This month we highlight Community in the Spotlight, Program pricing for 2012 plus these items:

• Writing for Translation
• Admission rates for members
• Programs for 2012
• Forums and Coast Lines
• Page 2 announcements
• Stats Canada West Coast

Community in the spotlight

From the STC Notebook - picking apart the composition of communities
VP Mellissa Ruryk initiated some community PR when the Canada West Coast chapter answered the question: if Broadway makes a musical about us what would it be called? Huh? That answer and many more appear in the 16 November edition of Chapter Spotlight. http://t.co/glKfxK9C #stcorg

Programs at a a glance

Report on Translation - November 15
To irritate a translator, just call him or her an interpreter. Ouch! That point came from translation expert Anthony Michael of Le Mot Juste Translations. Before he took the floor to talk about written words, a funny moment passed. This was the first time our speaker liaison heard our multi-lingual guest speak English! Anthony presented (in perfect English) tales about cultural faux pas and doh! moments. Shampooing instructions are simple: lather, rinse, repeat. Now imagine instructions that depict it this way: repeat, rinse, lather. Lesson 1: don’t assume the audience reads left to right. When the presenter suggested it might take 3 or 4 days to translate a 4-word slogan, I wondered if any translator charges per diem? For more tales from the translation desk, check out Coast Lines, Writing for Translation. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_article/writing_for_translation/
January 17, 2012 - Joe Welinske
Renowned speaker Joe Welinske of WritersUA.com returns to the circuit. Each year he visits chapters to talk about user assistance. This stop he’ll present Optimizing the Googleability of Your Content. If it’s like his other presentations, it promises to be informative and well attended. Network from 6:30 to 7:00. Pre-register to ensure a seat. http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=47&EID=11011
February 21, 2012 - Chair yoga for the office
Wow! We’re thrilled to make this program an annual event. Certified yoga instructor Karen Rempel helps us stick to our New Year resolution or at least revitalize our efforts. Absolutely no experience is necessary. This session is appropriate for any fitness level. Wear comfortable clothes. Chairs provided! As always, come early to mingle; stay afterward to refresh. Network from 6:30 to 7:00. Pre-register to ensure a chair. http://www.gifttool.com/registrar/ShowEventDetails?ID=47&EID=11004

Programs miscellany

Photos
You’ll see our roving photographer taking candid shots at program events. We use photos to accompany meeting reports to promote chapter activities on the chapter website. That’s it. When you register you’ll see the permission form. If you absolutely don’t want your likeness shown in chapter materials raise your hand. We give you a chance to opt out if that’s your wish.
Member admission
Starting in January 2012, STC members pay $5 with valid ID. The council voted to impose a $5 fee on itself and members. Admission rates for students and not-yet-members remain the same.
STC ID
Dog ate your ID? You can always print it from the self-service area on MySTC. Make sure you’re logged in. http://www.stc.org/mystc/
Third Tuesday
Programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month. Arrive 30 minutes early to meet and greet other technical communicators. Dress is casual to business casual. Best to preregister so we can plan seating and refreshments. Got an idea for a Program meeting? Ping us. programs@stcwestcoast.ca
Break time
The teams take a well-deserved break in December. You’ll know when things resume by simply subscribing to events. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events_rss/

Quarterly planning meeting

Team leads and guests discussed agenda items which included budget, services, volunteers, programs, publicity and sponsorship. Minutes will be posted but highlights include: filing committee budgets with HQ, charging admission for members effective January 2012, and polling members about fees and offerings.

Contractors & Independent Consultants SIG

The special interest group regroups on the first Tuesday of the month. Whether you’re seeking advice or voicing your two cents, there’s no better place to connect. Don’t have business cards? Get advice on where to get them for free. Check the home page for details or join the mailing list. cicsig@stcwestcoast.ca
Having trouble accessing Contractor listings?
When you join the chapter, we ask if you want to be included in the Contractor listings. If you said No but meant Yes just let the membership manager know what you decide. membership@stcwestcoast.ca

Coast Lines and forums

The chapter’s newsletter blog carries photos and articles about programs. Got something to say? Say it in Coast Lines. Contact the web editor. newsletter@stcwestcoast.ca
What are members thinking?
Check out the Members Forum for an intelligent discussion. The Members Forum is open to chapter members. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/forums/

In other news - page 2

Canadian issues
What’s missing from the STC salary database? You guessed it, Canadian salaries. This was the topic Canadian chapter presidents recently discussed. Our chapter may poll members in the new year. STC Toronto compiled some helpful links here: http://www2.stctoronto.org/career/salary-info
Got issues? Send yours of the STC Canadian variety to president@stcwestcoast.ca
From the STC Notebook - picking apart cross border relations
The US government is making it increasingly difficult for U.S. associations to have international chapters. In spite of this, STC reasons:

• Head office has an obligation to all members everywhere to advance the profession.
• Technical Communication is increasingly a global enterprise.
• Communication and social-media technologies are making it increasingly possible to provide support networks for all members everywhere without going broke or going against governmental regulations.

Job bank
This is a self-service area, open 24/7. Anyone can post. Members can view. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/job_postings/
Volunteer opportunities
As they say it’s who you know, so let us know about your professional interest in or wish to pursue any of these areas. volunteer@stcwestcoast.ca

• Treasurer or bookkeeper
• Professional Development coordinator
• Program sponsor
• Website or wiki gardener
• Blogger

Information Interviews
Since September when the chapter launched the Information Interview service, information interviewers have been signing up at the rate of one or two per month. This service connects new and aspiring writers with senior writers. Requiring less of a time commitment than mentorship, this is an opportunity for chapter members to share their valuable experience and insights with people who are new to technical writing. The service offers a 60-minute interview and admission to a program evening. The service raises awareness of our chapter, brings new people to program meetings, generates potential memberships, and raises money for the chapter. Read more about the Information Interview Service. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/about_archives/information_interview_service/ Get paired up. info-interview@stcwestcoast.ca
Social media stats - November
Facebook: 83 active users, 70 likes, 362 visits, 3 posts
Twitter: 146 tweets, 504 following, 272 followers, 20 listed
LinkedIn: 69 members, 42% in Media&Communication, 23% in IT, 9% in Arts&Design
Soft sell
Approximately 600-700 email subscribers receive the monthly digest. If you want to subscribe go to http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_rss/
If you’re interested in advertising or sponsorship, let us know. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/about_archives/sponsorship_and_advertising/
If you no longer want to receive messages let us know. membership@stcwestcoast.ca
Not yet an STC member?
Get the scoop on joining. http://www.stc.org/membership/join-or-renew-now.
STC vision - Technical communication is recognized as an essential part of every organization’s competitive strategy.
STC mission - STC advances the theory and practice of technical communication across all user abilities and media so that both businesses and customers benefit from safe, appropriate, and effective use of products, information, and services.
About Canada West Coast
We are a geographic community of the Society for Technical Communication, a worldwide association dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. Our community represents technical communicators throughout British Columbia. Send general inquiries to: info@stcwestcoast.ca
Find us fast
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca
http://twitter.com/#!/stccwc
http://www.facebook.com/stccwc
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=122291
http://www.stc.org
Join, get active and engage with your chapter!
Pam Drucker
president@stcwestcoast.ca
An archive can be found here:
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_article/november_2011_digest/

Anthony is fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Greek and he has worked for the Government of Canada, with private companies, and as an independent consultant. He often needs to remind clients that “translation is rarely word-for-word.” Creativity, cultural knowledge and a sense for implied meaning helps translators provide the best results.  Anthony commented that translators deal with many types of documents, including books, websites, movie subtitles, commercial products, and of course, technical documents. Technical translations require knowledge about the topic’s terminology. The documents may discuss medical procedures, business administration, pharmaceutical production, and much more. Translators likely will develop expertise in topic categories; some large organizations employ translation terminology specialists who ensure that terms are translated correctly into the target language.


Anthony Michael presents translation techniques to STC audience

Anthony emphasized that cultural understanding is key, even when translating technical or workplace documents. For example, he recalled reading a business operations document that had been written by an American for distribution to French affiliates. The language included baseball metaphors that, even in translation, would not be understood by the French employees. The metaphors (e.g. out in left field), needed to be tweaked so that the meaning would be clear. Similarly, technical translations may need to be adapted to accommodate different dialects of the same language. 

Translators use both paper and digital tools in their work. General and specialized dictionaries and grammar texts are used along with Internet resources. Among the software translation programs in common use are Termium Plus, MultiTrans, and SDL Trados. Termium Plus is produced by the Government of Canada and it is a linguistic data bank for English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. MultiTrans and SDL Trados are proprietary services used by corporations and governments worldwide. Each of these helps translators as they revise, proofread, and edit documents. By the close of Anthony’s presentation, we had a deeper appreciation for the nuance of translation. The next time we read a well-written imported product’s user manual, we can thank a translator!

Sheila Jones, Mike Cook, and Karen Rempel have all worked as technical communicators in one form or another for at least a decade. Each brought a very different perspective to the topics of building your business, finding work, and working for yourself or others.

Sheila Jones, Wordsmiths

Jones said that when she started Wordsmiths in the early 1980s with her business partner, Kathy Sayers, the company “took anything [that paid].” They attended courses to fill gaps in their skill sets, which in turn helped them to get better established. They found work through connections they made by joining professional associations (like the STC), and by advertising their services.

As their business grew, they found a need to contract out to additional writers. “Our company looked for people with good writing skills, some familiarity with technology, good logic and judgment, and ability to deal with jargon.” Many of the writers chose to work with Wordsmiths to avoid having to market themselves. The work provided opportunities for “diversity, training, project management, and so on.”

To win business effectively, they presented before-and-after samples of a project. This showed your prospective client the impact your work can make, because “lots of places don’t know how to measure your skills.”

Their contracts spelled out the scope of the project, and the need for client-provided subject matter experts and existing documents. These contracts came in handy after they were hired, getting them “out of some tricky situations.”

Eventually Sayers left, and Jones downsized the business. Without anyone else to take over, she stopped hiring contractors.

Mike Cook, IS Solutions

The second speaker of the evening was Mike Cook, co-founder of IS Solutions. Like Jones, Cook and his business partner also started out very small. Cook had previously been working in project management while in the UK. Through word of mouth, he continued that work in order to build the business.

He and his partner now specialize in large projects and, Cook notes, “large projects mean lots of change, and lots of deliverables.” As a result, the company has a large group of contractors they work with to provide the necessary range of skills.

They hire based on referrals from people they know and trust, but recognize that it’s more than just skills. “I’m a project manager,” Cook says, “so I know fit matters.” Those personal relationships are so important, in fact, that many of the projects that Cook and his partner now do are joint ventures with consultants they have hired in the past.

And what does he suggest for others, those not (yet) part of their team? “Find a niche.” At the same time, it’s important be resourceful – these are “interesting times” in the economy, and there are “lots of opportunities around which just aren’t very obvious.”

Karen Rempel, Monkey Valley Enterprises Inc.

The evening’s third speaker, Karen Rempel, started her career in technical communications by agency placements. Between the good experiences were some memorable bad ones, including being lied to (and even being verbally abused!). While working through agencies, she found she had to cut her wage unacceptably low at times. This happened even in a case where she originally found the contract, and was later asked to continue it through an agency. In the end, she says she “got sick of people making money off of my efforts.”

She decided to incorporate. That way, she would be able to work with clients directly and give them the peace of mind of hiring a corporation, not a sole practitioner. She also earned more, while her clients spent less. Rempel now speaks passionately about the benefits of working for yourself, and presented specific facts about incorporation and insurance costs, as well as the benefits.

To drum up business, she recommends networking, having a “great website,” posting your resume on sites like Workopolis and Monster, and joining industry associations. Another strategy she’s also used effectively—and very boldly—involves her approach to employers she’s interested in.

She landed her current contract in part by preparing an interview handout – using the prospective client’s colours and logo – which described her role and her deliverables for the client. Once she even put herself right in the org chart of the company she wanted to work for.

This month we highlight Canadian salaries, Program pricing for 2012 plus these items:

• Quarterly planning
• Forums and Coast Lines
• Page 2 announcements
• Stats Canada West Coast

Programs

Report on October 18 Program
About 30 people turned out to hear local panelists reveal angles to finding work. Some choose to go with a recruiter, others go it alone. Yes, it’s possible to make a career in technical writing—good money too! Let’s say it was heartening that several students registered. This year’s trend shows more and more students attending program meetings. Check out Coast Lines for the meeting report on Recruiters and Consultants Panel: Staffing and Landing Work. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_current
November 15 Program
Do you speak Canadian Content? Come hear Anthony Michael of Le Mot Juste Translations present Writing for Translation. Drop in early to meet others with the same professional interest. Networking from 6:30 to 7:00. Pre-register to ensure a seat. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events
Programs Team Day
Volunteer coordinator Heather Sommerville organized a Programs team workshop. The Programs team is now solidified with Mary Metzger and Lori Bentz-Sim supporting Sera Kirk, Team Lead. Team volunteers share the workload in three key areas; speaker liaison, room coordinator and refreshments supplier. The team has nabbed speakers for the next few months. What’s in store? Subscribe to Program announcements. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events_rss/
Third Tuesday
Canada West Coast chapter programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month. Arrive 30 minutes early to meet and greet other techcomms. Bring your business cards. Dress is casual to business casual. Best to preregister so we can plan seating and refreshments. Got an idea for a Program meeting? Ping us. programs@stcwestcoast.ca
This concludes our regular programming…
Even though November’s presentation wraps up Programs 2011, chapter volunteers still keep the job bank running (yay!) plus other services. We’ve got a great lineup with your favourites returning in 2012. As always, we appreciate your early registration. Starting in January the chapter will charge a nominal fee to chapter members. Admission rates for students and not-yet-members remain the same. See fee info under Quarterly Planning Meeting.

Quarterly Planning Meeting

Team leads and guests have been invited to the November 2 meeting. The agenda included budget, services, volunteers, programs, spotlight, publicity and sponsorship. Minutes will be posted but two points here to note: committee budgets need to be filed with HQ by the end of November, and members admission to programs takes effect January 2012. A vote was taken in July 2011 whether to increase the program fee. The result affects members’ admission. Student and non member admission is unchanged. Admission for members increases to $5.

Contractors & Independent Consultants

This special interest group convened in October. Whether you’re seeking advice or voicing your two cents, there’s no better place to connect. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Don’t have business cards? Get advice on where to get them for free. Get started. Join the mailing list. cicsig@stcwestcoast.ca
Having trouble accessing Contractor listings?
When you join the chapter, we ask if you want access to the list. Let the membership manager know if you’re not getting access. membership@stcwestcoast.ca

Canadian Salaries

What’s missing from the STC salary database? You guessed it, Canadian salaries. This was the topic Canadian chapter presidents recently discussed. STC Exec Dir told me they’re “working on the Canadian issue and the UK as well”. Learned that Stats Canada lumps playwrights, poets and novelists in with tech writers. Eek! STC Alberta and STC Manitoba conducted surveys and I encourage STC CWC to do the same. (Any volunteers?) We want to protect members anonymity and really, anyone filling out a survey. While chapter reporting isn’t exactly StatsCan quality, it’s more current, give or take 5 years. Ottawa says they’re collecting data from corporate HR departments. Meanwhile, STC Toronto compiled some helpful links here: http://www2.stctoronto.org/career/salary-info

Coast Lines

The chapter’s newsletter blog carries articles about program presentations and more. Got something to say? Say it in Coast Lines. Contact the web editor. newsletter@stcwestcoast.ca
What are members thinking?
Check out the Members Forum for an intelligent discussion. The Members Forum is open to chapter members. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/forums/

In other news

Volunteer opportunities
As they say it’s who you know, so let us know about your professional interest in any of these areas. volunteer@stcwestcoast.ca

• Treasurer or bookkeeper
• Professional Development coordinator
• Program sponsor
• Website or wiki gardener
• Blogger
• Survey coordinator

Professional Associations
Yours truly was invited by Douglas College to speak about Professional Associations 101. Other panelists represented regional arms of Professional Writers Association of Canada, Editors’ Association of Canada/Association canadienne des réviseurs, International Association of Business Communicators and Canadian Public Relations Society. The audience was a savvy mix of part-time, first-year, and second-year students studying in the Print Futures Professional Writing program. http://dcprofessionalwriting.wordpress.com/special-events/
Spotlight feature
File this under ‘getting to know CWC’. VP Mellissa Ruryk initiated some community PR for an upcoming feature in the STC Notebook. Stay tuned to find out how we dazzle the techcomm community (including by fashion sense).
Information Interviews
In September, the chapter launched a service that connects new and aspiring writers with senior writers. Requiring less of a time commitment than mentorship, this is an opportunity for chapter members to share their valuable experience and insights with people who are new to technical writing. The service offers a 60-minute interview and admission to a program evening. The service raises awareness of our chapter, brings new people to program meetings, generates new memberships for the chapter, and raises money. Read more about the Information Interview Service. http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/about_archives/information_interview_service/ Get paired up. info-interview@stcwestcoast.ca
Congratulations to…
Tamara (Chapman) Bailey welcomed a baby boy in October. Tamara was the 2005/06 chapter president and March program speaker http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_current. Best wishes to new mom and family!
Cross promo  Instructional Design and Learning SIG Webinar November 17
The IDL special interest group presents Evolution of the Web and its Future for Learning: http://www.stcidlsig.org/wp/news-and-events/upcoming-webinars-coming-soon/.
Social Media stats - October
Facebook: 92 active users, 70 likes, no recent posts yet visits up by 103
Twitter: 118 tweets, 447 following, 254 followers, 20 listed
Approximately 700 email subscribers receive the monthly digest. If you want to subscribe go to http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_rss/
If you no longer want to receive messages let us know. membership@stcwestcoast.ca

Not yet an STC member?

Get the scoop on joining. http://www.stc.org/membership/join-or-renew-now.
About Canada West Coast
We are a geographic community of the Society for Technical Communication, a worldwide association dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. Our community represents technical communicators throughout British Columbia. Send general inquiries to: info@stcwestcoast.ca
Join, get active and engage with your chapter!
Pam Drucker
president@stcwestcoast.ca
Find us fast
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca
http://twitter.com/#!/stccwc
http://www.facebook.com/stccwc
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=122291
http://www.stc.org
An archive can be found here: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_article/october_2011_digest/

Director at Large
Speaking of new titles, I am thrilled to announce Heather Sommerville, Director at Large. This is an appointed position for the chapter year. Past councils have valued the leadership and historical perspective Heather brings to decision-making. This appointment establishes continuity and formally acknowledges her strengths.
Please congratulate her at: director@stcwestcoast.ca


Job Bank Coordinator

We welcome back Mary Metzger. She has been a familiar face on various teams, notably Coast Lines, and now the job bank. Got postings? Tell Mary at: jobbank@stcwestcoast.ca
Get the feed: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/job_postings/


Programs
The September program drew 45 people including a larger than usual number of students. So what’s in it for students? On October 12, yours truly will be speaking at Douglas College about professional associations. Back to school to listen and learn.


October 18 - Recruiters and Consultants Panel: Staffing and Landing Work
What are the pros and cons of finding work through recruiters and on your own? Meet Vancouver recruiters who find writers on behalf of clients, and technical communications professionals who opt for consulting. Join the facilitated conversation with Q&A. All important networking from 6:30-7:00.
Pre-register to ensure a seat, http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events/october_18_program_recruiters_panel/

November 15 - Program
Save the date. Subscribe to Program announcements: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events_rss/

Chapter programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month. Learn a bit more about the technical writing profession from the evening’s presentation. Come early to network and meet other technical writers. Chat about questions that you might have. Dress is casual to business casual. Best to preregister so we can plan seating and refreshments. Got an idea for a Program meeting?
Ping us at: programs@stcwestcoast.ca

Information Interviews

Now in its second month, this service connects senior technical writers with those who request information interviews. Generally, it’s a 30- to 60-minute interview, in person or on the phone. The goal serves to raise awareness of our chapter, build community, and entice participants to engage in professional activities. In exchange for a $10 donation to the chapter, the interviewee receives free admission to the next program meeting.

Get paired up: info-interview@stcwestcoast.ca


Coast Lines
The chapter’s newsletter blog carries the article about Jack Molisani’s presentation, Job Hunting Secrets That Might Surprise You.
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_article/jack_molisani_on_job_hunting_secrets_that_may_surprise_you/
Got something to say? Say it in Coast Lines.
Contact the web editor at newsletter@stcwestcoast.ca

What are members thinking?
Check out the Members Forum for an intelligent discussion. Recent sparks include:

• Services: New information interview service
• Polls: PEBKAC - Lighter moments in technical writing
• Recommendations: Some good networking groups in Vancouver
• Invitation: Yoga Outreach - Reach Out Challenge

The Members Forum is open to chapter members, http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/forums/

Can’t view the member forum? Not yet an STC member? 
Get the scoop: http://www.stc.org/membership/join-or-renew-now


Contractors & Independent Consultants

The CIC special interest group convened in October. Several CIC regulars landed unadvertised gigs over the summer. It’s who you know so come meet the group on the first Tuesday of the month. Bring your business cards!
Join the mailing list: cicsig@stcwestcoast.ca


Having trouble accessing the Contractor listings?
When you join the chapter, we ask if you want access to the list. Let the membership manager know if you’re not getting access, membership@stcwestcoast.ca


Planning meeting
s
Team leads and guests have been invited to the quarterly meeting in November. Because the kick off meeting spawned the brilliant idea for Information Interviews, the next idea for an amazing program or service could be arriving soon.

Also, there’s impetus to get a new version of the chapter’s website off the ground. The goal is to create a site that’s easy for web-editing volunteers to maintain. The Web lead knows it’s going to be a daunting project and is building a team. If you have the special skills and time to undertake such effort, please let Tony Chung know.
weblead@stcwestcoast.ca



Volunteer positions

Coordinators for social media and job bank have been filled yet there are plenty of openings to suit techcomm talents. Volunteers may fill non-executive roles.

• Treasurer or bookkeeper
• Branding
• Educational liaison
• Sponsorship
• Web-related needs
• Info-graphics designer
• Polling

Contact: volunteer@stcwestcoast.ca


September social media stats

Facebook monthly active users up to 81.

Twitter: Oct 1: 107 tweets, 437 following, 242 followers, 19 listed

Apologies to the other STC
Due to some glitch, the web links in the September Digest redirected readers to Senior Tours Canada. Apologies to STC Canada West Coast subscribers, especially you in the younger age group.


Find us fast

http://www.stcwestcoast.ca

http://twitter.com/#!/stccwc

http://www.facebook.com/stccwc

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=122291

http://www.stc.org


About Canada West Coast

We are a geographic community of the Society for Technical Communication, a worldwide association dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. Our community represents technical communicators throughout British Columbia.

Send general inquiries to: info@stcwestcoast.ca

Approximately 800 email subscribers receive the monthly digest. If you want to subscribe go to http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_rss/

An archive can be found here: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_article/september_2011_digest/

If you no longer want to receive messages please contact membership@stcwestcoast.ca

Jack presented some basic concepts that he felt were key to successful job hunting but stressed that what really matters is what works. If none of these ideas are working for you, feel free to try something else. The bulk of the presentation focussed on resumes. Jack introduced his own definition of a resume: a resume is a vehicle that shows whether or not you match what the reader is looking for – and that is all it is.

He stressed that other elements of a resume such as a complete job history or an objective are meaningless to someone who needs a specific role met. Job seekers should find out what that role is and tailor the resume to it. If necessary, contact the recruiter or hiring manager to find more information about the role. In tailoring the resume for the reader, also take into account that recruiters or hiring managers will not actually read the resume. At best they will scan it. Create the resume in such a way that the information most relevant to the recruiter or hiring manager cannot by missed in a quick glance.

Jack’s third point was that you will never be hired because of a resume, but you might be rejected because of it. The longer a resume is, the greater the chance that you will be rejected. A hiring manager wants to meet the right candidate and will assume that you are not qualified until you prove otherwise. A resume is only used to determine which candidates should be interviewed. Write the resume in a way that would make a recruiter or hiring manager want to ask you some more questions.

Jack then expanded some of these same ideas into the topic of cover letters. Once again, he recommended that applicants tailor the cover letter to the needs of the reader and expect it to be skimmed over quickly. Don’t worry about dense or meaningful prose. Clearly establish your ability to fill the role early in the cover letter. Cover letters are often an afterthought to a resume and sometimes they are never read at all. To increase the chances of the cover letter being read, attach it into the same document as the resume and make sure that it is saved under an appropriate name such firstnamelastname.doc.

Finally, both cover letter and resumes can be sunk by the smallest typo. A technical writer who cannot write a one-page cover letter without errors will be quickly weeded from the potential interview pile. The most common error seen in resumes is a mixture of hyphens and M dashes in the date ranges.

Mr. Molsani’s presentation was entertaining while giving direct and sensible answers to job-seeking problems. If given the chance to see him speak, definitely seek it out whether it is via webcam or in person.

Vice President
We have a VP and she is Mellissa Ruryk!
Mellissa joins the Canada West Coast chapter from STC-Alberta. Her enthusiasm bubbled over during a planning meeting last program year. Ever since, she’s helped organize events and head up PR. Now with the executive vacancy filled, the team is back in action. Please join me in welcoming Mellissa.
Better yet, give her a huzzah at: vp@stcwestcoast.ca

Information Interviews
This exciting new service connects volunteer senior technical writers with tech writing students and others who request information interviews. The service offers a 30- to 60-minute interview, in person or on the phone. The goal serves a few areas; to raise awareness of our chapter, to build community, and to entice participants to engage in professional activities. In exchange for a $10 donation to the chapter, those who complete an information interview receive free admission to the next program meeting.
To get paired up contact: info-interview@stcwestcoast.ca

Summer Heat Ignites Job Bank
The Job Bank Coordinator reports a doubling of job postings since June. Some jobs filled the same day! Could it be our free self-service posting? Whatever the reason, the current surge means now’s a great time to subscribe.
Get the job posting feed: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/job_postings/
Or contact: jobbank@stcwestcoast.ca

Programs
September 20 - Job Hunting Secrets That Might Surprise You
Jack Molisani will present little-known facts about resumes and the hiring process. Prevent the pitfalls that may hurt your chances of landing work. Jack will present this program remotely but it will be ‘held’ at the regular place, YWCA Fitness Building, Downtown Vancouver.
Make sure to register: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events

October 18 - Recruiters panel
Business, Contract, and Independent panelists offer merits used by various types of placement. Meet the recruiters who work on behalf of documentation professionals and clients.
Subscribe so you don’t miss out: http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events_rss/

Chapter programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month.
Got an idea for a Program meeting?
Ping us at: programs@stcwestcoast.ca

Contractors & Independent Consultants
The CIC special interest group convenes in October. Several CIC regulars landed gigs over the summer through CIC networking. In one case a member hired someone sipping coffee at the same table! The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month. Mark your calendar for October 4 and bring your business cards!
Join the mailing list: cicsig@stcwestcoast.ca

If members want access to the Contractor listings, yes, you have to ask. There’s a spot when you sign up that asks if you want to be a contractor, but, if you want to be a contractor later, just contact the membership manager: membership@stcwestcoast.ca

Meeting Minutes - July
The strategic planning session spawned the idea for Information Interviews. We also covered themes for programs and events. Members can find meeting minutes on the wiki.
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/cwcstcvolunteerkb/Meeting_Minutes/

Click Title List to see 100+ topics. Think this list needs a little TLC? So do we. Any wiki gardeners out there are encouraged to tame the overgrowth.
Grab your shears and contact: wiki@stcwestcoast.ca

Can’t view the member wiki? Not yet an STC member?
Get the scoop: http://www.stc.org/membership/join-or-renew-now

Volunteer positions
We still have many openings…

• Branding
• Competition manager
• Educational liaison
• Job bank coordinator
• Social media coordinator
• Sponsorship
• Web-related needs

Also seeking specialists in forms design, facilitating, info-graphics, and survey design just to name a few.
Don’t see a position that fits your skills? Then tell us your specialty and let’s try to develop it.
Contact: volunteer@stcwestcoast.ca

Volunteer Appreciation Picnic - more pics
Go to the gallery and check out 2011 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic July 9
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/gallery/category/C12/
Other picnic pics on Facebook.

Thoughts for Laura Ramsey…
You may remember her as the hat lady from STC circles. She gave talks to the chapter and spoke at international meetings. Laura’s sister reports that she is in hospital with pneumonia and heart failure, and asks for your thoughts.
Overlake Hospital, Room 411W, 1035 116th Avenue NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

August Social Media Stats
Facebook visits per week, 10-35; active users, in the 50s; posts, once a week on average.
Twitter: Sept 1: 104 tweets, 437 following, 230 followers, 19 listed

Find us fast
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca
http://twitter.com/#!/stccwc
http://www.facebook.com/stccwc
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=122291
http://www.stc.org

About Canada West Coast
We are a geographic community of the Society for Technical Communication, a worldwide association dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. Our community represents technical communicators throughout British Columbia.

Approximately 800 email subscribers receive the monthly digest. If you want to subscribe go to http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/coastlines_rss/

If you no longer want to receive messages please contact membership@stcwestcoast.ca

Correction: This version clarifies who receives benefit from the information interview.

Open - Volunteer positions. We have many…
Branding
Competition manager
Educational liaison
Job bank coordinator
Social media coordinator
Sponsorship
Web-related needs
and specialist needs including forms designer, facilitator, info-graphics maven, and survey designer just to name a few.
Don’t see a position that fits your skills? Then tell us your specialty and let’s try to develop it.
Contact volunteer@stcwestcoast.ca

Closed - Call for Nominations for 2011/12 Vice President
The deadline is now closed for this executive position. Thank you to all who responded. Applicants will be contacted soon regarding next steps.

Programs
September 20 - Job Hunting Secrets That Might Surprise You
Returning speaker Jack Molisani will present little-known facts about resumes and the hiring process. Prevent the pitfalls that may hurt your chances of landing work. Register before all the good seats are taken.
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca/index.php/site/events

Annual planning session
The vision - engage with your chapter. Team leads and active volunteers met in person to give thought to the vision and framework. The heavy-lifting included…

• Analyze programs and services we want to provide
• Devise a strategy to promote efforts as a way to grow profession
• Tease out ideas for developing programs and events
• Evaluate how an activity will create a profit or at least break even

Volunteer appreciation picnic
Every year we take a breath and recognize the hours of work volunteers perform to keep the chapter running. It’s typically the VP’s prerogative to pick the volunteer appreciation venue but this year President Catherine Kerr did double duty. As gardener and outdoor lover, Catherine Kerr suggested a picnic. The venue was False Creek Community Centre on Granville Island. Volunteers cooked up smoked salmon, roasted chicken, an array of salads and side dishes and dessert by our outgoing past president/food blogger. Apologies to volunteers who gave up on trying to find parking. Kudos to volunteers who biked.
See pics on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/stccwc

The torch, or rather the STC notebook, was symbolically passed to the new President. The exec and volunteer team gave a round of thanks to outgoing President, Catherine. She kept the energy going while other chapters flagged, she cultivated relationships with chapters across Canada, she pursued volunteer member insurance, and found a home for our records. We suspect she has more time for gardening now. :-)

VOTY
This year’s volunteer of the year went to Helen Glavina, chapter Treasurer. Volunteer Coordinator Heather Sommerville presented the VOTY award to a totally unsuspecting Helen. She earned it for using her extensive knowledge of accounting to ensure that the books are balanced, going so far as to consult a CPA at STC head office. Helen’s “conscientious dedication is an example to all” and she continues as the chapter’s Treasurer for the 2011/12 season.

Volunteer roles
Many volunteers wear a couple of hats. Here’s a sampling of active roles.
Contractors
Execs/Directors
Job bank
Membership
Newsletter
Operations
Photography
PR
Professional development
Programs
Scholarship
Volunteer coordinator
Web lead
Wiki

Workshops
The Minimalist Writing Workshop presented by Bernard Aschwanden of Publishing Smarter drew 12 participants. Bernard has donated a few copies of his presentation which we will raffle at the September meeting.

July social media stats
Facebook visits, likes, and active users up since June. Posts, not so much.
Twitter fares better.
July 1: 47 tweets, 239 following, 83 followers, 7 listed
Aug 1: 100 tweets, 430 following, 220 followers, 18 listed

Find us fast
http://www.stcwestcoast.ca
http://twitter.com/#!/stccwc
http://www.facebook.com/stccwc
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=122291
http://www.stc.org

About Canada West Coast
We are a geographic community of the Society for Technical Communication, a worldwide association dedicated to the advancement of the theory and practice of technical communication. Our community represents technical communicators throughout British Columbia.

Approximately 800 email subscribers have received the July activity digest. If you no longer want to receive messages please contact membership@stcwestcoast.ca