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IBM Technical Writer Resume Examples

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 9 min read

This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to craft an effective resume for the position of a Technical Writer at IBM. It delves into detailing the essential elements required, including the clear articulation of your technical skills, experience in software and hardware documentation, understanding of programming languages or IT concepts. Additionally, it underscores the importance of showcasing your ability to translate complex technical information into user-friendly content, collaboration with cross-functional teams, project management skills, and proficiency in various documentation tools. The article also offers advice on how to tailor these details to match IBM's culture and work ethos effectively.

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IBM Technical Writer Resume Example

Balbina Bluck, Technical Writer

balbina.bluck@gmail.com

(737) 358-5871

Anchorage, AK

Professional Summary

Detail-oriented Technical Writer with 1 year of experience in creating clear and concise technical documentation. Proficient in translating complex technical concepts into easy-to-understand content, and skilled in working closely with cross-functional teams. Adept at using various documentation tools and committed to delivering high-quality results within tight deadlines.

Work Experience

Senior Technical Writer at General Communication Inc., AK

Jul 2023 - Present

  • Developed a comprehensive technical documentation system that improved information accessibility, resulting in a 35% increase in team efficiency.
  • Led a project team to create over 200 detailed technical guides and manuals for new products within a year, significantly reducing onboarding time for new staff by 40%.
  • Implemented a new document version control system that decreased errors by 20% and improved overall document management process.

Technical Writer at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, AK

Sep 2022 - Jun 2023

  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive technical documentation system for the consortium, leading to a 40% increase in operational efficiency.
  • Authored over 100 detailed technical guides and manuals that improved staff understanding of complex systems, resulting in a 30% decrease in training time.
  • Streamlined the consortium's technical communication strategy, leading to a 25% increase in cross-departmental collaboration and information sharing.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in English or Technical Communication at University of Alaska Anchorage, AK

Aug 2018 - May 2022

Relevant Coursework: Creative Writing, Technical Writing, British Literature, American Literature, Shakespearean Studies, Journalism, Media Communications, Public Relations, Digital Media, Editing and Publishing, Business Writing, Rhetoric and Composition, and Linguistics.

Skills

  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • HTML/CSS
  • XML
  • MadCap Flare
  • Snagit
  • FrameMaker

Certificates

  • Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC)
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate

Tips for Writing a Better IBM Technical Writer Resume

1. Highlight your technical skills: As a technical writer, it's crucial to demonstrate your proficiency in using various technical writing tools and software. You should also mention any experience or knowledge you have in the specific technology field that IBM operates in.

2. Showcase relevant work experience: Include previous roles where you've developed user manuals, online help systems, white papers, design specifications, etc. Don't forget to highlight any project where you worked closely with engineering teams or subject matter experts.

3. Demonstrate strong communication skills: Technical writers need to be able to communicate complex information clearly and concisely. If you have any accomplishments that demonstrate these skills (like simplifying a complicated process), include them on your resume.

4. Include education and certifications: List any degrees or certifications that are relevant to technical writing or the field you're writing about (like computer science). This can include a Bachelor's degree in English or Technical Writing, or certifications from organizations like the Society for Technical Communication.

5. Use action words and quantify achievements: Instead of saying "responsible for creating manuals", say "created 10+ comprehensive user manuals within specified deadlines". This shows what you specifically did and how well you did it.

6. Tailor your resume for IBM: Research about IBM's culture and values and reflect them in your resume wherever possible. Be sure to mention if you have prior experience working on similar projects or technologies as IBM.

7. Proofread thoroughly: Ensure there are no grammar errors or typos as they can be particularly glaring on a technical writer’s resume.

8. Keep it concise and clear: A good technical writer should be able to present information clearly and succinctly - let your resume reflect these qualities too.

9. Show attention to detail: Mentioning how your work significantly reduced user errors or improved customer understanding can highlight this quality.

10. Mention teamwork and collaboration skills: Technical writers often need to collaborate with other teams such as product management, engineering, testing etc., so highlight any related experiences.

Related: Technical Writer Resume Examples

Key Skills Hiring Managers Look for on IBM Technical Writer Resumes

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are used by many large corporations like IBM to streamline the hiring process. These systems screen resumes and applications for keywords related to the job description before a human ever sees them. This means if your application for a Technical Writer position doesn't include pertinent keywords, it could be automatically rejected. Therefore, it's crucial to carefully read the job description and include relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter. For example, if the job description mentions skills like "technical documentation," "project management," or specific software knowledge, make sure those exact phrases appear in your application materials. This increases your chances of getting past IBM’s ATS and onto the next stage of the hiring process.

When applying for technical writer positions at IBM, you may encounter a list of common skills and key terms.

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Technical WritingResearch Skills
Editing and ProofreadingAttention to Detail
Ability to Simplify Complex InformationKnowledge of Relevant Tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat)
Graphic Design SkillsSEO Understanding
Project ManagementFamiliarity with Industry-Specific Terminology
Communication SkillsTime Management
Problem-Solving AbilitiesCreativity and Innovation
Understanding of User Experience (UX) PrinciplesCollaboration and Teamwork
Adaptability/FlexibilityHTML/CSS Knowledge
Content Management Systems (CMS) ExperienceInterviewing Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Familiarity with Style Guides (e.g., AP, Chicago, MLA)Basic Coding/Programming Knowledge

Related: Technical Writer Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Action Verbs for IBM Technical Writer Resumes

Creating an IBM Technical Writer Resume can be challenging, particularly when it comes to selecting the right action verbs. It's easy to fall into the trap of using the same few verbs repeatedly, which can make your resume seem repetitive and unimpressive. However, varying your language is critical for standing out from other candidates and demonstrating your range of skills. Using different action verbs not only showcases your abilities in a more dynamic way, but also helps to paint a more vivid picture of your experiences and achievements. Therefore, careful selection and variation of action verbs is crucial in crafting an effective IBM Technical Writer Resume.

To provide you with a competitive advantage, we have assembled a list of potent action verbs that you can employ to enhance your resume and secure your next interview:

Action Verbs
DocumentedSimplified
TranslatedEdited
ProofreadDesigned
OrganizedResearched
DevelopedManaged
CoordinatedAdapted
CommunicatedReviewed
UpdatedIllustrated
StandardizedStreamlined
OptimizedImplemented
CollaboratedAnalyzed

Related: What does a Technical Writer do?

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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