What is a Technical Writer and How to Become One
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Technical writers make complicated or complex subjects, products or services easy to understand. They create user guides, instructions and brochures that clearly explain a topic to an intended audience. Technical writing is a valuable skill and a worthwhile career that differs from other forms of writing.
Who writes the instructional manual to help put together new toys or furniture? What goes into creating a guide to helping a new user understand complex software? Writing clear, concise instructions to help end-users understand and use products is an essential skill companies seek.
The people who fill these positions and write this content — whether for print or digital devices — are technical writers. These writers take the complex designs of engineers and developers and simplify them enough for others to understand.
What is a Technical Writer?
Technical writers do the vital work of preparing how-to guides, instruction manuals and supporting documentation for complicated subjects. They often create digital and paper-based product instructions. In addition, their work can include white papers and documentation for complex topics.
A technical writer’s job duties involve:
Why is Technical Writing Important?
Technical writing is vital because clear communication is essential. Effective examples of technical writing break down complex ideas into easily understandable steps or tasks.
Types of Technical Writing
While end-user technical documentation is one of the most visible types of technical writing, it is not the only kind. Other forms of technical writing include:
Technical Writing vs. Other Writing
Technical writing differs from other styles of writing in several ways. When people picture writing as a career, they might think about the creative style of writing that we read in magazines and books.
Technical writing draws on the same skills (reliability, hitting deadlines and effective communication), but focuses on being direct. Technical writers must express their ideas clearly and concisely, with little room for flourishes or embellishment.
Business writing is also like technical writing in that it seeks to convey information to an audience. The intended audience, however, is one of the significant differences between the two. Business writing often has a more interpersonal slant to it than technical writing does.
While business writing can be informative, it may also serve a persuasive aim. Writing that involves marketing a product or service — even if it provides necessary information — does not fall under the technical umbrella.
How to Become a Technical Writer
Technical writing is a skill that a person can develop, much like any other. That said, there are certain qualifications companies look for when they are in the market for technical writers. The following is just one of a few paths that people can take to wind up in this field.
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
Most companies want technical writing candidates with bachelor’s degrees. Common fields include English, communications, journalism or other related subjects — including dedicated technical writing programs. Many writing roles also require experience or knowledge in a technical field, like engineering and information technology.
Seek Technical Writing Certifications
In addition to specialized degrees, technical writers can pursue and earn certifications from professional organizations, including the Society for Technical Communication and the American Medical Writers Association. Certification is not necessary, and many writers thrive without it. However, professional credentials improve a candidate’s chances of landing a role, so they are worth consideration.
Compile a Portfolio of Sample Writing
It is easier for writers to find a job with a portfolio of samples for hiring managers and recruiters to review. Technical writers can build those samples in various ways. The most common methods of building a portfolio are:
Because companies seek quality over quantity, writers should use their best samples to showcase various writing styles and types. If there is a specific niche a person wants to write in, those should be the pieces they develop and include.
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Create a Resume and CV
In addition to writing samples, a technical writer should create a resume that accurately reflects their skill and background. Writing a resume that works is a careful balancing act. A successful, tailored resume needs to contain relevant keywords gleaned from the job description.
Writers should also communicate how their skills and experience can speak to a company’s current and future goals.
As career expert Amy Miller explains, “My hiring managers are … selecting the submittals who showed ACCOMPLISHMENTS on their resumes.”
Clarity is essential, too. Take this advice from another LinkedIn Top Voice, Nii Ato Bentsi-Enchill, who says:
“One of the primary goals of your resume is to tell a compelling story that your audience can easily latch onto, remember, & share.”
Find Employment as a Technical Writer
Finding that first technical writer job can lead to a full spectrum of career options. For those just starting, freelance assignments and internships can be great ways to open those doors (and gain more writing samples).
Increase Network Base
Networking is one of the best ways to expand reach in the industry. In addition to using LinkedIn to find other technical writers and follow companies in their niche, technical writers can join professional associations focusing on technical communication. These groups include:
Expand Industry Knowledge
Because technical writing is a knowledge-based field, writers must continue to grow and expand their knowledge. In addition to the subject areas they write about, writers should always stay up to date on new ways to present information.
Becoming a Technical Writer Without a Degree or Experience
While most technical writers approach their roles with a college degree, some writers find work without previous experience or a degree. To accomplish this, they work on developing the right skill set through online tutorials and courses.
One of the best ways to learn more about becoming a technical writer is to consume technical content. Those interested in technical writing should read as many resources and examples as possible, especially in the industry or specific type of content they want to produce.
Industries Looking for Technical Writers
Technical writers can work in many different industries. Most of the job openings in this field are in the professional, scientific or technical sectors. Other technical writing roles exist in manufacturing and administrative support. Even publishing companies hire technical writers.
Does Technical Writing Pay Well?
The average salary for technical writers in the United States is $61,553. Many technical writers can earn additional bonuses depending on how their company structures compensation.
Salaries vary by industry and location, but California and Massachusetts provide the highest salaries for technical writing.
Career Outlook for Technical Writers
The job outlook for technical writers is optimistic, with projections of a 6 percent growth from 2021 to 2031. That equates to about 5,400 jobs each year. Technical writers remain a necessity for companies whose complex products need simple explanations.
While it may not be the traditional avenue for a writing career, technical writing can be fruitful. Writers who excel at translating technical information into easily digestible print and digital content can take advantage of the continued expansion of scientific and technological products.
Top Takeaways
(Reporting by NPD)