Job Fairs and Technical Writers

Just wondering if it's worthwhile to attend job fairs when looking for a job in technical writing. If yes, how do I know which ones to attend, and which to skip?

Attend everything.

I went to a job fair about half an hour from where I was and maybe handed out half of the 20 resumes I printed. The demand at the fair was mostly for finance and computer science. I was able to find contacts with construction firms, media, health care and Technical writing (after several interviews).

Remember that tech writing gives you a unique skill set. You might not be a tech writer at your first post, but as long as you keep your skills sharpened, you'll have a good shot at your second, or create the role at your original job.

I am a tech writer with over 15 years of experience, mostly documenting CRM software. After I got laid off last year, I started contracting in the pharma industry. I miss the software biz, and I am losing my technical chops because like most of health care, pharama is still paper-based and rarely uses online or publishing tools.

My question or delimma is this - should I just stay in health care where at least I can find a contract until the economy recovers, or try to find a spot in software? Has anyone seen or heard about any trends in this area, especially in other parts of the country (I am on the West Coast)?

Thanks!

I would attend every longshot I hear about. If only for the moral boost and experience giving a 3 minute speech of your experience.

To PRan: It doesn't hurt to apply for software jobs while you are working somewhere else.

I would consider staying in healthcare and biotech. There seems to be good money in it and lots of opportunity. Also, they sometimes have inhouse software groups if you do some networking.

Thank you for you reply, it was quite helpful. I know you are right about the bio and pharma industries being the most robust right now but I also find the work to be incredibly boring. Right now I need a job so I won't complain out loud!