Technical Writer Resume Examples (Template & 20+ Tips)

If you're looking to break into the field of technical writing or looking for a new position, a strong resume is essential. Our Technical Writer Resume Example article provides a helpful guide and sample resume to help you create a standout application. Learn what skills and experience to highlight, and how to format and structure your resume for maximum impact. This article is a valuable resource for anyone pursuing a career in technical writing.

We will cover:

How to write a resume, no matter your industry or job title.
What to put on a resume to stand out.
The top skills employers from every industry want to see.
How to build a resume fast with our professional Resume Builder.
Why you should use a resume template

Plus, we will provide expert resume writing tips and professional examples to inspire you.

What does a Technical Writer do?

Research and gather information about a technical topic
Organize and structure the information into a clear and coherent format
Write technical documents, such as manuals, user guides, and online help systems
Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and completeness of information
Revise and update existing technical documents as needed
Use appropriate technical terminology and writing style for the intended audience
Ensure that documents comply with industry standards and guidelines
May also be involved in creating illustrations, diagrams, and other visual aids to accompany written content
Review and edit documents for clarity, consistency, and adherence to company standards

We’re about to begin, but first, here are some other Technical Writer related resume examples:

What are some responsibilities of a Technical Writer?

Research and gather information on technical subjects
Write clear and concise technical documents, such as user manuals, guides, and white papers
Collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy of technical documentation
Organize and maintain document templates and style guides
Review and edit technical documents for grammar, clarity, and consistency
Understand and use various technical writing tools and software
Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments in order to incorporate new information into documentation
Communicate complex technical information in a understandable way for the target audience

Sample Technical Writer Resume for Inspiration

Technical Writer Resume Personal Details

Name: John Smith

Email: johnsmith@email.com

Phone: 123-456-7890

Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA

Summary

John Smith is an experienced and detail-oriented technical writer with a proven track record of delivering high-quality documentation for software products. He is skilled in analyzing and interpreting complex technical information and creating user-friendly content. John consistently meets project deadlines and works well in collaborative team environments.

Work Experience

Technical Writer, XYZ Software Company - Anytown, USA (2017-present)
Documentation Specialist, ABC Tech Solutions - Somecity, USA (2015-2017)
Junior Technical Writer, QRS Systems - Othercity, USA (2013-2015)

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication - University of Anywhere, USA (2013)

Skills

Proficient in Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare, and Microsoft Word
Strong understanding of technical concepts and ability to communicate them effectively
Excellent research and organizational skills
Experience with content management systems

Certifications

Certified Technical Writer (CTW) - Society for Technical Communication

Languages

English (Native proficiency), Spanish (Basic proficiency)

Resume tips for Technical Writer

Creating a perfect, career-launching resume is no easy task. Following general writing rules can help, but it is also smart to get advice tailored to your specific job search. When you’re new to the employment world, you need Technical Writer resume tips.
We collected the best tips from seasoned Technical Writer - Check out their advice to not only make your writing process easier but also increase your chances of creating a resume that piques the interest of prospective employers.

Include a summary or objective statement at the top of your resume to introduce yourself and emphasize your goals as a technical writer.
List your relevant skills and experience prominently, using bullet points to make it easy for employers to quickly assess your qualifications.
Highlight any specific technical writing tools or software you are proficient in, such as Adobe Framemaker, MadCap Flare, or Microsoft Visio.
Showcase any writing samples or documentation projects you have worked on, either through a portfolio link or by providing direct examples within your resume.
Include any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the field of technical writing.

Technical Writer Resume Summary Examples

A resume summary or objective in a technical writer's resume is essential to provide a brief overview of key qualifications, skills, and career goals to potential employers. It allows the candidate to highlight their expertise, experience, and accomplishments, helping recruiters quickly identify their suitability for the role. A well-crafted summary or objective can significantly enhance the chances of securing an interview and ultimately landing the job.

For Example:

Experienced technical writer with expertise in creating user-friendly documentation for software products and hardware systems.
Proficient in translating complex technical information into easy-to-understand content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Skilled in conducting thorough research and interviews to gather information for technical documentation.
Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to gather and verify technical documentation.
Familiar with industry-standard documentation tools and software, including Adobe FrameMaker, Microsoft Visio, and MadCap Flare.

Build a Strong Experience Section for Your Technical Writer Resume

Building a strong experience section for a technical writer resume is essential to showcase your expertise and skills in the field. This section provides potential employers with a clear understanding of your work history, the projects you have worked on, and the impact you have made. It allows you to demonstrate your ability to create high-quality technical documentation and effectively communicate complex information. A strong experience section can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing a job.

For Example:

Developed user guides and technical documentation for software products
Collaborated with subject matter experts to gather and organize technical information
Created online help systems and knowledge bases for customer support
Edited and proofread technical documents for accuracy and clarity
Worked closely with software developers to understand and document technical specifications
Researched and evaluated new tools and technologies for technical writing
Managed documentation projects and met deadlines under fast-paced environment
Provided training and support to other team members on technical writing best practices
Participated in the review and improvement of existing technical documents
Utilized content management systems to store and retrieve technical documentation

Technical Writer resume education example

A Technical Writer typically needs a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a related field. Some employers may prefer a degree in a technical field such as computer science or engineering. Additionally, specialized training in technical writing, including courses in writing, editing, and document design, can also be beneficial for a career in technical writing. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to understand complex technical information are essential for this profession.

Here is an example of an experience listing suitable for a Technical Writer resume:

Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Communication, Computer Science, or related field
Certificate in Technical Writing or related certification
Online courses in HTML, CSS, and Adobe Creative Suite
Continuing education in technical writing and documentation

Technical Writer Skills for a Resume

It is important to add skills for a Technical Writer Resume to demonstrate proficiency in important tools and software used in the technical writing field. These skills can show potential employers that the candidate has the necessary abilities to effectively communicate complex technical information and produce high-quality documentation. Additionally, showcasing technical skills can set a candidate apart from other applicants and increase their chances of securing a job in the field.

Soft Skills:
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Clear communication
Problem solving
Attention to detail
Collaborative teamwork
Time management
Adaptability
Critical thinking
Organizational skills
Empathy
Flexibility

``` Hard Skills:

Technical Writing
Editing
Content Management
Information Architecture
Proofreading
API Documentation
Research
HTML/CSS
Software Documentation
Version Control

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Technical Writer Resume

In this competitive job market, employers receive an average of 180 applications for each open position. To process these resumes, companies often rely on automated applicant tracking systems, which can sift through resumes and eliminate the least qualified applicants. If your resume is among the few that make it past these bots, it must still impress the recruiter or hiring manager. With so many applications coming in, recruiters typically give each resume only 5 seconds of their attention before deciding whether to discard it. Considering this, it's best to avoid including any distracting information on your application that could cause it to be thrown away. To help make sure your resume stands out, review the list below of what you should not include on your job application.

Not including a cover letter. A cover letter is a great way to explain why you are the best candidate for the job and why you want the position.
Using too much jargon. Hiring managers do not want to read a resume full of technical terms that they do not understand.
Omitting important details. Make sure to include your contact information, educational background, job history, and any relevant skills and experiences.
Using a generic template. Take the time to customize your resume to the job you are applying for. This will show the employer that you are serious about the position.
Spelling and grammar errors. Always double-check your resume for typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors.
Focusing too much on duties. Make sure to include accomplishments and successes to show the employer that you are a great candidate.
Including personal information. Avoid including any personal information such as age, marital status, or religious beliefs.

Key takeaways for a Technical Writer resume

Highlight relevant technical writing experience
Showcase proficiency with relevant tools and software
Emphasize exceptional communication and writing skills
Demonstrate ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams
Include any certifications or advanced degrees in technical writing or related fields
Showcase any specific industry expertise or subject matter knowledge

It's time to begin the job search. Make sure you put your best foot forward and land your next job with the help of Resumaker.ai.