12 Technical Writing Skills For Your Resume

In the hyper-competitive job market, showcasing technical writing skills on your resume is a game-changer.?

Technical writers must distill complex technical information into user-friendly documents. We must also possess excellent communication and editing skills. Finally, we also need knowledge about the subject matter that requires research efficiency.

As such showcasing technical writing skills on our resume demonstrates the capability to handle complex information and produce high-quality documents. But what exact technical writing skills??

Here, I’ll discuss technical writing skills that always pop up whenever I’m around seasoned tech writers. Let’s go over each one.

Technical Writing Skills

You need technical knowledge and writing skills to become a technical writer. But we need to dig deeper to understand what skills to showcase.

1. Strong Communication Skills

Although you write, you communicate before you even type the first letter of a document.

A good technical writer deciphers complex concepts and is adept at conveying ideas. To do that, you must know how to get the necessary information from clients or subject matter experts.

Technical communication encompasses writing well-structured sentences and organizing information, creating a coherent narrative within technical documents. A skilled technical writer understands the importance of tailoring the language and tone of their writing to the target audience, whether it's a novice user, a fellow expert, or a broad readership with varying degrees of technical understanding.

Communication bridges the gap between technical jargon and layperson's terms and between a junior and a senior technical writer. While a beginner tech writer needs someone to communicate the information to them, seasoned writer uses their communication skills to find the information.

To summarize, a technical writer must engage with subject matter experts, engineers, and stakeholders to gather information and ensure accuracy. Excellent communication skills make your and your client’s job easier.

2. Technical Expertise

From my experience, the better a technical writer becomes, the more they specialize in a subject matter. Proficiency allows the writer to grasp intricate concepts without needing to reach out for external sources, simplifying the process for themselves, clients, and readers.?

Furthermore, a thorough understanding of technical principles not only aids in producing accurate content but also builds credibility.

But there’s something that I want to point out. Technical skills aren’t limited to understanding the subject matter; they extend to mastering the tools and technologies relevant to the documentation process.?

From utilizing documentation platforms and version control systems to employing graphic design software for visual aids, technical writers need to be adept at an array of technical tools to enhance the presentation and accessibility of their content. This technical prowess also empowers you to troubleshoot issues that arise during the documentation process, ensuring the final product is error-free and user-friendly.

3. Research Skills

In my talks with the Technical Writer HQ community, I found that many beginner writers don’t struggle with writing but research.?

That makes research skills valuable to any technical writing resume. Always highlight how you do your research and ensure you can back it up.

A good technical writer goes beyond the surface-level understanding of a topic, delving into in-depth research to unearth the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. Thorough research lays the foundation for accurate, up-to-date content addressing the intended audience's needs.

Furthermore, adept research skills enable the writer to fill in knowledge gaps, clarify ambiguities, and fact-check information. A skilled technical writer is not just a documenter but a detective, capable of sourcing information from various resources, such as technical manuals, academic papers, subject matter experts, and online forums.?

This skill also plays a role in anticipating user queries and concerns, preemptively addressing them within the technical document.

4. Audience Analysis

The fourth skill on the list is audience analysis. Technical writers recognize that the effectiveness of their documentation hinges on their ability to understand and cater to the needs of their target audience.

Before you write, you must know the intended readers. It entails gaining insights into their level of technical knowledge, familiarity with the subject matter, and the specific purpose for which they will engage with the technical document.

For example, if you’re writing for people who want to become better HR professionals, you won’t write about where to find great HR services. Although it matches the topic, you’re writing for people who want to learn, not for people who require their services.

This understanding shapes the content's tone, language, and complexity. By empathizing with their audience, technical writers bridge the gap between complex technical concepts and accessible information, ensuring their content resonates.

5. Writing Skills

Although writing skills are obvious, I’ve noticed a component that some writers leave out of their resumes.?

Most technical writers recognize that the essence of their craft lies in transforming intricate technical knowledge into clear, concise, and coherent prose. Meaning that technical writing requires an awareness of structure and organization.?

But besides mentioning that you have the necessary skills, link your writing skills to your knowledge. A medical writer won’t have the same writing style as a UX writer. So if you’re a medical writer, you don’t have writing skills, you have medical writing skills. Be clear and be specific.

Furthermore, technical writing encompasses various forms, from user manuals to technical reports, each demanding a unique approach. Thus, a skilled technical writer navigates between technical accuracy and accessible prose, elevating the readability and usability of their documents.

6. Editing and Proofreading Skills

Editing and proofreading are the final touchstones that polish the documentation process. Technical writers know that even the best content falls short without rigorous editing and proofreading.

Editing focuses on coherence, consistency, and overall structure. A skilled technical writer revisits the text to ensure the flow, bridging ideas and concepts. This process also involves refining language and tone to suit the target audience.

Following editing, proofreading consists of scanning for grammatical errors, typos, punctuation mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies.?

When mentioning editing and proofreading in your resume, reassure the person reading the resume that your editing skills allow you to meet the deadlines for the document.

7. Design Skills

Design skills moved from a valuable add-on to an indispensable aspect of a technical writer's toolkit. Most technical writers recognize that they need design skills to stand out.

It didn’t take me long to hit the wall where I had to expand my skills from just writing to basic design. I couldn’t afford to wait for someone else to create a basic design when I could do the same.?

Design skills enable the transformation of complex technical knowledge into digestible content, which is crucial for user manuals, instructional guides, and online documentation.

A good technical writer comprehends the power of infographics, flowcharts, and diagrams in simplifying intricate concepts and enhancing user understanding. Beyond aesthetics, design skills contribute to maintaining a consistent visual identity across technical documents, reinforcing brand recognition and user trust.

8. Collaboration Skills

The collaborative nature of the technical writing field underscores the significance of strong collaboration skills for technical writers. While technical knowledge is indispensable, the ability to work within multidisciplinary teams is as crucial.?

Effective collaboration involves seeking input, clarifications, and feedback and integrating them into the content. A skilled technical writer understands the nuances of cross-functional communication and can navigate differing perspectives to arrive at accurate and comprehensive documentation. Beyond technical prowess, collaboration skills encompass:

• Active listening
• Empathy
• Translating technical jargon for non-technical team members

Moreover, technical writers who collaborate contribute their expertise to discussions about content strategy, document structure, and user experience, ensuring that the final documentation aligns with technical accuracy and user needs.?

By fostering a collaborative environment, technical writers contribute to creating accurate documentation that aligns with the project's overarching goals.

9. Project Management Skills

As you progress in your technical writing career, you’ll gain and also need project management skills.?

A proficient technical writer adopts a strategic approach to project management, setting clear goals, defining milestones, and establishing timelines. It involves breaking down complex documentation tasks into manageable components, allocating resources, and mitigating potential roadblocks. Technical writers skilled in project management balance the interplay between technical knowledge and project coordination, ensuring agreed delivery.

Furthermore, project management skills encompass adapting to changing priorities, handling unexpected challenges, and maintaining open communication with all project stakeholders.?

By cultivating these skills, you make the next required step towards transforming into an efficient project leader, driving successful documentation endeavors that contribute to the organization's success.

10. Organizational Skills

Regarding project management, we also have organizational skills. These skills involve managing various aspects of the writing process. One key aspect is information gathering, where you collect information from subject matter experts, research materials, and other sources. The “information harvest” involves discerning relevant details and discarding extraneous information, ensuring quality, final content.

For a technical writer’s resume, content structuring is one specific skill I want to talk about. Technical documents are intricate pieces of work. Before you start, you must organize content using content maps and other tools. These structures serve as roadmaps, helping writers maintain a clear flow of information.?

Moreover, consistent formatting and style guidelines are vital for uniformity in documentation, especially in larger organizations where you work with or manage multiple writers.?

11. Time Management Skills

Time management is indispensable for technical writers, especially when deadlines and efficiency matter. While technical knowledge forms the foundation, the ability to manage your working time impacts your productivity and quality.

Time management skills encompass setting realistic timelines for different stages of the documentation process, breaking down tasks into manageable units, and allocating time according to the complexity of the content.?

A proficient technical writer knows project priorities, prioritizing high-priority tasks while balancing multiple projects or assignments.

Additionally, effective time management involves estimating the time required for research, writing, editing, and review, ensuring that each phase receives the attention it deserves.?

Finally, you must also know when to take a break.

12. Pressure Handling Skills

Lastly, I want to discuss pressure-handling skills. Pressure is inherent in tech writing, especially when dealing with tight deadlines and changing projects. The ability to perform under pressure without compromising the quality of work is a hallmark of a skilled technical writer.

Here, adaptability is key. Be ready to adjust your plans and approaches as project requirements shift.?

Moreover, maintain a sense of calm and composure when facing tight timelines or unexpected challenges.?

Trust me, panic and the thought of missing a deadline leads to mistakes and inaccuracies. Which, in return, results in missed deadlines. While you won’t mention these skills in your resume, developing techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and stress management strategies aid in maintaining a clear head.

How to Develop Technical Writing Skills?

Developing technical writing skills is an ongoing process that requires practice and dedication. Here are strategies for mastering the craft:

Acquire a Degree

A degree in technical communication, professional writing, or a related field provides a solid foundation for developing technical writing skills. These programs often cover topics such as writing for different audiences, understanding user experience, and conveying complex information. They also provide opportunities for hands-on practice and exposure to various business writing scenarios. But, it’s not easy to get a degree since the process requires significant time and dedication.

Get a Certificate

If committing to a full degree program isn't feasible, enroll in a technical writing certificate course . These courses are shorter and offer focused training on crucial aspects of technical writing, including document structure, writing for different formats (manuals, guides, reports), and industry-specific communication.

Getting a certificate works for beginner and seasoned technical writers. Beginners get that necessary launch, while seasoned writers get the knowledge that helps them stay relevant.

Network With Expert Technical Writers

Networking with experienced technical writers provides valuable insights and mentorship. Although I gained my beginner’s knowledge by learning and enrolling in different projects, I’ve mastered intricate skills through networking.?

Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet professionals. Engage in discussions about best practices, challenges, and emerging trends in technical and business writing. Building a network opens doors to collaboration and potential job opportunities.

Take Different Courses

Beyond formal education, consider taking various specialized courses to expand your skill set. These could include courses in content management systems, graphic design, information architecture, and usability testing. Diversifying your skill portfolio can make you a more well-rounded technical writer.

Practice and Seek Feedback

Like any skill, technical writing improves with practice.

I recommend challenging yourself to create business-related documents like user manuals, process guides, and project reports. Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or even online writing communities to identify areas for improvement.

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

The field of technical writing is evolving due to technological advancements and changing communication needs. Stay in the loop with industry trends, tools, and software used in business writing. Familiarize yourself with new platforms for content creation, collaboration, and publication.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about technical writing skills:

What are technical writing skills?

Technical writing skills involve conveying complex information, using concise language, organizing content, understanding the audience, employing proper formatting, and utilizing visual aids. These skills create user-friendly documentation, adapting to various formats while ensuring accurate and accessible communication of intricate concepts.

How do you list technical writing skills on a resume?

Show technical writing skills in a resume's dedicated "Skills" section. Highlight abilities such as clear communication, concise language, logical organization, audience understanding, formatting expertise, and adept use of visual aids. Mention proficiency in relevant tools like Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, or content management systems. Provide examples of previous projects that demonstrate your technical writing prowess.

How do you write writing skills on a resume?

In your resume, present writing skills by emphasizing clarity, grammar, and effective communication. Highlight experience with various writing styles and formats, such as reports, articles, or creative content. Showcase editing, proofreading abilities, and a strong command of language and attention to detail. Provide specific examples of your writing work; mention any published pieces or relevant certifications if applicable.

What are the 5 basic techniques in technical writing?

The five basic techniques in technical writing are clarity and conciseness, logical organization, audience awareness, visual aids utilization, and appropriate formatting. Clear and concise language ensures easy comprehension, while logical organization structures information. Audience awareness tailors content to readers' needs. Effective use of visual aids, like diagrams, enhances understanding, and proper formatting ensures readability and professionalism.

What are types of technical writing?

Types of technical writing include user manuals, instructional guides, whitepapers, reports, research papers, feasibility studies, proposals, and online documentation. Each type communicates technical information to various audiences, ranging from end-users to professionals, while adhering to specific formats and objectives.