware Developer, Illustrator, Localization Expert, etc. Will the person work solo or join a team with similar skills? If the candidate will not be the sole member of the department, how many people are already on the team?
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? Is telecommuting possible, and if so how many days/week?
Relo / Visa
Will your company reimburse interviewing-related travel and lodging costs? How about full relocation? Also, will the company help the worker transfer or obtain a visa?
Tasks
What deliverable(s) will this person create? Eg, API references, programmer's how-to guides, system/network administration guides, online help (which format?), coursenotes, consumer manuals, etc. 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 reworking 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? Is there any company where you'd like the ideal candidate to have had a similar job?
Intangibles
Which unquantifiable qualities do you seek in the ideal candidate? Typical adjectives might include: resourceful, flexible, versatile, focused, tenacious, tireless, fearless, reliable, independent, innovative, thick-skinned, creative, collaborative, self-motivated, prolific, seasoned, and low-maintenance.
Compensation
For staff positions, please share a confidential top annual salary and approximate potential bonus. For contracts, what is an acceptable hourly bill rate or total not-to-exceed amount? We would be happy to advise you here if you wish.
Fine Print
Will the successful candidate be required to work over 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week on a consistent basis? Does the company require a background investigation or drug screening? Does the company contract with the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, or any domestic or foreign intelligence agency?
Contact
The name, email address, and phone number of the hiring manager and of anyone else who should be copied on Synergistech's resume submissions.

To save you time, we can typically glean all the details we need during a five-minute phone call, or we can email you a questionnaire customized for contract or staff opportunities. Feel free to contact us any time.

We look forward to introducing you to the best technical communicators available.

. . . . . .

©1995-2010 Synergistech . Privacy . Looking? . Hiring? . Register . Services . Advice . Company