12. What to include, pt 2 Prove you can organize, write, & publish doc plan TOC conceptual content procedural material reference material glossary index
13. What to include, pt 3 What sells best? Clear, crisp, friendly prose (for end users) Screenshots, illustrations (for all) Code examples (for developers) Detailed, complete instructions (devs, admins) Scenario-based tutorials (for all)
14. How to present it Keys to effective portfolio presentation Accessibility Relevance Context
15. Accessibility Put it online LinkedIn profile (box.net, Creative Portfolio Display app) Website you control (private directory, private user/pw) Email (YouSendIt.com for large attachments) Guided tour (join.me, gotomeeting.com)
16. Relevance Based on HM’s requirements Explain how you approached similar challenges Explain what you delivered and why Discuss what you learned Identify how you succeeded
17. Context Identify your role in content development Explain circumstances Accessible SMEs, stable product, well-defined features, understanding of audience, authoring tools, schedule, protection? Pinpoint its strengths, weaknesses What would you do differently next time?
18. But it’s proprietary! Bring solutions to achieve mutual goals Have prospect sign an NDA too Neuter proprietary content (ex. Disney character names) Redact Ask ex-boss for permission Ask IP owner’s Legal Dept for permission Take names, addresses, SSNs
19. Build a Dev-Doc Portfolio Create your own rewrites of public domain doc See synergistech.com/dev-doc-portfolio.shtmlfor eg’s Demonstrate familiarity with technical subject material understanding of audience's needs working knowledge of authoring tools, and motivation, initiative Createshort before-and-after samples
20. But don’t… say “I can learn anything; just teach me.” say “I can’t show you my samples.” make your inexperience (with their product, technology, tools, culture, dev environment) their problem. lead with your limitations Reduce their risk! And don’t make them think
21. If you’re new to the business Read the Catch-22article www.synergistech.com/catch22.shtml Find ways to show Initiative Motivation Capacity to learn fast Value (“I’m a good investment, not a liability”)