“How do I become a technical writer?” It’s a question worth asking yourself in a world where technology progresses rapidly and skilled communicators are needed to make these advancements accessible to a broader audience. In this post, we’ll walk you through the skills, qualifications and insights you need to launch your technical writing career.
At their core, technical writers are master explainers. From user manuals and white papers to instructional videos and online help systems, technical writers create a wide range of materials that make technology more user-friendly.
Technical writers can forge a career in many fields and industries:
In software development, they create documentation that helps users navigate complex applications.In engineering and manufacturing, they break down complex processes into step-by-step instructions.They make it easier for medical professionals and patients understand essential information in healthcare.
These writers require a particular combination of hard and soft skills to create exceptional documentation and thrive in a collaborative work environment where technical writing projects often occur.
The technical side
Master these skills to excel in the technical aspects of the job:
Writing prowess: Clear, concise and logical writing is at the heart of technical communication. Your words must transform complex information into easily digestible content.
Research: It should go without saying, but digging deep is essential in this job. You’ll need to gather information from various sources — from interviews with experts to technical specs and industry publications.
Tech-savvy: While you don’t need to be an engineer, a basic grasp of technology and scientific concepts is fundamental. A great technical writer can converse comfortably with techies on their level and also explain what is learned to others in nontechnical terms.
Format familiarity: User manuals, white papers, online help systems, video scripts — technical writers work with a number of different formats. Knowing how to present information in each is vital.
The human touch
Interpersonal skills are equally important in this field:
Problem-solving powers: Technical writers need to develop solutions for potential functionality problems that may arise for users of the documentation they provide.
Detail-oriented: Even the tiniest error can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. How many of us have read app instructions that say, “Go to settings and then select ‘draw,’ ” only to find there is no such choice under settings in your version of the app. A keen eye for detail helps you deliver reliable and trustworthy work.
Adaptability: Technical writers must quickly learn and adapt to new technologies, troubleshooting any issues that arise with new documentation tools or formats. You should be comfortable with and always ready to learn something new.
Collaboration: Technical writing is ideally a team sport. You’ll often work closely with subject matter experts, engineers and product managers who will help steer your documentation in the right direction and deliver maximum clarity for the intended audience.
While there’s no single path to becoming a technical writer, most professionals in the field hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Degrees in English, journalism, communications or technical fields like computer science or engineering are common. However, relevant experience and an eye-catching portfolio can sometimes compensate for a lack of formal education.
Certifications can also enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your expertise. Organizations like the Society for Technical Communication (STC) offer various certifications (ranging from entry-level to expert) in technical writing and communication.
As your technical writing career progresses, you can expect your salary to increase. Check out the Robert Half Salary Guide for up-to-date information on technical writer salaries in your location and industry.
Ready to embark on your technical writing journey? Whether you’re currently job seeking or employed and looking to move into the field, here’s a roadmap to guide you.
Create examples of your talents. Your portfolio is your passport to the technical writing world. Start by volunteering to write documentation for nonprofit organizations, open-source projects or friends’ businesses. Consider creating your own website or blog to showcase your writing samples. Actively participate in online forums and communities related to technical writing and offer to write guest posts or articles.
Embrace your inner techie. In technical writing, a little tech-savvy goes a long way. Familiarize yourself with coding languages like XML, HTML or PHP. Get to know wiki syntax, blogger mark-down languages or software development. The more technical skills you have in your toolkit, the more valuable you’ll be to potential employers.
Get your foot in the door. You’ve got the skills. Now, it’s time to land the job. Scour platforms like LinkedIn and Robert Half for openings. Make sure to highlight your portfolio and technical skills to stand out from the crowd. Be prepared for a competitive job market, and consider contract work or freelance opportunities as a way to gain experience.
Expand your network. Attend industry events, join professional organizations and connect with other technical writers online. Building relationships with professionals in your field can lead to valuable advice, mentorship opportunities and even job leads.
Don’t neglect those soft skills. To hone those all-important interpersonal skills, start by identifying areas where you need improvement. If you are currently employed, seek feedback from colleagues, mentors or supervisors to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Step outside your comfort zone by taking on new responsibilities, participating in team projects or volunteering for roles that involve communication and collaboration.
The future looks bright for technical writers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in employment for technical writers from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average for all occupations.
Emerging trends in technical writing include the increasing use of multimedia content, such as videos and infographics, to complement traditional written documentation. Embracing these formats allows you to create more engaging and accessible content for your audiences.
Another transformative development is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Generative AI-powered tools can help technical writers work smarter and faster, from generating initial drafts to identifying areas for improvement in existing content. For example, AI can analyze user feedback and suggest updates to documentation to help it remain accurate and relevant. Another real-world application is using AI to automatically generate API documentation based on the code, saving technical writers hours of manual work.
Technical writing isn’t just about manuals and instructions. It’s about connecting people with technology in a way that makes sense and turning complex ideas into clear, actionable information. If you have a passion for communication, a commitment to continuous learning and a knack for simplifying the complex, then a career as a technical writer might be a good fit for you.
