JOHN C. PENDLETON
San Francisco,CA
Summary
Detail-oriented Documentation Specialist experienced in creating user assistance and technical documentation for diverse audiences including systems administrators and enterprise implementation teams. Delivered high-quality documentation projects using tools such as Oxygen XML Editor, Adobe FrameMaker, and Arbortext Epic Editor, while effectively managing projects and training personnel in fast-paced environments. Focused on leveraging strong communication and organizational skills to enhance technical documentation and support team objectives.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal User Assistance Developer
Oracle Corporation
Redwood Shores, CA
02.2022 - 10.2022
- Contributed to development of Redwood application suite, enhancing user experience.
- Collaborated with Product Managers, engineers, and designers to create user interfaces prioritizing clarity and ease-of-use.
- Worked with Product Managers to oversee implementation of proper design specifications and guidelines.
- Participated in UI Text Language Committee to establish and document style guidelines for Redwood UI content.
- Oversaw the UI messages and strings process and provided final approvals.
- Edited documents for grammar, clarity, content and formatting.
Senior Technical Writer
Oracle Corporation
Redwood Shores, CA
10.2011 - 12.2021
- Developed content for Oracle Knowledge Management and Knowledge Advanced, enhancing user understanding across all phases of development and production.
- Drafted technical documentation and white papers to effectively communicate complex technology concepts to diverse audiences.
- Developed and maintained PDF and HTML materials throughout the content development and production cycle, including incorporating the HTML files into the product source code
- Developed several articles for the Oracle Knowledge Base, focusing on technical issues not covered in standard user guides.
- Developed and authored technical information for internal and external utilization.
- Managed implementation of management systems technology to improve efficiency.
- Produced internal and external documents and systems that aligned with project goals and ensured clarity in communication.
- Completed writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style and terminology.
- Wrote detailed manuals for use and maintenance of Oracle Knowledge.
- Collaborated with teams on product development and implementations.
Senior Technical Writer
InQuira
San Bruno, CA
04.2008 - 10.2011
- Documented Knowledge Management System as sole technical writer at InQuira, enhancing accessibility of information for users.
- Developed content for Information Manager and Intelligent Search across all development and production phases, improving user guidance and support.
- Developed and maintained PDF and HTML materials during content development and production cycle, integrating HTML files into product source code for seamless user experience.
- Developed several articles for the InQuira Knowledge Base, focusing on technical issues not covered in standard user guides.
- Managed transition during acquisition by Oracle, ensuring continuity of operations and communication.
Senior Technical Writer
Ingrian Networks
Redwood City, CA
08.2006 - 03.2008
- At Ingrian Networks, I continued to develop my writing skills while gaining a deeper understanding of database technology, data encryption and the ETL process
- Developed content for File System Connector, Transform Utility (ETL), and Application Provider for z/OS for all phases of development and production
- Developed and maintained PDF and HTML materials throughout the content development and production cycle, including incorporating the HTML files into the product source code
- Developed several articles for the Ingrian Knowledge Base, focusing on technical issues not covered in standard user guides
- At Ingrian Networks, I continued to develop my writing skills while gaining a deeper understanding ofdatabase technology, data encryption and the ETL process
Senior Technical Writer
Informatica Corp
Redwood City, CA
05.2005 - 08.2006
- At Informatica, I returned to writing and broadened my understanding of database technology and the ETL process
- Developed content for PowerCenter, Metadata Manager, and Data Profiling for all phases of development and production
- Collaborated on documentation projects for new hires, creating resources that facilitated smoother onboarding
- Updated and organized Wiki information for internal documentation
- Managed and updated external documentation on customer support website, ensuring users had access to current and relevant information
Senior Product Manager, HCM InfoDev
Oracle Corp
Pleasanton, CA
01.2005 - 05.2005
- Managed documentation and curriculum projects for 10 PeopleBooks and 22 HRMS courses, ensuring comprehensive coverage of benefits, payroll, time and labor, and recruiting applications.
- Reviewed benefits, payroll, time, labor, and recruiting applications to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Conducted weekly metrics analysis to track documentation and curriculum project progress, addressing any areas of unsatisfactory performance.
- Contributed to project tracking database implementation by providing feedback and testing during development and implementation phases, enhancing project visibility.
- Developed documentation Good Examples for three chapter types in PeopleBooks
- Assisted with interviewing and hiring contract writers
Project Manager
PeopleSoft
Pleasanton, CA
02.2004 - 01.2005
- Managed documentation and curriculum projects for 10 PeopleBooks and 22 HRMS courses in benefits, payroll, time and labor, and recruiting applications to ensure comprehensive training resources.
- Conducted weekly metrics analysis to track documentation and curriculum project progress, addressing issues to maintain project timelines.
- Contributed to the implementation of a project tracking database by providing feedback and testing during the development and implementation phases
- Developed good examples of documentation for three chapter types in PeopleBooks to enhance clarity and user understanding.
- Conducted interviews for contract writers, assessing qualifications and fit for projects.
- Benefits, Payroll, Time and Labor and Recruiting applications
- Received Outstanding Contributor Award in 2004.
Senior Information Developer, HRMS
PeopleSoft, Inc
Pleasanton, CA
05.2001 - 01.2005
- Created and managed project plans for documentation and curriculum projects for nine Information Developers, consistently delivering projects on time or ahead of schedule while maintaining quality.
- Managed documentation and curriculum projects for 10 PeopleBooks and 22 HRMS courses, overseeing all content development stages to ensure smooth production hand-off.
- Benefits, Payroll, Time and Labor and Recruiting applications throughout the content development stages to the production hand-off
- Conducted weekly metrics analysis to track documentation and curriculum project progress, addressing any delays to ensure timely completion.
- Interviewed candidates for contract writing positions to assess qualifications.
Senior Information Developer
HRMS
05.2001 - 02.2004
General Manager
Borders Books and Music
Various Locations
08.1995 - 01.2001
- Achieved highest employee satisfaction rating in region (40+ stores) and ranked in top 10 nationwide (300+ stores), consistently maintaining high monthly customer satisfaction scores.
- Directed and supervised store operations, hiring and training assistant managers for general manager role while meeting profit and productivity goals through cost control and budget planning.
- Directed daily operations of multiple locations to ensure consistent service standards.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and development to enhance team performance.
- Oversaw inventory management processes to maintain optimal stock levels.
Senior Information Developer
Borders Books
09.1991 - 01.2001
- I developed content for product documentation, curriculum, and in- house product-issue tracking software
- Developed content for Human Resources and Time and Labor PeopleBooks for all phases of development and production
- Developed content for the Global Payroll Netherlands country extension and Recruiting Solutions courses and assisted with various aspects of curriculum development on several other courses
- I developed content for product documentation, curriculum, and in-house product-issue tracking software
- Converted documentation from MS Word to Epic Editor, streamlining content for improved accessibility and usability
- Developed user documentation and Quick Reference cards for the ICE tracking system, an in-houseproduct issues tracking application
- Developed user documentation and Quick Reference cards for the ICE tracking system, an in-house product issues tracking application
- Worked with outsourced writer to produce an integration process PeopleBook
- Recognized with Outstanding Contributor Award in 2003 for contributions to team success.
Project Coordinator
Borders Inc.
Washington, DC
05.1994 - 07.1995
- Organized and supervised the training staff for new store openings and trained management staff within existing stores on Borders visual merchandising standards.
- Coordinated project timelines and schedules for effective resource management.
- Facilitated communication between teams to ensure project alignment.
- Organized project documentation and reports for stakeholder review.
Education
Technical Communications Professional Sequence Program -
UC Berkeley Extension
Berkeley, CA01-2002
Bachelor of Arts - English
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, VA01-1989
Skills
- Content Strategy
- Visual Design
- User Training
- Knowledge Management
- Confluence
- JIRA
- Slack
- Figma
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe FrameMaker (W/M)
- Adobe Photoshop Elements (M)
- Nvu (W)
- Oxygen XML Editor (W)
- WebWorks Publisher (W)
- Cyberduck (W)
- Parallels Desktop (M)
- Documentum (W)
- PowerCenter X
- EPublisher Pro
- PuTTY
- Database Management
- Web editing proficiency
- Planning & Organizing
- Team Building
- Team Management
- Problem Resolution
- Supervision & Leadership
- Collaboration Tools
- Database Management
- Web editing proficiency
Affiliations
Society for Technical Communication, since 2001
Media Alliance, since 2004, Indexing Skills Workshop for Technical Communicators with Lori Lathrop, Lathrop Media Services
Company, Charlotte, NC. www.indexingskills.com
Curriculum Development and Design for PeopleSoft
Introduction to PeopleSoft for HRMS release 8.01, PeopleSoft University
PeopleSoft Human Resources – U.S. and Canada release 8.01, PeopleSoft University
References
References and writing samples available upon request
Timeline
Principal User Assistance Developer
Oracle Corporation
02.2022 - 10.2022
Senior Technical Writer
Oracle Corporation
10.2011 - 12.2021
Senior Technical Writer
InQuira
04.2008 - 10.2011
Senior Technical Writer
Ingrian Networks
08.2006 - 03.2008
Senior Technical Writer
Informatica Corp
05.2005 - 08.2006
Senior Product Manager, HCM InfoDev
Oracle Corp
01.2005 - 05.2005
Project Manager
PeopleSoft
02.2004 - 01.2005
Senior Information Developer, HRMS
PeopleSoft, Inc
05.2001 - 01.2005
Senior Information Developer
HRMS
05.2001 - 02.2004
General Manager
Borders Books and Music
08.1995 - 01.2001
Project Coordinator
Borders Inc.
05.1994 - 07.1995
Senior Information Developer
Borders Books
09.1991 - 01.2001
Technical Communications Professional Sequence Program -
UC Berkeley Extension
Bachelor of Arts - English
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University