Technical Writer

Sample Career Titles

What does a Technical Writer do?

Technical writers create user guides and technical manuals. User guides are used by computer users whenever they have basic questions or problems with their computers and software. Whenever users click on a help section on a website or operating system, they are searching for information written by a technical writer.
Technical writers also prepare written instructions for how hardware and software functions. They write in clear and comprehendible sentences.
Technical writers also develop content for numerous types of electronic formats and websites. For example, some organizations place their training manuals on the Internet. Technical writers are responsible for writing content that is legible and easy for people with varying levels of technical understanding to comprehend.

What's the work like?

Technical writers follow a similar pattern to that of web developers and computer programmers, which is known as the product development cycle.
Technical writers could contribute to any part of the development cycle.
- 1. At the initial phase of the process, technical writers are responsible for interviewing the people who will utilize the technology being developed. This will acquaint writers with their audience, so they can have an idea of how to best relay information to them. It's essential to determine their level of technical expertise.
- 2. Many technical writers are responsible for determining the most effective format for their help guides and user manuals, whether it be web or other types of electronic formats.
- 3. Once the research phases are completed, technical writers then commence with the writing of the manuals. They must ensure that the content they write matches the descriptions of the technology they're writing about.
- 4. During the final phase, technical writers must edit their work and make any alterations to their manuals after receiving user feedback and reviewing product tests.

What does it take to be a Technical Writer?

Technical writers should:

Enjoy writing.
Have the ability to write comprehendible and grammatically correct sentences.
Have the ability to creatively combine information.
Have the ability to explain complex topics in easy to understand sentences.
Be effective communicators and have the ability to understand what their audiences require.
Possess a basic understanding of the technical terms and technology they'll be writing about.
Many companies hiring technical writers prefer applicants with professional certifications or bachelor's degrees in English or technical writing.