12 Technical Writer Skills: Definition and Examples

By ResumeCat Editorial Team
Updated June 7, 2023

A technical writer is a professional who writes about technical topics in a non-technical way. Technical writers must have strong writing and communication skills, as well as knowledge of the subject matter. In this article, we will discuss 12 essential skills for technical writers.

Writing

Technical writers produce how-to guides, manuals, and other documentation to help people use various products and services. They need excellent writing skills to communicate complex information clearly and concisely.

Technical Writing

Technical writing is the process of creating documentation for a product or service. This documentation can include user manuals, installation guides, and technical specifications. Technical writers need to be able to understand complex technical concepts and communicate them clearly in writing. They also need to be able to work with subject matter experts to gather accurate information.

Documentation

Technical writers create documentation to help people use a product or service. They may write user manuals, release notes, installation guides, and other types of documentation.

Technical writers need strong writing and communication skills. They must be able to understand complex technical information and communicate it clearly to others. They also need good organizational skills to plan, develop, and revise their work.

Editing

Editing is an important skill for technical writers because it allows them to improve the clarity and accuracy of their writing. Technical writing can be very complex, and it is important for technical writers to be able to edit their own work to ensure that it is clear and error-free.

Research

Research is a critical skill for technical writers because they need to be able to find accurate and up-to-date information on the topics they are writing about. They also need to be able to evaluate different sources of information and determine which ones are most reliable.

Project Management

Project management is the process of planning, executing, and monitoring a project to achieve specific goals. A technical writer may need project management skills to plan and oversee the creation of documentation for a complex project.

Communications

The ability to communicate clearly and effectively is essential for any technical writer. This skill helps them to explain complex concepts in simple terms and to provide instructions that are easy to follow. Good communication skills also allow technical writers to build rapport with their audience and to establish trust.

Marketing

Marketing is the process of creating and delivering messages that promote the sale of products or services. As a technical writer, you need to be able to understand and communicate the benefits of a product or service to potential customers. This requires strong writing and communication skills.

Public Relations

Public relations is the art and science of managing communication between an organization and its key stakeholders. It is important for technical writers to have this skill because they often need to interact with different stakeholders, such as engineers, marketing teams, and customers. Technical writers need to be able to manage these relationships effectively in order to produce high-quality documentation.

Sales

The ability to sell is an important skill for any technical writer. After all, you need to be able to sell your ideas and your writing in order to get projects approved and funded. This skill is especially important if you're working as a freelance writer, since you'll need to be able to sell your services to potential clients.

Social media is a platform where people can share information and interact with each other. As a technical writer, you need to be able to use social media to communicate with your audience and promote your work.

Web Design

Web design is the process of creating a website. This includes the structure, layout, and visuals of the site. A good web design is essential for a website to be successful. It needs to be easy to use, visually appealing, and informative.

How to improve technical writer skills

Technical writing is a challenging and rewarding profession that can make a significant contribution to the success of an organization. Technical writers produce clear, concise, user-friendly documentation that is essential for the effective use of complex products and services.

While there are many different ways to improve one's technical writing skills, here are five key areas that should be addressed:

1. Develop a strong understanding of your audience.

The first step in improving your technical writing skills is to develop a strong understanding of your target audience. Who will be reading your documentation? What are their needs and expectations? What level of technical expertise do they have? Answering these questions will help you tailor your writing to meet the specific needs of your readers.

2. Write clearly and concisely.

One of the most important skills for any technical writer is the ability to write clearly and concisely. This means using simple language and avoiding unnecessary jargon. It also means being able to explain complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. A good rule of thumb is to keep your sentences and paragraphs short and to the point.

3. Organize information logically.

Another important skill for technical writers is the ability to organize information logically. This includes both the overall structure of your document as well as the organization of individual sections and subsections. A well-organized document will be easier for readers to navigate and will make it easier for them to find the information they need.

4. Use visuals effectively.

Visuals can be a powerful tool for conveying information in a technical document. They can help break up text, highlight key points, and make complex concepts easier to understand. When used effectively, visuals can greatly improve the readability and usefulness of your documentation.

5. Pay attention to detail.

Finally, it is important to pay attention to detail when you are writing a technical document. This includes proofreading your work carefully before it is published or distributed. It also means ensuring that all of the information in your document is accurate and up-to-date.

How to highlight technical writer skills

You want to highlight your skills as a Technical Writer? Here's how: First, identify the key skills that are essential for the job. These might include excellent writing and editing abilities, knowledge of specific software programs, and the ability to understand complex technical information. Then, take a look at your past experience and identify examples that showcase these skills. When describing these examples, be sure to use specific and concrete details. Finally, don't forget to mention any awards or recognition you've received for your work as a Technical Writer - this will show that others have appreciated your skills in the past.

On a resume

In order to highlight your skills as a Technical Writer on a resume, you should list your experience with writing and editing technical documentation. You should also list any relevant coursework or training that you have completed. If you have experience working with a specific software program or tool, be sure to mention that as well.

In a cover letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your skills as a Technical Writer. Include your experience writing technical documentation, as well as your ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely. Be sure to mention any relevant coursework or training you have in technical writing, and emphasize your commitment to producing high-quality work.

During an interview

When you are interviewing for a technical writing position, be sure to highlight your skills as a technical writer. Discuss your experience researching and writing technical documentation. Describe your process for creating clear and concise documentation. Share examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you have faced when writing technical documentation and how you have overcome them.