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Maximising Your Opportunities

A number of factors can influence the number and variety of roles available for you to choose from. Some of these factors are listed below.

• Industry demand
• Trends in contracting vs permanent opportunities
• The currency of your skills
• Where to look for opportunities

 

Industry demand

New legislation and the introduction of new technology are just two examples of factors that may affect the demand for documentation specialists. Ensuring that you have experience in a range of industries and documentation types can help ensure if there is a downturn in one industy, as in the post year 2000 IT crash, you can easily adapt.

Conversely, identifying a growth area and specialising your skills so that you grow with it can also maximise your opportunities.

 

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Trends in contracting vs permanent opportunities

We tend to have a greater proportion of contract roles, however permanent roles have been increasing steadily. Having said this you only need to secure one permanent position to multiple contracts. Employing documentation specialists on contract enables employers to meet fluctuations in demand and the needs of specific projects.

If you're thinking of becoming a contractor read our Contractor tips to help determine the positives and negatives.

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The currency of your skills

There is a saying "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always got." This isn't always the case with employment. If you don't update your skills and qualifications on an ongoing basis you run the risk of missing out on opportunities.

Many writers seem to fall into the profession. However, the specialists who are most in demand are able to demonstrate concrete examples of proactive, ongoing professional development. By this we mean more than reading the latest books and websites. Employers look for:

• Memberships in professional associations
• Attendance at short courses and conferences
• Educational qualifications and certifications
• Experience with a variety of new technologies, trends and tools. This experience may be either paid or in a volunteer capacity.

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Where to look for opportunities

We are constantly expanding the number of opportunities we have on our books. However, we want to make sure you remain in work so we encourage you not to put all your eggs in one basket. Keep an eye on the job boards and papers, and keep in touch with us.

For more information on how you can maximise your opportunities as a documentation specialist register with us.

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