How to Become a Technical Writer

Do you have strong communication skills and a knack for explaining complex information clearly? If so, then you might consider a career in technical writing.

Technical writers produce manuals, guides, online help, and documentation for industries such as software engineering, healthcare, and finance. It’s a valuable role that can open doors into just about any industry.

Today, we’ll be covering job requirements, tips for getting started, and the skills you’ll need.

What Does a Technical Writer Do?

A technical writer’s main role is to make complicated information accessible. This could involve writing user manuals for software, producing assembly instructions for machinery, or creating internal documentation for employees. Technical writers often work closely with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

To become a technical writer, you’ll need a combination of strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly about specialised topics. Many technical writers also develop skills in formatting, using documentation tools, and structuring content for different audiences.

Technical Writer Job Requirements

Aside from just being able to write – which is, of course, crucial – a career in technical writing best suits people who enjoy writing, learning about new technologies or processes, and helping others understand complex information. It offers flexible work arrangements, including freelance opportunities, remote work, and roles across multiple industries.

All of which to say, core to the job is a genuine and real love of learning. If you’re not the kind of person who’s always curious about new things, then you may struggle with this role. On the other hand, if you’re the type to get lost down Wikipedia rabbit-holes, then technical writing may just be your calling.

Now it’s worth noting that technical writers aren’t all generalists. In fact, the most successful ones usually have a niche. Sometimes it’s one they fall into over time, but many simply start out in a field they already have expert knowledge of.

This can be really advantageous for those who have a degree but don’t want to pursue the obvious career path. For example, if you have a degree specialising in software design, then that means you provide unique insight as a technical writer. Like so many things, good software design is often reliant on solid communication between technical and non-technical people.

For example, let’s say you’re working for a company that makes graphic design software. That’s a tool made by software engineers to be used by artists. Both sides of that equation need good, filtered information.

The software team needs to know how the artists will use the software, where the UI and UX could be improved, and which tools they should develop further. At the same time, the users often need to understand why choices are being made behind the scenes, why tools are changed, updated, or removed. Not only does this maintain trust between customer and company, but it also helps keep users in the know about upcoming updates.

And none of that would be possible without a technical writer producing both internal and external materials. The technical writer doesn’t just translate. A good technical writer condenses. It’s their job to know which information to pass along as well as how to write that information in a way the intended audience will understand.

Steps to Become a Technical Writer

Technical writing is all about knowledge and experience, so if you don’t have one already, then your first step should be to build a portfolio.

Portfolios don’t have to be paid work. They just have to show what you can do. If you don’t have any pieces you’re proud of, then work on some. Write a few articles about subjects you’re an expert in. If you don’t have an expert subject, then now’s the time to learn how to learn.

Once you have that portfolio, you can start applying for jobs, but don’t forget to keep refining your work. If you don’t hear back from a company, then you can always reach out and ask for feedback on your portfolio. There are always improvements you can make to your portfolio, so if you’re not getting work right away, then keep polishing until you’ve got something really special.