OFTEN the quality of product documentation affects the user's perception of the product. Shortcomings in product documentation, therefore, may cause users to assume that the product quality has been compromised. The solution is to keep the reader in mind as we write. To do so will engender confidence and minimize misinterpretation. In the first article Gudknecht reminds us that procedures should be presented in a format that allows the reader to locate and use information efficiently. For example, if we're writing about how to calibrate or troubleshoot a device, using a flowchart may be better than using only text.

Employment is the subject of the first four papers. In “Writing Resumes and Cover Letters” you learn that the resume is an attention-getter — not to be taken lightly in the job hurting process. The second paper confirms many ideas presented in the first, but some traditional ideas are challenged (one such is that one-page résumés are inadequate). The third paper, “The Cover Letter,” encourages you to consider the communication's style, tone, and appearance to enable you to write the best possible cover letter. The last paper on employment identifies questions you can expect at an interview and suggests how to emphasize your strengths and minimize your shortcomings.